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SB 712 forces owners to allow storage and charging of electric bikes in the unit
Senate Bill SB 712 took effect January 1. The new law forces property owners to accept the storage and charging within the rental unit of Personal Micromobility Devices (PMDs). The renter must show that their device(s) meet specific safety standards as defined by the San Francisco Fire Safety Code. If the device does not meet these standards, the owner can require the renter to have insurance for the device and store it outside the unit. SB 712 does not require the owner to modify a unit for device storage, nor prevent the owner from setting certain restrictions, such as limits on in-unit device maintenance or compliance with battery storage fire safety codes.
Lithium-ion battery safety
San Francisco has seen a dramatic increase in fires caused by lithium-ion batteries in recent years. These fires can be particularly devastating due to the chemicals that make up the batteries, the fire's tendency to flash over and grow quickly in size, and the difficulty of extinguishing them. In 2022, the city set a record with 58 fires involving such batteries.
As of March 7, 2024, new fire code legislation around the charging and storage of lithium-ion batteries for PMDs took effect in San Francisco.
- PMDs are defined as devices powered by a lithium-ion battery with the primary purpose of transporting people, such as electric bikes, scooters, hoverboards, or skateboards. PMDs do not include wheelchairs or other devices used by persons with disabilities.
- All PMDs in San Francisco must be safety-certified, as defined by the San Francisco Fire Department.
- Up to four PMDs may be stored and charged within a single dwelling unit.
- All PMDs, removable batteries, and their chargers must be plugged directly into a wall outlet to charge; extension cords and power strips are prohibited.
- Damaged, reassembled, or reconditioned lithium-ion PMD batteries are prohibited.
- All lithium-ion batteries must be recycled through one of San Francisco's battery recycling programs.