NBDA to Host SuperWebinar Series Around E-Bikes and Retailer Best Practices

Irvine, CA (May 15, 2022) – The National Bicycle Dealers Association (NBDA) invites all to attend a 4-part SuperWebinar Special Report Series around e-bikes and retailer best practices. Recent news in both trade and consumer publications around e-bike risk and safety have prompted attention on the classification of bicycles and lithium-ion batteries. In response to the amount of data, the NBDA has teamed up with several experts to boil down the information to our industry and further outline best practices regarding.

NBDA President Heather Mason commented, “The surge in e-bikes entering our market brings many risks. Or goal is to concisely inform all on the regulations in place, and how we can minimize the threats that go along with selling, repairing, and storage of e-bikes. We urge all retailers and industry alike to join us for this free educational series aimed to deliver best practices.”

The presentation on regulatory issues will be delivered by Erika Jones, Partner at Mayer Brown, who spoke earlier this year at the Bicycle Leadership Conference.  Ibrahim Jilani, UL Global Director of Consumer Technology, will be joined by colleagues to deliver information on UL2849. Mike Fritz, HPS, will be rounding out the prominent group of experts, leading the discussion on lithium-ion batteries.

“This series brings together industry stakeholders to help the bicycle industry understand the hazards that electric bicycles can present,” said Ghislain Devouge, senior vice president of UL’s Consumer Testing, Inspection and Certification business. “Globally, the challenges facing the micromobility industry are similar to what the hoverboard industry faced in 2015. Overcoming these challenges requires bold and decisive action to help to safeguard your brand, customers and future, through evaluation, testing, inspection and certification by a trusted third-party certification organization.”

Deputy Chief, New York City Fire Department (FDNY), George Healy, and Jay Townley, Resident Futurist at HPS will join in on the fireside chat.

Part 1: Fireside Chat – E-Bike Explosion/Fire Safety and What You, the Retailer, Needs to Know. – May 24, 2022, 10:00am PDT

Join in this fireside chat to learn more about UL 2849, and what bicycle retailers need to know on compliance moving forward. Expert Panel consisting of Ibrahim Jilani, UL Global Director of Consumer Technology, George Healy- Deputy Chief, New York City Fire Department (FDNY), Jay Townley, Resident Futurist at HPS, and Mike Fritz, Chief Technology Officer at HPS.

Part 2: What Should Dealers Tell Consumers About the Safe Use and Storage of Their E-Bike Lithium-Ion Battery– Jun 2, 2022, 10:00am PDT

Join us to learn more about what you should be advising consumers regarding the sale use and storage of their e-bike lithium-ion battery. Presented by Mike Fritz, Chief Technology Officer at Human Powered Solutions.

Part 3 – Technical Details: UL 2849 and What You, the Retailer, Needs to Know.- Jun 22, 2022, 10:00am PDT

Join in this important webinar around UL 2849 and learn why bike shops should take immediate action. Presented by: Dejan Gakovic, UL Global Industry Manager for Micro mobility and Benjamin Cribb, UL Regional Technical Leader for Micro mobility

Part 4: E-Bikes – Retailer Risk and Concern– Jul 7, 2022, 10:00am PDT

Product innovation continues to outpace current regulations for electric bicycles. If you sell e-bikes currently or plan to in the future, this is a must attend. Presented by: Erika Jones, Partner at Mayer Brown. Erika Jones is a respected advisor and litigator whose practice is particularly focused on regulatory matters involving motor vehicle safety and consumer product safety, and related litigation.

The series runs May through July 2022, and those interested can register via the links within or on the NBDA website. The webinar series is free for all to attend regardless of NBDA Membership.

For access to exclusive resources and support, join the NBDA or renew your membership online. Visit NBDA.com to take advantage of the many free resources available to all retailers, including the educational podcast, Bicycle Retail Radio.

Questions about joining the NBDA? Contact Rachelle Schouten, Development Director, at Rachelle@NBDA.com.

####

The National Bicycle Dealers Association (NBDA) is the bicycle industry retailer association formed in 1946, representing and empowering specialty bicycle dealers in North America through education, communications, research, advocacy, member discount programs, and promotional opportunities.  Some of its programs include Profitability Project (P2), a mastermind group for bicycle shop owners and the Bicycle Retailer Excellence Awards credentialing program.

NBDA member benefits include credit card processing and POS discounts, programs, access to an online dealers’ forum, educational webinars, and virtual member peer to peer learning events.  The NBDA additionally offers member savings with association members on software, communication and website service providers. Annual dues are $250 for retailers; $195 for mobile-bike shops; $129 for Individuals; $999 for companies associated with the bicycle industry with over $500,000 per year in sales; and $699 for smaller companies.