ASTM F2641-23

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Designation: F2641 − 08 (Reapproved 2015) F2641 − 23
Standard Consumer Safety Specification for
Recreational Powered Scooters and Pocket Bikes
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2641; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
INTRODUCTION
During the period from July 1, 2003 through June 30, 2004, the The U.S. Consumer Product Safety
Commission (CPSC) staff estimates that there were 10 015 emergency-room-treated injuries related to
powered scooters. In addition, CPSC received reports of 49 deaths attributed to powered scooters from
October 1998 through November 2004. These losses are described in “Powered Scooter Special
Study” 7/1/03-6/30/04 dated April 2005.is aware of 68 e-scooter related fatalities from 2017 to 2021.
CPSC staff estimates a total of 117,600 e-scooter related emergency department (ED) visits from 2017
through 2021. Estimated ED visits increased from 7700 in 2017 to 42,200 in 2021. CPSC staff
conducted 48 in-depth investigations related to e-scooters. The investigations described brake
problems, fire hazards, unexpected power loss, users losing control, and environmental conditions.
This consumer safety specification addresses incidents associated with recreational powered
scooters and pocket bikes identified by the CPSC. In response to incident data compiled by the CPSC,
this specification attempts to minimize the hazards identified by the CPSC. This specification is
intended to cover normal use and reasonably foreseeable misuse or abuse of the product(s).
This specification is written within the current state-of-the-art of recreational powered scooters and
pocket bikes technology and is intended to be updated whenever substantive information becomes
available that necessitates additional requirements or justifies the revision of existing requirements.
1. Scope
1.1 This consumer safety specification covers the establishment of performance requirements and corresponding test methods used
to minimize the hazards to users of recreational powered scooters and pocket bikes.establishes performance requirements, test
methods and marking requirements to promote safe use of recreational powered scooters and pocket bikes intended for use by
children age eight to twelve years, and adolescents age thirteen and above. This consumer safety specification is intended to
minimize the risk of injury to an occupant from the normal use and reasonably foreseeable misuse of these e-mobility products.
1.2 This specification is intended to cover use of these products for children:For purposes of definition, a recreational powered
scooter is a battery-powered motorized recreational vehicle that has two or more wheels, a low platform, a vertical element for the
user to grasp, and a method of steering. Recreational powered scooters for children and adolescents are limited to speeds of 16
km/h (10 mph) or less for children age eight to twelve years, and adolescents age thirteen and above for fast-moving products
capable of achieving speeds of 32 km/h (20 mph).
This consumer safety specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F15 on Consumer Products and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F15.58
on Powered Scooters & Skateboards.
Current edition approved June 1, 2015June 1, 2023. Published September 2015August 2023. Originally approved in 2008. Last previous edition approved in 20082015
as F2641 – 08.F2641 – 08 (2015). DOI: 10.1520/F2641-08R15.10.1520/F2641-23.
https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/Micromobility-Products-Related-Deaths-Injuries-and-Hazard-Pattern
s-2017-2021.pdf?VersionId=ZwIbrSm70AOuwb4de8hlVrn63Jx_SB.e
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F2641 − 23
1.2.1 Age eight to twelve for units limited to speeds 16 km/h (10 miles/h) or less.
1.2.2 Age 13 and above for fast-moving units capable of achieving speeds >16 km/h (>10 miles/h).
1.3 This consumer safety specification is For purposes of definition, a pocket bike is a motorized two-wheel vehicle designed for
a single occupant in the seated position typically designed to look like a motorcycle but scaled down to one quarter to one half
the size of a typical motorcycle and not intended for units designed use on public roads. Pocket bikes for children and adolescents
are limited to speeds of 16 km or licensed for roadway use regulated by transportation regulations (Department of Transportation
(DOT) or state).⁄h (10 mph) or less for children age eight to twelve years, and adolescents age thirteen and above for fast-moving
products capable of achieving speeds of 32 km/h (20 mph).
1.4 This specification is not intended for units designed and sold as “Adult Use Only” and are prominently labeled and marked
as such.
1.4 This consumer safety specification is not intended for nonpowered scooters (Consumer Safety Specification for:F2264),
battery powered ride-on toys (Consumer Safety Specification F963), skateboards, motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, go-carts
(Practice F2007), fun-karts (Specification F2011), snowmobiles, motorized trail bikes, lawnmowers, or motorized wheelchairs
including mobility scooters.
1.4.1 Products designed and sold as “Adult Use Only” and are prominently labeled and marked as such;
1.4.2 Commercial electric-powered scooters (for example, shared or rented devices) for adults;
1.4.3 Bicycles tricycles;
1.4.4 Non-powered scooters (Consumer Safety Specification F2264);
1.4.5 Battery powered ride-on toys (Consumer Safety Specification F963);
1.4.6 Motorcycles, skateboards, all-terrain vehicles, go-karts (Practice F2007);
1.4.7 Concession go-karts;
1.4.8 Recreational and commercial fun-karts;
1.4.9 Snowmobiles, motorized trail bikes, lawn mowers, motorized wheelchairs including mobility scooters; or
1.4.10 Products designed or licensed for roadway use regulated by transportation regulations (such as those promulgated by the
U.S. Department of Transportation or similar state agencies or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration).
1.5 This consumer safety specification is not intended to address incidents and injuries resulting from the interaction of other
persons or objects with recreational powered scooters and pocket bikes and the user while these are in use.
1.6 No product covered by this specification produced after the approval date of this consumer safety specification shall, by label,
marking, or other means, indicate compliance with this consumer safety specification unless it conforms to all requirements herein.
1.7 The values givenstated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
only.after SI units are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.8 The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the test methods portion (Section 7) of this specification: This standard
does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this
standard to establish appropriate safety and healthsafety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of
regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.9 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
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2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D3359 Test Methods for Rating Adhesion by Tape Test
F963 Consumer Safety Specification for Toy Safety
F2007 Practice for Design, Manufacture, and Operation of Concession Go-Karts and Facilities
F2011 Specification for Safety and Performance of Fun-Karts
F2264 Consumer Safety Specification for Non-Powered Scooters
2.2 ANSI Standard:
ANSI/OPEI B71.1 Consumer Turf Care Equipment—Walk-Behind Mowers and Ride-On Machines with Mowers—Safety
Specifications
2.3 SAE Standard:
SAE J386 Operator Restraint Systems for Off-Road Work Machines
2.2 Federal Standards:
16 CFR 1303 Lead Containing Paints
Federal Hazardous Substance Act (FHSA)16 CFR 1500.48 and regulations promulgated under this actTechnical requirements
for determining a sharp point in toys and other articles intended for use by children under 8 years of age
16 CFR 1500.49 Technical requirements for determining a sharp metal or glass edge in toys and other articles intended for use
by children under 8 years of age
2.3 ANSI Standard:
ANSI/OPEI B71.1–1998 Consumer Turf Care Equipment
ANSI Z535.1 Safety Colors
2.4 UL Standards:
UL 2271 Standard for Batteries for Use in Light Electric Vehicle Application
UL 2272 Standard for Electrical Systems for Personal E-Mobility Devices
2.5 SAE Standard:
SAE J3230/1_2021–02 Kinematic Performance Metrics for Powered Standing Scooters
2.6 IEC Standards:
IEC 62133-2 Safety requirements for portable sealed secondary cells, and for batteries made from them, for use in portable
applications
IEC 50604-1 Secondary lithium batteries for light EV (electric vehicle) applications—Part 1: General safety requirements and
test methods
2.7 International Protection Code (IPC) Standards:
IP67 Waterproof
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.1.1 accelerator system, n—mechanical system that is used to control the throttle position.
3.1.2 axle guard, n—device that covers the drive axle so that the possibility of injury resulting from hand, hair, body parts, or loose
clothing contacting the axle is reduced.
3.1.3 conspicuous, adj—label or marking that is visible when the unitproduct is assembled.
3.1.4 deck, n—generally, low horizontal platform upon which the user places one or both feet.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Available from U.S. Government Printing Office Superintendent of Documents, 732 N. Capitol St., NW, Mail Stop: SDE, Washington, DC 20401, http://
www.access.gpo.gov.
Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.http://www.ansi.org
Available from Underwriters Laboratories (UL), UL Headquarters, 333 Pfingsten Road, Northbrook, IL, 60062, http://www.ul.com.
Available from Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), 400 Commonwealth Dr., Warrendale, PA 15096-0001, http://www.sae.org.
Available from U.S. Government Printing Office Superintendent of Documents, 732 N. Capitol St., NW, Mail Stop: SDE, Washington, DC 20401, http://
www.access.gpo.gov. International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), 3, rue de Varembé, 1st floor, P.O. Box 131, CH-1211, Geneva 20, Switzerland, https://www.iec.ch.
Available from https://www.iec.ch/ip-ratings.
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3.1.5 deck plate, n—form of guarding through the use of relatively flat barriers to cover rotating components.
3.1.6 dynamic load, n—force applied to an item by means of motion or impact.
3.1.7 locking fastener, n—includes prevailing torque locknuts, cotter pins, serrated surface lock nuts, pal nuts, safety wire, and
similar hardware intended to prevent unintended loosening when properly used.
3.1.8 manufacturer’s recommended use position, n—any position that is presented as a normal, allowable, or acceptable
configuration for use of the product by the manufacturer in any descriptive or instructional literature. Thisliterature; this specifically
excludes conditions such as when the unitproduct is unassembled (completely or partially) or folded and positions that the
manufacturer shows or explains as being unacceptable, unsafe, or not recommended.
3.1.9 manufacturers recommended weight rating, n—the maximum suggested load that the product can be subjected to during
operation.
3.1.10 motor stop switch, n—toggle switch, or other two-position positively engaging switch, that, when activated, causes the
motor to stop, not operate, or both.
3.1.10 pocket bike, n—motorized two-wheel vehicle designed for a single occupant in the seated position typically designed to
look like a motorcycle but scaled down to one quarter to one half the size of a typical motorcycle and not intended for use on public
roads.
3.1.11 protective components, n—specific items added to a product with the primary purpose of reducing a hazard such as sharp
edges, entrapment holes, protrusions, and so forth; normally, these components cover or shield the area of the hazard.
3.1.12 scooter, n—vehicle that has two or more wheels, a low platform, a vertical element for the user to grasp, and a method of
steering.
3.1.13 sharp edges, n—define per 16 CFR 1500.49.
3.1.14 sharp points, n—define per 16 CFR 1500.48.
3.1.15 static load, n—vertically downward load applied by a dead weight or other means.
3.1.16 throttle stop, n—device used to limit the travel of the throttle control.
3.1.15 unit, n—any of the items listed in 1.1.
4. General Requirements
4.1 All testing required by this consumer safety specification shall be conducted on the same unit in the order presented in this
specification, except where directly indicated.
4.2 Latching Devices—Any product that folds shall have a latching device or other provision in the design that will prevent the
product from unintentional folding when placed in the manufacturer’s recommended use position. Latching devices for folding
steering handles on scooters shall be tested in accordance with 7.8. During and upon completion of this test, the product shall
remain latched in its manufacturer’s recommended use position.
4.3 Folding Mechanisms and Hinges—These requirements are intended to eliminate possible crushing, laceration, or pinching
hazards that might occur in folding mechanisms and hinges. Examples are the sudden collapse or unexpected motion of a folding
mechanism or hinge that produces a scissor action; and the changing clearances at the hinge line between two hinged portions, such
that the gap will admit fingers at any one position of the hinge but not at all positions. These requirements do not relate to the
recognized and familiar hazards associated with the changing clearances around the edges of doors or pivoted or hinged sections.
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4.3.1 Folding Mechanisms—Products which a folding mechanism, arm, or bracing is intended or likely to support the weight of
a child in normal use shall have a locking device or other means to prevent unexpected or sudden movement or collapse of the
product, or have adequate clearance to provide protection for the fingers, hands, and toes from crushing, laceration, or pinching
hazards in the event of sudden movement or collapse of the product.
4.3.1.1 Locking devices or other means to prevent unexpected or sudden movement or collapse of the product shall engage
automatically when the product is placed in the manufacturer’s recommended use position. During and upon completion of the
testing in 7.8, the product shall remain in its recommended use position. The test in 7.8 shall not apply to locking devices or other
means where the direction of force of the occupant load opposes the direction of collapse of the mechanism.
4.3.1.2 Locking devices shall comply with either of the following: (1) Each single-action device shall require a minimum force
of 10 lbf (45 N) to activate the release mechanism when tested in accordance with 7.8; and (2) each double-action locking device
shall require two distinct and separate actions to release. There are no force requirements for double-action locking devices.
4.4 Hinge-Line Clearance—Products having a gap or clearance along the hinge line between a stationary portion and a moveable
1 3
portion that weighs more than ⁄2 lb (0.2 kg) shall be so constructed that, if the accessible gap at the hinge line will admit a ⁄16 in.
(5 mm) diameter rod, it will also admit a ⁄2 in. (13 mm) diameter rod at all positions of the hinge.
4.5 Fasteners—Fasteners used for wheel hubs, brake pivots, accelerator pivots, steering linkage pivots, axle attachments, and
brush-bar attachments shall be locking fasteners.
4.6 Paint—Paint on all products shall comply with the lead content provisions of 16 CFR 1303.
4.7 Material Quality—Products shall be made from new or reprocessed materials and shall be visually clean and free from
infestation. The materials shall be assessed visually by the unaided eye rather than under magnification.
4.8 Molded Edges—Accessible edges, corners, or mold-parting areas shall be free of hazardous edges produced by burrs and flash
or so protected that hazardous edges are not exposed.
4.9 Exposed Bolts or Threaded Rods—If the ends of more than three threads on bolts or threaded rods are accessible, the ends shall
be covered by smooth finish caps.
4.10 Accessible Points—Products shall not have accessible potentially hazardous sharp points that may occur because of the
following: configuration, assembly devices that are fastened poorly, poorly sheared sheet metal, burrs on screws, and splintered
wood. Products that are intended to be assembled by an adult and contain potentially hazardous sharp points in the unassembled
state shall be so labeled.
4.11 Accessible Edges—Products shall not have accessible, potentially hazardous sharp edges. Products that are intended to be
assembled by an adult and may contain unprotected potentially hazardous sharp edges in the unassembled state shall be so labeled.
4.12 Labels and Warning Labels:
4.12.1 Labels and warning labels shall be tested per 7.10 and 7.11.
4.12.2 All labels, warnings, and instructions are to meet all requirements of this consumer safety specification.
5. General Calibration and Standardization Requirements
5.1 Before testing, the new, unused units shall be completely assembled, unless otherwise noted, in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions.
5.2 The unit or segment to be tested initial vehicle conditions shall be in a room with an ambient temperature of 23 6 5°C (73
6 9°F) for at least 1 h before testing.accordance with SAE J3230/1_2021–02.
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5.3 All testing required by this consumer safety specification shall be conducted on the same unit unless otherwise specified.
4.4 All components tested under Section 6 shall not show any evidence of permanent deformation, material separation, visible
cracking, or component failure that presents a hazard to the user.
4.5 The unit shall conform to 16 CFR 1303 and the Federal Hazardous Substance Act (FHSA) both before and after all testing.
5.4 All exposed parts shall be smooth and free of splinters, spurs, burrs, sharp edges, and sharp edges.points.
5.5 Units shall meet the specific requirements of SectionThe product to be tested shall be at an ambient temperature of 73 °F 5.6
9 °F (23 °C 6 5 °C) for at least 1 h before testing. All testing shall be conducted in this temperature range.
6. SpecificPerformance Requirements
6.1 Brakes—Brakes: Units shall meet the dynamic brake test specified in 6.2. Hand brake levers shall be located on the handlebars
in a position that is readily accessible to the rider in the recommended use position. Hand brake levers shall have a maximum reach
(dimension between the hand brake lever(s) and the handle bars) of not more than 89 mm (3.5 in.) at any point between the pivot
point of the lever and the lever midpoint. At no point along the lever shall the grip dimension exceed 102 mm (4 in.). An operating
force of equal to or less than 44.5 N (10 lbf) applied to the hand lever at a point 25 mm (1.0 in.) from the open end of the hand
lever shall cause the brake to begin its retarding function.
6.1.1 Units shall include at least one mechanical brake or hydraulic brake.
6.1.2 The operation of the brake shall not be dependent on the operation of the electrical system.
6.1.3 Units shall meet the dynamic brake test specified in 7.2.
6.1.4 Hand brake levers shall be located on the handlebars in a position that is readily accessible to the rider in the recommended
use position.
6.1.5 Hand brake levers located on the left side of the handlebars shall actuate the front brake while hand brake levers located on
the right side of the handlebars shall actuate the rear brake.
6.1.6 If there is only one handbrake, the throttle and hand brake lever shall be located on opposite sides of the handlebar.
6.1.7 Hand brake levers shall have a maximum reach (dimension between the hand brake lever(s) and the handlebars) of not more
than 89 mm (3.5 in.) at any point between the pivot point of the lever and the lever midpoint.
6.1.8 At no point along the lever shall the grip dimension exceed 102 mm (4 in.).
6.1.9 An operating force of equal to or less than 44.5 N (10 lbf) applied to the hand lever at a point 25 mm (1.0 in.) from the open
end of the hand lever shall cause the brake to begin its retarding function
6.2 Electrical Systems:
6.2.1 AllIf vented batteries are used, they shall have a vent tube, which is pointed downwards and extends below the bottom of
the battery. The battery end of the vent tube shall be attached securely to the battery. The drain end of the vent tube shall be secured
within 25 mm (1 in.) of the end of the tube. All positively charged electrical connections shall have insulated coverings.
6.2.2 All positively charged electrical connections at battery shall have insulated coverings. If lithium-ion battery packs are used,
they shall conform to the requirements outlined in UL 2271, as well as IEC 62133-2 or IEC 50604-1.
6.2.3 All e-mobility products within the scope of this safety specification shall conform to the requirements outlined in UL 2272.
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6.2.4 All battery packs shall be protected from dust and water ingress, adhering to International Protection Code (IPC) rating of
IP67.
6.2.5 Units that are designed for children eight to twelve years shall not exceed 36 V nominal.
6.2.6 Chargers shall be UL or equivalent listed for use as battery chargers.certified and marked by an appropriate nationally
recognized testing laboratory.
6.2.7 Unit shall have charger connect-interlock so that the unit cannot be activated when the charger is plugged in.
6.2.8 Controllers shall have the following protections:
6.2.8.1 Brake activation cutoff to cut off power when brake is applied.Hand brake activation shall cut off positive torque power
to the motor.
6.2.8.2 Field-Effect Transistor (FET) Short Sensing—Controller shall be able to compare power transistor versus speed
controller/throttle to prevent any power to the motor if and when the FET is shorted.
6.2.9 Resettable circuit breakers or fuses shall be used to protect the system.
5.3 Latching Devices—Any unit that folds shall have a latching device or other provision in the design that will prevent the unit
from unintentional folding when placed in the manufacturer’s recommended use position. Latching devices for folding steering
handles on scooters shall be tested in accordance with 6.9. During and upon completion of this test, the unit shall remain latched
in its manufacturer’s recommended use position.
6.3 Curb Impact Tests—Units shall be tested per 6.17.1.
5.5 Folding Mechanisms, Hinges, and Clearances—This requirement is intended to eliminate possible crushing, laceration, or
pinching hazards that might occur in folding mechanisms and hinges. Examples are t
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