Guide · Fit and buying
Charging and recycling bike light and electric pump batteries
Follow the device maker's charging instructions, read CPSC's e-bike charging advice for what it covers, and take old lithium batteries to a recycler, never the trash.
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Short answer
Charge a bike light or electric pump the way its maker's manual says, including any temperature range. CPSC's charging advice (stay present, never charge while asleep, use the supplied charger) is written for e-bikes and other micromobility products, so treat it as general caution, not a rule for lights. Never put a lithium battery in the trash: take it to a battery recycler.
Start with the device maker's instructions
The maker of your light or pump knows its battery and charging circuit. Garmin, for example, specifies charging the Varia RTL515 and RTL516 only between 0 and 45 °C (32-113 °F).[1] Knog lists USB-C charging for the Blinder 1400 and says the cable is not included.[2] Read your own model's manual for its charging input, time and temperature limits. We do not recommend chargers, and we give no wiring or battery repair advice.
What CPSC says, and what it covers
CPSC's charging guidance is written for lithium-ion batteries in e-bikes, e-scooters and other micromobility products. It is the regulator's clearest statement on charging, but it is not a rule for USB bike lights or pumps.
- CPSC advises being present while charging micromobility products, never charging while asleep, and using only the supplied charger.[3]
- It advises unplugging the battery once charging is complete.[3]
- In September 2024 it urged owners not to use chargers marketed as universal unless tested and approved for their specific device, saying an incompatible charger can ignite the battery.[4]
- The same month, CPSC warned consumers to stop using SafPow and AMPOWSURE chargers for 36-volt micromobility batteries because of fire and burn hazards.[5]
In Canada: certification marks on plug-in chargers
Health Canada advises using a charger that carries a recognized Canadian certification mark such as CSA, cUL or cETL.[6] It advises against buying electrical products that plug into an outlet unless the mark is on the product itself.[7] That applies to a wall charger, not to a light charged from a USB port.
E-bike system standards are not accessory marks
UL 2849 is UL's standard for e-bike electrical systems, and UL 2272 covers electrical systems for personal e-mobility devices such as hoverboards.[8] These are standards for the vehicle's electrical system, not for standalone accessories such as USB lights or pumps.
Disposal
CPSC says lithium batteries should never go in household trash or general recycling, and should go to a battery recycler or hazardous-waste collection site.[3] Find a drop-off through your local waste authority. Do not mail a damaged battery to the maker: USPS prohibits mailing damaged, defective or recalled lithium batteries unless it has specifically approved it.[9]
Lights whose makers state their charging details
Picks that fit2 products
Choose the Garmin Varia RTL515 (010-02376-00), for which Garmin states a 0-45 °C charging range, or the Knog Blinder 1400 (light only), which Knog lists with USB-C charging and no cable in the box.
More on choosing
On Amazon, check that 'Ships from / Sold by' shows Amazon.com or the brand.
Next
Questions
Can I charge my bike light with any USB charger?
Follow the light maker's charging instructions first. CPSC's warning against 'universal' chargers is about e-bikes and other micromobility products, not USB bike lights. In Canada, Health Canada advises plug-in chargers with a Canadian certification mark such as CSA, cUL or cETL.[4][7]
How do I dispose of a bike light battery?
Not in the household trash or regular recycling. CPSC says lithium batteries should go to a battery recycler or a hazardous-waste collection site.[3]
Is it safe to charge an electric pump overnight?
Start with the pump maker's instructions. For e-bikes and other micromobility products, CPSC advises being present while charging, never charging while asleep, and unplugging when charging is done. That advice is written for micromobility batteries, not pumps, but it is the regulator's general caution on lithium charging.[3]