NYC Cracks Down On Fire-Prone E-Bike Batteries

Gothamist reports:

The mayor said his new plan, called “Charge safe, Ride safe,” will bring safe e-bike charging and storage stations across the city, including at NYCHA buildings and hubs the city establishes for delivery workers. Adams on Monday also signed a package of bills passed by the City Council earlier this month that include a ban on battery devices that fail to meet safety standards from being sold or rented in the city.

FDNY representatives said lithium-ion batteries have sparked 45 fires so far this year, killing three people and injuring 46. Adams’ announcement comes two days after a man died in a blaze in the Bronx. which the FDNY said broke out on the top floor of a six-story building and was caused by one of the batteries. Lithium-ion batteries caused 220 fires last year, up from 44 fires in 2020 — a five-fold increase, according to FDNY.

Read the full article. The city estimates that more than 65,000 delivery workers use e-bikes.