New York Considers Ban on Uncertified E-Bike Batteries
The Adams administration is looking into a ban on the storage and use of “uncertified” lithium-ion batteries for e-bikes. This comes in the wake of several deadly fires that have erupted in buildings throughout the city.
According to the proposed regulations, the NYPD would impose penalties on e-bike riders and anyone found using uncertified batteries. In such cases, these batteries would be taken away and disposed of by the sanitation department.
A spokesperson for Mayor Eric Adams stated, “From day one, keeping New Yorkers safe has been our top priority. This includes taking crucial steps to address uncertified e-bike batteries that have caused multiple fatal incidents.” He also mentioned that the new rules would render it illegal to store uncertified lithium-ion e-bike batteries anywhere in the city.
City officials have already reached out to delivery companies operating within New York, instructing them to ensure that their workers are using safe, certified e-bike batteries.
The FDNY, which has put together these new regulations, cited a troubling rise in fires and related deaths involving storage batteries for e-bikes, e-scooters, and other electric mobility devices over recent years.
- In 2019 and 2020, there were 13 and 23 injuries, respectively, resulting from battery fires, with no fatalities reported.
- However, injuries from battery fires surged to over triple in 2021, leading to four deaths.
- The year 2022 saw 99 injuries and six more fatalities linked to battery fires.
- In 2023, deaths from these fires increased threefold, with 150 injuries reported.
- From last year up to July this year, there were 99 injuries and six deaths, alongside 29 injuries and one fatality associated with an e-bike battery fire.
This new law, approved by the city council and the mayor in 2023, prohibits the distribution, sale, or lease of storage batteries unless they are certified by a recognized testing laboratory to meet safety standards.
The FDNY plans to hold a hearing on the proposed regulations on October 1, where they may revise or formally adopt them.
