Over the weekend, a man died in an apartment fire in the Bronx that investigators say was caused by a lithium-ion battery. These batteries are rechargeable and found in devices both large and small. The larger ones found in transport devices are also under increased scrutiny as a potential fire hazard.
On Monday, Mayor Eric Adams signed five bills into law in a sweeping attempt to prevent these types of incidents. The FDNY says the batteries have caused 33 fires across New York City this year; three have been fatal and 42 others resulted in were injuries.
The first bill kickstarts an informational campaign that would educate the public on the fire risks that come with powered mobility devices and how to minimize those risks.
The second bill will give more weight to recognized standards of safety: it will prohibit the sale, lease, or rental of powered mobility devices that don’t meet them.
The third bill will require the FDNY to submit five reports relating to fire risks associated with lithium-ion batteries that will include data and recommendations to help minimize danger.
The fourth bill will require the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection and FDNY to collaborate on materials that provide guidance on usage and storage of powered mobility devices.
The fifth and final bill will prohibit the reconditioning or assembly of lithium-ion batteries. It would also ban the sale of lithium-ion batteries that use cells removed from used storage batteries.
“Today, we are supercharging safety for all of our e-bikes and e-scooter users,” Mayor Adams said. “These are convenient transportation options for New Yorkers, but faulty and illegal devices are making their way into our homes and streets, causing fires and putting lives at risk. Through promoting safe devices, expanding education, increasing enforcement on high-risk situations, and pursuing additional regulation, I’m proud that New York City is leading that charge. E-bikes and e-scooters are here to stay, and with this plan and these five pieces of critical legislation I’m proud to sign, we are going to ensure that they are safe for all New Yorkers to use.”
