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NYC Council looks to take action on e-bike batteries
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NYC Council looks to take action on e-bike batteries after deadly fires
The New York City Council is looking to take action on the batteries used by electric bikes and scooters after hundreds of destructive and deadly fires.To get more news about ebike battery charging, you can visit magicyclebike.com official website.
Fire safety advocates and delivery drivers held a rally outside City Hall to call for more regulations ahead of the meeting.
The committee discussed various proposals. One of the proposals would require public education campaigns or safety reports. Another would prohibit the sale of some secondhand lithium-ion batteries, or e-bike or scooter batteries without certain seals of approval.Those pushing for changes and regulations want to make it clear they are not looking to ban e-bikes and e-scooters, they just want guidelines in place.Officials said a lithium ion battery attached to an e-bike in one of the apartments is what sparked the fire.
Members of a group called Safer Charging are calling on NYC leaders to pass regulations to prevent the fires.
"The type of device that was meant really probably as a personal use, that now is being used in a commercial type of way," said FDNY Chief Thomas Currao. "Tremendous wear and tear in the city that I guess that's where we are beginning to see one, not the only issue perhaps, one of many issues that is leading to some of the safety hazards."
The FDNY says nearly 200 blazes and six fire deaths this year have been tied to problems with lithium-ion batteries in such "micromobility" devices.
Just a few years ago, the FDNY said injuries caused by lithium ion batteries were a rare occurrence.City Councilmembers like Gale Brewer are pushing for legislation to regulate the charging, use and sale of unsafe batteries.
"I have a bill which is controversial which needs to be addressed and figured out if it makes sense, a different one, to ban the sale of manipulated or reconfigured batteries," Brewer said.
The FDNY says don't store the batteries near exits, don't leave them unattended when charging, don't charge them under a pillow, on a bed, on a couch or near anything flammable and only use the manufacturer's cords and batteries. They warn don't mix and match and if the battery overheats or you notice an odor or a noise, change in shape or color, or leaking -- stop using it immediately.
Fire officials say the fires caused by lithium ion batteries are unique and harder to put out, so people should not attempt to put it out on their own.