Mayor Adams unveils initiatives to combat lithium-Ion battery fires, enhance e-bike safety in NYC

In a decisive move to address the growing threat of lithium-ion battery fires in New York City, Mayor Eric Adams has announced a comprehensive set of measures designed to enhance the safety of e-bike charging and usage. The announcement was made at a press conference attended by city officials, including Deputy Mayor Meera Joshi and Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh, as well as various stakeholders from the private sector and advocacy groups.

The proliferation of e-bikes and other e-mobility devices in New York City has brought with it a surge in lithium-ion battery fires. Since 2019, these batteries have caused over 700 fires, resulting in 29 deaths and nearly 450 injuries. The fires are notoriously difficult to contain and have caused millions of dollars in damages.

Mayor Adams outlined a multi-faceted approach to tackle the issue, emphasizing enforcement, education, and infrastructure development. The city will step up enforcement against high-risk charging hotspots that pose significant fire hazards. Additionally, the sale of uncertified e-vehicles and refurbished lithium-ion batteries has been banned. Infrastructure development includes the creation of the Department of Sustainable Delivery, a first-in-the-nation entity that will regulate new forms of delivery transit and ensure their safety. The New York City Safe Charging Accelerator will be launched, making it easier for property owners to install public battery charging and swapping cabinets on sidewalks, providing safer alternatives to risky charging sites that block exits.

Public education is another cornerstone of the initiative. The FDNY will launch a $1 million public education campaign to inform New Yorkers about the dangers of unsafe batteries. This campaign is crucial as 59% of last year’s fires started without the batteries being plugged in. Furthermore, the Department of Transportation (DOT) will start America’s first municipal trade-in pilot program to get unsafe e-bikes and scooters off the streets. This $2 million program, developed in partnership with Councilman Keith Powers, will replace unsafe devices with certified high-quality ones for free.

Commissioner Laura Kavanagh, who has been a national leader in addressing this issue, highlighted the importance of education and collaboration. “Even though deaths are down, the fires remain the same. Education works,” she said, noting that the public education campaign will be critical in ensuring New Yorkers understand the risks and take appropriate action. Deputy Mayor Meera Joshi emphasized the importance of a coordinated effort, stating, “This is a combined effort of the public sector, private sector, and our City Council and elected officials. Safety is number one.”

State Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar and State Senator Brian Kavanagh expressed their support for the city’s initiatives, highlighting the significant legislative actions taken in Albany to enhance e-bike battery safety. “Through our city and state partnership, we will end the deadly scourge of battery fires once and for all,” said Assemblymember Rajkumar.

Ligia Guallpa, Executive Director of the Worker’s Justice Project, praised the city’s comprehensive approach to ensuring the safety and dignity of the 60,000 delivery workers in New York City. “This is just the beginning of something new and historic,” she said.

Mayor Adams reiterated the city’s commitment to public safety and the importance of proper use and regulation of e-mobility devices. “We’re not going after getting bikes off the road. We’re going after not having bikes on the road look like these [unsafe ones],” he said.

The city’s innovative approach to addressing lithium-ion battery fires and promoting safe e-bike usage sets a precedent for other cities facing similar challenges. With continued collaboration, education, and enforcement, New York City aims to create a safer environment for all its residents.