NY mayor signs law on lithium battery fires

New York City Mayor Eric Adams signed five laws Monday aimed at preventing fires caused by lithium-ion batteries. "Today we are supercharging safety for our e-bikes and e-scooters," he said. He also announced a new pilot program to promote safe charging, storage and e-bike usage. Mayor Eric Adams, (D) New York City said "But faulty versions of these e-bikes and e-scooters and illegal electric mopeds are being leased, rented and sold to New Yorkers.

Many of the devices do not meet the basic safety standards and contain uncertified lithium ion batteries. That's the heart of this problem. And they are causing fires and explosions." In a news release, the mayor's office noted fires caused by batteries that power e-micro mobility devices grew from 44 in 2020 to 220 in 2022. The office also noted the fires resulted in two deaths and 40 injuries so far this year.