Bike battery fire kills four in New York
A fire caused by lithium batteries for e-bikes killed four people in New York City on Tuesday, firefighters said, again sounding the alarm over crashes that are skyrocketing with the development of the delivery industry home.
The fire broke out overnight in a small electric bicycle and scooter maintenance shop on the ground floor of a building, at the foot of which an impressive pile of blackened two-wheelers was strewn on Tuesday, according to a photo posted by the New York Fire Department on their official Twitter account.
During a press briefing on the spot, in the Chinatown district of Manhattan, the city’s fire chief, Laura Kavanagh, communicated a balance sheet of four dead and two seriously injured. “It is quite clear that this was caused by lithium-ion batteries and electric bicycles,” she added, adding that the store had already been singled out for violations of safety regulations.
It is the 108th such fire since the start of the year in New York, with a total death toll of 66 and 13 dead, including Tuesday’s victims, firefighters said. In April, a 19-year-old woman and her 7-year-old brother were killed in a similar fire in the borough of Queens.
These fires have multiplied (44 in 2020, 104 in 2021, 220 in 2022) against the backdrop of the development of electric bicycles and scooters used by New Yorkers, as well as home or office meal deliverers, an ubiquitous sector in the American megalopolis.
Fires can usually be caused by poor quality batteries, their age, or the crowded conditions in which they are charged. When they explode, “there is so much fire that it is often too late,” explained the fire chief.
The increasing number of fires caused by the batteries of bicycles and electric scooters in New York has become a concerning issue in recent years. The latest incident, which claimed the lives of four individuals, has once again raised concerns about the safety of these vehicles.
According to the New York Fire Chief Laura Kavanagh, the fire was caused by lithium-ion batteries and electric bicycles. The incident occurred in a small electric bicycle and scooter maintenance shop in the Chinatown district of Manhattan. The shop had previously been cited for safety violations.
This is the 108th fire of its kind in New York this year, resulting in a total death toll of 66. The development of electric bicycles and scooters, particularly in the delivery industry, has contributed to the rise in these incidents. In 2020, there were 44 fires, followed by 104 in 2021 and 220 in 2022.
The fires are often caused by poor quality batteries, their age, or the crowded conditions in which they are charged. When these batteries explode, the resulting fires can be devastating.
Authorities are urging individuals and businesses to prioritize safety measures when using and storing these vehicles. It is crucial to ensure the quality and condition of the batteries, as well as to follow proper charging protocols to minimize the risk of fires.
The tragic incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety regulations and precautions in the use of electric bicycles and scooters. Efforts must be made to address the underlying causes of these fires and prevent further loss of life.
what are the different potential uses of electric bikes driving the growth
Road delivery services. The convenience and popularity of e-bikes and scooters have led to a significant increase in their use, particularly in urban areas like New York City.
However, along with their benefits comes a potential risk: the use of lithium-ion batteries for these devices. Lithium-ion batteries are known for their high energy density and long-lasting power, but they can also pose a fire hazard if not handled properly.
According to a recent article from The New York Times titled “Lithium-Ion Batteries in E-Bikes and Other Devices Pose Risk of Fire,” battery fires involving lithium-ion batteries have become more common in New York City. In fact, since the start of the year, there have been 108 reported fires caused by lithium-ion batteries, resulting in 66 deaths, including the four victims in Tuesday’s incident.
The fire in question occurred in a small electric bicycle and scooter maintenance shop located in the Chinatown district of Manhattan. The fire chief, Laura Kavanagh, has stated that it is clear that the fire was caused by lithium-ion batteries and electric bicycles. Additionally, the shop had previously been cited for safety violations.
These incidents underscore the importance of proper handling and storage of lithium-ion batteries, as well as adherence to safety regulations. As the use of electric bicycles and scooters continues to rise, it is crucial for businesses and individuals to prioritize safety measures. This includes regular maintenance and inspection of batteries, proper charging practices, and compliance with safety regulations.
The article also highlights the increasing trend of these battery-related fires in recent years. In 2020, there were 44 such fires reported. In 2021, the number rose to 104, and in 2022, it reached 220. This trend aligns with the growing popularity and usage of electric bicycles and scooters in New York City.
In response to these incidents, authorities and local fire departments are likely to emphasize the importance of education and awareness regarding battery safety. This could involve public awareness campaigns, stricter enforcement of safety regulations, and potentially even changes to battery design and manufacturing standards.
Overall, the recent fire that claimed four lives in New York City serves as a tragic reminder of the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries in e-bikes and other devices. It is essential for both businesses and individuals to prioritize safety measures and follow proper guidelines to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
