Following the increase in the number of fires caused by electric bicycle batteries, Bronx Congressman Ritchie Torres, together with officials from the Fire Department, presented a bill to regulate the sale of electric bicycle batteries at the federal level.
“The time has come for the United States Congress to take action,” Torres said.
The legislation would require the Consumer Product Safety Commission to establish a safety standard to regulate the manufacture and sale of electric bike batteries to prevent fires.
Torres emphasized that under this legislation the agency would also have to hold online marketplaces, such as Amazon, accountable for not selling devices that do not meet established standards.
And it also involves the customs system, which would have to be responsible for prohibiting the importation of batteries that do not comply with the security measures imposed.
The congressman also posted a message on social networks about the bill.
“BREAKING: I am introducing a bill that requires safety standards for the manufacture of electric bicycles and electric scooters with lithium-ion batteries,” the message read.
“In New York, lithium-ion batteries have caused more than 400 fires in 4 years. That must change,” continues the message from Congressman Torres.
BREAKING: I am introducing a bill mandating safety standards for the manufacturing of e-bikes and e-scooters with lithium-ion batteries.
In NYC, lithium-ion batteries have caused more than 400 fires in 4 years. That must change. pic.twitter.com/C0lAFTP8lf
— Ritchie Torres (@RitchieTorres) March 7, 2023
Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries have caused more than 400 fires in the past four years, resulting in more than 300 injuries and 12 deaths in the city, according to the fire department.
The most recent example was on Sunday, March 5, at a supermarket in the Bronx.
The raging fire caused by the explosion of a scooter battery left seven people injured, including firefighters. In addition, it completely destroyed several businesses.
“This is an extremely serious problem and we need legislation at all levels including the city, state and federal government,” said Bronx Councilman Oswald Feliz.
Last week the Municipal Council approved a package of laws that seek to regularize the sale of electric batteries so that they meet minimum safety standards.
Oswald Feliz is one of the councilors behind this legislation.
“For lithium batteries for electric motorcycles to be sold they have to be certified, they have to go through a process where they check that it is safe and expose the issue of fire safety,” added Feliz.
Happy Councilman.
This package of laws still needs to be approved by the mayor.
Meanwhile the hype department urges people who use e-bikes to check that the batteries have UL safety certification.
They also advise against leaving these devices unattended while they recharge, especially when they sleep.
And charge batteries in places that obstruct exits.
