New York City is taking steps to improve e-bike safety. A new law has been implemented to prevent the sale, rental or leasing of electric bicycles that do not meet required safety standards. The main goal of this law is to address the problem of fires caused by lithium-ion batteries, which have been a problem in the city. However, this law is just the beginning of a broader solution.
The City Council has also established storage and certification requirements for batteries, as well as a battery exchange program. These measures are aggressive, but it is essential to raise awareness of the problem as a whole.
Despite the new law, there are still thousands of potentially non-compliant electric bikes and scooters in homes and businesses across the city. Full implementation of the battery swapping program will take time, meaning there is still the potential for more fires to occur in the interim.
A recent survey by UL Standards & Engagement revealed that many e-bike owners have limited knowledge about the devices they own. Only 25% of respondents reported checking whether the products they purchase meet lithium-ion battery standards. Additionally, 43% of e-bike owners were unaware that their devices were powered by lithium-ion batteries. This lack of awareness can have deadly consequences.
It is crucial that businesses and cyclists take meaningful action in response to the legislation. For example, GrubHub has already announced that it is investing in safer e-bikes and collaborating with the city to expand these efforts.
It is also vital to educate e-bike owners. There are several misconceptions that must be corrected to ensure the safety of New Yorkers and others. First, e-bike fires are not limited to New York City; Incidents have been reported around the world. Second, it’s not just electric bikes that pose a risk, but also the lithium-ion batteries that power these devices. Any device powered by lithium-ion batteries, such as garden tools or power tools, can be a potential fire hazard if the batteries are damaged or counterfeit. Lastly, lithium-ion battery fires are extremely dangerous and difficult to extinguish.
New York City is leading the way by implementing standards for electric bikes and lithium-ion batteries. This is expected to reduce the number of fires in the city and other cities are encouraged to follow suit. Additionally, it is crucial that all Americans be aware of the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries and handle them safely.
Fuentes: UL Standards & Engagement
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2023-09-27 18:57:19
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