What to know
On Thursday, the New York City Council voted to establish a first-of-its-kind trade-in program that provides new lithium-ion batteries and motorized mobility devices, such as scooters or electric bicycles. Introductory 949-A would establish a program for people to receive new powered mobility devices or lithium-ion batteries for use in such devices that meet relevant fire safety standards. This year, through August, there were 154 such fires in the New York City, which killed 14 people and injured 93 others.
NEW YORK — On Thursday, the New York City Council voted to establish a first-of-its-kind trade-in program that provides new lithium-ion batteries and motorized mobility devices, such as electric scooters or bicycles.
Such devices would be provided at little or no cost in exchange for used batteries and mobility devices that do not meet fire safety standards or are otherwise illegal. This bill is an important next step in the City Council’s ongoing efforts to curb lithium-ion battery fires.
“Today, the City Council took decisive action to protect our communities by establishing an unprecedented exchange program for uncertified lithium-ion batteries to reduce dangerous fires caused by those that do not meet safety standards,” the Speaker said. of the New York City Council, Adrienne Adams. “This program will support workers, who power our economy and rely on electric bikes and scooters, to change the batteries in their devices.”
Introductory 949-A, sponsored by Majority Leader Keith Powers, would establish a program for people to receive new motorized mobility devices (electric scooters, electric bicycles, etc.) or lithium-ion batteries for use in such devices that comply with relevant fire safety standards.
Such devices and batteries would be provided at little or no cost, and would be available in exchange for the delivery of devices that do not meet fire standards or are otherwise illegal. Lithium batteries can malfunction and explode, creating dangerous fires that have increased in frequency and become more deadly.
This year, through August, there were 154 such fires in New York City, killing 14 people and injuring 93 others. The City Council passed a package of bills several months ago, including laws prohibiting sale of uncertified batteries and require public education efforts on battery safety, which will take effect on Saturday, September 16, 2023.
“Today, the City Council took a decisive step by establishing a battery exchange program, the first in the country,” said Majority Leader Keith Powers. “It provides a clear and immediate path to removing thousands of unsafe batteries from our homes and off our streets. While we must continue to explore long-term solutions, this is a huge step forward for public safety.”
2023-09-15 04:31:40
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