New York City Implements First Electric Bike Battery Exchange Program to Enhance Safety and Reduce Fire Risks

The city council voted in favor of legislation 949-A, the first electric bike battery exchange program.

This is to control the sale of non-certified lithium-ion batteries and reduce fires caused by their overcharging.

“What we’re trying to do is eliminate batteries from the market that don’t work,” said Manhattan Councilwoman Carmen De La Rosa.

Through the two-year exchange law, users will be able to hand over batteries that do not meet fire prevention standards to an agency designated by Mayor Eric Adams.

They will receive a new certified battery at a reduced or no cost.

Delivery driver Sergio Solano says he agrees with the legislation, however, he says that the authorities must supervise the online sale of these illegal batteries.

“The stores can stop them but the online ones it is also important that they can be followed up,” Solano said.

According to data from the city council, until August of this year there were 154 fires of this type in New York City, in which 14 people died and 93 were injured.

The city Fire Department recommends that you only purchase batteries certified by nationally recognized laboratories. Look for the UL, ETL AND CSA symbols.

“We hope that the UL can also work for everyone, because what we want is to prevent more deaths of innocent people,” Solano added.

Months ago, the council passed a package of bills that go into effect this Saturday. Among them, they prohibit the sale of batteries and non-certified electric bicycles.

“We can all work to ensure that certified batteries reach the hands of these workers,” added De La Rosa.

2023-09-15 13:26:00
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