In short: e-bikes have become popular as emission-free alternatives to mopeds and motorcycles, but charging them can be dangerous. The past two years have seen a dramatic increase in fires and injuries caused by the explosion of e-bike batteries in New York City.
New York City firefighters report that since last week they have investigated significantly more fires caused by e-bike batteries than in 2021. City officials have offered several solutions, including partial regulations and bans.
Electric bike batteries caused 174 suspicious fires in New York City in 2022. That’s an average of about four per week. By the end of the year, that number could double from last year’s 104 total and quadruple the 44 reported in 2020. Battery-related fires in 2022 have already injured 93 people and killed six New Yorkers, versus 79 injured and killed. last year.
The problem lies between the lithium-ion batteries in bicycles and their chargers, which are not universally compatible. If a cyclist uses a charger with the wrong power level, he can overheat the battery when fully charged, causing a fire. Flammable materials can also escape from cells and catch fire.
Additionally, users often opt for refurbished batteries which pose a greater risk. Many e-bike users are couriers and delivery workers for whom new batteries are prohibitive. Firefighters also struggle to identify unsafe batteries and chargers because fires typically leave them destroyed beyond recognition.
Lithium-ion batteries store a large amount of energy and can pose a threat if not treated properly. To be #FDNYSmart when using devices powered by lithium-ion batteries. See more tips at https://t.co/3ibx2fA9c4 pic.twitter.com/hyvb5jyN6C
– FDNY (@FDNY) November 1, 2022
Another danger is that batteries, especially refurbished ones, can take hours to recharge. Users cannot monitor the entire process and can leave them logged in overnight. Some restaurants may store e-bikes on-site, but independent Door Dash or Uber Eats couriers have no choice but to pack them into dense apartments.
A new proposal will seek to ban used power supplies altogether, while another would require stricter national testing standards for batteries. The New York City Housing Authority attempted to ban electric bicycles and batteries from thousands of buildings earlier this year. However, it failed after intense resistance from delivery workers and officials.
Earlier this month, New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced a $ 1 million program to provide independent consignee hubs, which includes charging stations. However, it is unclear whether they will allow overnight charging.
