“New York City Takes Action to Prevent Lithium Battery Fires”

NEW YORK — Fires caused by lithium batteries in New York City have increased. According to data from the authorities, in 2022 there were 216 fires related to this cause and in this 2023 there are already 30.

In addition, since 2022 at least six people have died and 147 have been injured by this type of accident.

Given this, the City Council Transportation Committee is proposing legislation that would help prevent these fires by creating a task force to determine if and where to install charging stations for battery-powered bicycles used by food delivery workers. and merchandise at home.

The task force will review the cost to build and operate charging stations, including whether some or all of that cost may be borne by third-party courier services or third-party delivery services; where these charging stations should be located; whether the operation of the charging stations would be better carried out by third parties; whether the use of the charging station could be limited to the class of food delivery workers; whether food delivery people can use charging stations for free or at low cost; and how such charging stations can mitigate the risk of fire caused by lithium-ion batteries contained in electric-assist bicycles.

During a press conference, New York Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gilibrand announced legislation to regulate the sale of such batteries, which they said are defective and cheap imported from China.

These, and other measures that have already been taken, are also being considered at the federal level.

In addition, the Committee will consider bills that require the City’s Department of Transportation (DOT) to create a searchable map of current bikeway conditions and report evasion of red light cameras or school speed cameras by motor vehicles with illegible license plates.

The Committee will also consider bills that would consolidate notice requirements for bike lanes, suspend alternate side parking regulations in Tisha B’Av and create new violations for vehicles caught blocking bike lanes, crosswalks, and sidewalks.