New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand is pushing for a bill that would require inspection of lithium-ion batteries to meet safety standards to prevent overcharging that causes fires.
According to the senator, the Lithium Battery Consumer Standards Act would require the Consumer Product Safety Commission to establish a mandatory safety standard for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries used in electric bicycles and other devices.
The senator wants the bill to be included in the fiscal year 2025 budget law.
This is one of several efforts announced Monday to protect the city from the risk of fires caused by such batteries.
Earlier, Mayor Eric Adams and the Department of Transportation launched the New York City Safe Charging Accelerator Pilot Program to ensure the safe use and charging of electric bikes.
“When New Yorkers face danger, this administration takes decisive action.
“That’s exactly what we’ve been doing and what we will continue to do when it comes to deadly lithium-ion battery fires,” the mayor said in a message on social media.
When New Yorkers face danger, this administration takes decisive action.
That is exactly what we have been doing and will continue to do when it comes to deadly lithium-ion battery fires.
We’re doubling down on our success and here’s what you’ll see next: pic.twitter.com/iBhaVKINjU
— Mayor Eric Adams (@NYCMayor) July 22, 2024
As part of this accelerator, the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) will propose a rule to expedite approvals for owners to more quickly install electric bike charging and battery swapping cabinets on public sidewalks.
“To give this city what is the best program to be able to charge batteries is what we are seeing here today. For the first time, the program will also give hundreds of delivery workers a bike… eh, an e-bike with its battery in the program that is going to be done,” said Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez.
Finally, the Fire Department will launch a public education and awareness campaign on the dangers of unauthorized lithium-ion batteries, which the department says claimed the lives of 18 people last year alone.
“Today, the New York City Fire Department is also stepping up its awareness efforts and launching a new million-dollar public education campaign to make sure all New Yorkers know that being uncertified means UNSAFE.
“Now, let’s get to work!” the mayor wrote in another message.
Today the @FDNY is also boosting our awareness efforts, kicking off a new $1 million public education campaign to make sure all New Yorkers know that uncertified means UNSAFE.
Now let’s get rolling! pic.twitter.com/pMLvVr4QqG
— Mayor Eric Adams (@NYCMayor) July 22, 2024
“We are very pleased with the support from the administration and the Department of Transportation with these battery exchange projects, because it will help us to have more security not only for us workers, but also for our families, neighbors, and the community,” said Alejandro Grajales, spokesperson for Deliveristas Unidos.
The organization Deliveristas Unidos added that they need loading sites to be available in all five counties.
Users of these devices say they agree with the efforts.
“I think everything that improves people’s safety is very good, I think it’s very important,” said Francisco Valiente.
“Because you hear a lot of stories and a lot of fires… so that’s the best they do,” said Delvy Fana, a delivery man.
Delvy Fana added that she is careful when recharging her bike’s battery.
“I charge it for 4 hours, and then I disconnect it, and if I go outside I disconnect it, but I always recharge it when I’m at home, always.”
The Department of Transportation hopes to launch the e-bike sharing program early next year.
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