Lawmakers in New York City and statewide have moved to quell the growing number of fires caused by lithium-ion batteries used in electric bikes and scooters.
One bill introduced in the state legislature would require all lithium-ion batteries and chargers for sale in New York to meet minimum industry safety standards. Another measure would ban the sale of second-use lithium-ion batteries for e-bikes, e-scooters, and mopeds.
The New York City Council recently approved legislation that would:
- Add restrictions on selling, leasing, or renting powered mobility devices, such as e-bikes and electric scooters, and storage batteries that don’t meet industry safety standards.
- Require the New York Fire Department to annually report on the fire risks associated with powered mobility devices.
- Conduct a public information campaign on the fire risks associated with e-bikes and e-scooters.
- Impose restrictions on assembling or reconditioning lithium-ion batteries with cells removed from used batteries and on selling such batteries.
More than 25 lithium-ion batteries in New York City caught fire through Feb. 24 this year, a fourfold increase over the same period in 2022. Some of these fires caused significant damage in residential buildings.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Aug 24, 2017
OSHA silica dust exposure enforcement begins Sept. 23
Vacuum dust collection, water-delivery systems, and respirators will be required.
Market Data | Mar 22, 2017
After a strong year, construction industry anxious about Washington’s proposed policy shifts
Impacts on labor and materials costs at issue, according to latest JLL report.
Reconstruction & Renovation | Mar 16, 2017
Pols are ready to spend $1T on rebuilding America’s infrastructure. But who will pick which projects benefit?
The accounting and consulting firm PwC offers the industrial sector a five-step approach to getting more involved in this process.
Legislation | Sep 8, 2016
Half of U.S. states now allow design-build on public projects
Missouri is the latest to enact design-build legislation.
Legislation | Aug 24, 2016
World Trade Center contractor found guilty of minority-owned business fraud
The company used two minority firms as fronts in a nearly $1 billion scheme.
Legislation | Aug 19, 2016
California lawmakers may take action to address contractor negligence
An assembly committee heard testimony on deadly balcony collapse that occurred last year.
Legislation | Aug 10, 2016
Calif. bill would speed up environmental lawsuits on certain projects
A nine-month limit has been proposed for some $100 million-plus projects.
Regulations | Aug 5, 2016
Stop-work orders in New York City up sharply this year
The orders come after a rise in the number of deadly accidents that have occurred in the past few years.
Legislation | May 11, 2016
Two bills seek to expand flood insurance policy writing to private carriers
Thanks to new floodplain maps, this market, previously the sole province of a federal program, looks more profitable.
Casinos | Jan 30, 2016
Boston ends its opposition to a casino, Wynn to build $1.7B resort
A judge’s ruling last year paved the way for Wynn Resorts to begin construction on a 33-acre gambling palace in Everett, Mass.
