By Michael V. Cusenza
A package of legislation that addresses the alarming spike in e-bike and lithium-ion battery safety issues has been signed into law, the bills’ co-sponsor, State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Woodhaven), announced on Friday.
Legislation signed into law includes:
- S.9419 (Co-sponsor) – Requires accident reports to specify where e-bikes and e-scooters are involved (Signed Chapter 196)
- S.7760A (Co-sponsor) – Requires bicycles with electric assist and electric scooters to have a red tag attached to the charging cord with clear directions to unplug in an emergency (Signed Chapter 197)
- S.7744D (Co-sponsor) – Addresses the increasing number of electric bicycle and scooter incidents in cases of accidents or damage by requiring a notice of use on such equipment (Signed Chapter 202)
New York lacks data on incidents involving e-bikes and e-scooters as state crash reports omit these motorized vehicles, making S.9419 critical to ensuring vehicle crash reports include e-bikes and e-scooters.
Addabbo added, “Unfortunately, in the heat of the moment, people experience confusion or fear inhibiting them from unplugging the device to control the fire. By affixing a small, bright red tag with clear instructions on the physical cord (S.7760A), we can remind operators of a simple step to help reduce lithium-ion battery fires.”
As electric bicycles and scooters (e-bikes) have increased, the number of e-bike-related crashes on sidewalks has also increased. It has been reported that more users of e-bikes are riding on the sidewalks, instead of the designated bike lanes, resulting in pedestrian crashes and injuries.
Additional e-bike and lithium-ion battery legislation recently signed into law includes:
- S.154-F – Prohibits Sale of Lithium-Ion Batteries That Are Not Up to Manufacturing Standards
- S.8743 – Directs State Agencies To Develop and Maintain Safety Resources
- S.8742 – Requires Training Materials for First Responders For Incidents Involving Lithium-Ion Batteries
- S.7503-B – Requires Retailers To Provide Operating Manuals for Items with Lithium-Ion Batteries
“A spike in the reckless operation of unregistered scooters and limited-use motorcycles posing a serious risk to pedestrians and other motorists and an increase in structure fires caused by lithium-ion batteries used to power these vehicles, commanded legislative action,” Addabbo said. “These new laws to address various issues beginning at the point of purchase will help to improve the quality of life for all New Yorkers.”
The new laws follow the March 2023 introduction of “Charge Safe, Ride Safe: New York City’s Electric Micromobility Action Plan,” Mayor Eric Adams’ move to protect New Yorkers from fires caused by lithium-ion batteries and promote safe electric micromobility usage. The plan focuses on four key areas: Promoting and incentivizing safe battery use, increasing education and outreach to electric micromobility users, advocating for additional federal regulation of these devices, and expanding enforcement against high-risk situations. Last year, Adams also signed five bills into law to further regulate lithium-ion batteries sold in New York City and strengthen fire safety related to battery fires.
Adams noted that e-bikes and e-scooters are an affordable and convenient alternative to cars and are essential for delivery workers and other New Yorkers who rely on this mode of transportation for their livelihoods. However, these new transportation options have also brought serious challenges regarding fire risks.
