Attorney General James Shares Tips to Help Protect New Yorkers from E-Bike Battery Fires

 

Following Deadly Bronx Fire, AG James Reminds New Yorkers About E-Bike Battery Safety

New York Attorney General Letitia James reminded New Yorkers of the dangers caused by electrical bike (e-bike) batteries and provided tips on how to safely handle them. Today’s warning comes after a deadly fire that killed a young child and injured four other individuals at Patterson Houses in the Bronx this morning.

The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) is also sharing an informational flyer about e-bike safety tips in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Simplified Chinese, Bengali, and Haitian Creole. Most e-bikes, as well as e-scooters and hoverboards, use powerful lithium-ion batteries that store more energy and are more likely to catch fire than a typical battery. According to the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY), these batteries have caused at least 401 fires resulting in 74 injuries and six deaths this year alone.

“I am praying for the family and loved ones of the 11-year-old child lost in this morning’s fire, and I hope for a speedy recovery for the others injured,” said Attorney General James. “Far too many lives have been tragically cut short or forever changed by these batteries. I understand that e-bikes and e-scooters can be necessary tools, so I encourage all New Yorkers to handle these vehicles and their batteries carefully, follow safety precautions, and take necessary steps to avoid potential danger.”

As part of her ongoing efforts to keep New Yorkers safe, Attorney General James recommends consumers take the following steps when using e-bikes:

• Buy your e-bike and battery from a trusted manufacturer.
• Maintain your battery by carefully checking it from time to time. If you notice any strange smells or changes in shape or color, stop using the battery immediately and contact your local fire station or call 911. 
• Store your battery in a safe place.
• Charge your battery using only the cord and power adapter provided by the manufacturer.
• Dispose of your battery at a battery-recycling location. Do not reuse or refurbish used lithium-ion batteries or their parts.

Putting batteries in the trash or recycling them is both dangerous and illegal and can lead to fires on sanitation trucks and in recycling facilities. New Yorkers are encouraged to consult the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s Rechargeable Battery Recycling Guide to find safe disposal locations.