Attorney General warns New Yorkers of e-bike battery dangers, offers safety advice

In response to the growing danger posed by e-bike battery fires, Attorney General Letitia James issued an urgent call to residents today, advising safe handling practices for these potentially lethal devices.

This advisory comes on the heels of a deadly Chinatown blaze this week, where four individuals tragically lost their lives in an e-bike repair shop fire.

In an effort to raise awareness among the diverse New Yorker population, the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) distributed multilingual flyers detailing safety measures in English, Spanish, Simplified Chinese, Bengali, and Haitian Creale.

These alerts underscore the risks associated with powerful lithium-ion batteries, commonly used in e-bikes, e-scooters, and hoverboards, which are more prone to combustion than typical batteries. In 2022 alone, there were 220 recorded fire incidents and six fatalities in New York City due to these batteries. 2023 is already witnessing a worrying uptick, with 108 fires and 13 casualties to date.

“While e-Bikes provide convenience and mobility, they can also present serious dangers,” Attorney General James said. “The key to safeguarding New Yorkers and their families is promoting careful handling and adherence to safety guidelines for these devices and their batteries. As we grieve for those lost in the recent fire, it is vital that everyone takes the necessary precautions to prevent similar e-bike-related catastrophes.”

In the previous year, Attorney General James issued a public caution regarding e-bike batteries, explaining that adopting the appropriate safety measures while purchasing, storing, charging, and disposing of these batteries can prevent such accidents. In March, the city enacted legislation forbidding the sale or lease of e-bikes and e-scooters failing to meet safety norms, in addition to outlawing the refurbishment of used lithium-ion batteries.

The City Council is presently…