NEW YORK – Fires caused by lithium batteries in New York have increased. According to data from the authorities, in 2022 there were 216 fires related to this cause and in 2023 there are already 30.
In addition, since 2022, at least six people have died and 147 have been injured by this type of accident.
Given this, the city council’s transportation committee is proposing legislation that would help prevent these fires by creating a task force to determine if and where to install charging stations for battery-powered bicycles used by food and beverage delivery workers. home goods.
The working group will consider the cost of building and operating charging stations, including whether some or all of this cost can be borne by third-party couriers or third-party delivery services; where these charging stations should be located; whether the operation of the charging stations would be better ensured by third parties; whether the use of the charging station could be limited to the category of food delivery people; whether food deliverers can use charging stations for free or at low cost; and how these charging stations can mitigate the risk of fire caused by lithium-ion batteries contained in e-bikes.
At a press conference, New York senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gilibrand announced legislation to regulate the sale of these batteries, which they say are faulty and cheaply imported from China.
These measures, as well as others that have already been taken, are also being considered at the federal level.
In addition, the committee will review bills that require the city’s Department of Transportation (DOT) to create a searchable map of current bike path conditions and report evasion of red light cameras or school speed cameras by motor vehicles with unreadable license plates.
The Committee will also consider bills that would consolidate notice requirements for bike lanes, suspend alternate lateral parking regulations in Tisha B’Av and create new offenses for vehicles caught blocking bike lanes, crosswalks and sidewalks.