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March 28, 2024

E-bikes have killed at least 11 people and injured at least 251 in New York City alone over the past few years, all from fires sparked by malfunctioning lithium-ion battery-powered devices.

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According to FDNY, these bikes are the fourth leading cause of fire deaths in 2022. In 2023, there have been 15 fires related to lithium-ion batteries, killing one person and injuring as many as 25 others.

Why do these fires happen?

New York City has more fires of this type than anywhere else in the country because it’s so densely populated that many delivery workers use e-bikes as a convenient way to get around.

However, these bikes often require overnight charging at home, and unfortunately many of them are designed with cheap and poorly made batteries that will eventually explode and start these deadly fires.

Electric bike batteries in NYC have caused 22 fires and 2 deaths since January

E-bikes have killed at least 11 people and injured at least 251 in New York City over the past few years. (Fire Department of New York)

The problem with lithium-ion batteries is that they don’t start fires like normal fires, which is why they kill so many people.

The flame spreads faster and consumes any combustibles in seconds. Batteries cannot be extinguished with water or foam as it will cause a reaction and increase the fire.

Firefighters must use extinguishers designed for lithium battery fires, which contain dry powder that absorbs heat and extinguishes the flames. Compounding the problem with these fires is the fact that they release toxic gases, which pose additional dangers.

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What steps are being taken to prevent this from happening?

In New York, Assemblyman Robert Holden introduced legislation to ban e-scooters and e-bikes until further safeguards are in place. However, this is only one form of legislation.

Many politicians in New York are working on proposals to help reduce fires without taking bikes away from delivery people entirely, such as a bill that would legally require people to recharge their batteries outside their homes.

Additionally, the New York City Fire Department has banned the use of electric vehicle equipment at its headquarters and is training firefighters to respond to lithium-ion battery fires. It also educates fire departments across the country about the risks.

In late November, the FDNY asked landlords in the city to distribute safety bulletins in residential buildings warning tenants of the potential dangers of electric bike charging.

Many politicians in New York are working on proposals that would help reduce fires without taking bikes off delivery guys entirely.

Many politicians in New York are working on proposals that would help reduce fires without taking bikes off delivery guys entirely. (Fire Department of New York)

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In the meantime, it’s important to note that the vast majority of e-bikes on the market are safe and reliable when used as intended and maintained properly.

The most important thing to remember is to avoid buying batteries that have been damaged or modified to be unsafe, as well as batteries that have not been certified with all the proper safety precautions.

E-bike owners should also avoid using chargers that are not designed for batteries or buying batteries from second-hand stores.

And remember to avoid charging batteries in places that might block fire escapes, such as front doors or windows.

What do you think of electric bikes? Should they be banned entirely? Tell us what you think.

It's important to note that the vast majority of e-bikes on the market are safe and reliable when used as intended and maintained properly.

It’s important to note that the vast majority of e-bikes on the market are safe and reliable when used as intended and maintained properly. (CyberGuy.com)

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