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NYC Council Holds Hearing On Lithium Ion Battery Fires

Shared scooters and bicycles are spreading to several major U.S. cities while policymakers are scrambling to find ways to ensure that riders are safe.
David Paul Morris
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Shared scooters and bicycles are spreading to several major U.S. cities while policymakers are scrambling to find ways to ensure that riders are safe.

The New York City Fire Department is recommending the passage of legislation aimed to reduce the number of lithium ion battery fires. There was a hearing today on the matter.

Fire officials testified there’s been a huge increase in fires caused by lithium ion batteries this year which they think coincides with an increase use of e bikes and scooters. FDNY’s Julian Bazel backs legislation that would ban the use of non certified batteries in mobility devices as well as the sale of second hand or refurbished batteries.

“The battery has to be designed for the particular device and has to be mesh with the charging the system and that’s where it appears we are having significant safety issues.”

Also discussed at the hearing, legislation that requires battery related public education and safety reports.