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FDNY issuing fines for illegal refurbished batteries

New York City is on track to experience twice as many e-bike-related fires this year compared to last. Above, the remains of a fire in January in a Bronx apartment.
FDNY
New York City is on track to experience twice as many e-bike-related fires this year compared to last. Above, the remains of a fire in January in a Bronx apartment.

Businesses in New York City are still making second hand lithium ion batteries which have been causing a large number of fires.

Since the manufacturing and sale of refurbished lithium ion batteries was made illegal in New York City last year, the fire department has conducted hundreds of inspections and handed out around 200 fines.

"Unregulated, tampered with and non certified batteries are extremely dangerous and deadly. They kill people."

Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh says this week, Wilson Scooters in Queens was fined after Inspectors found a large number of battery packs, individual cells and e bikes. Lithium ion batteries caused 268 fires in the city last year.