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NYC taking more steps to prevent lithium ion battery fires

An e-bike resembles a regular bicycle, with its batteries and electric motor integrated into the bike's frame. Enthusiasts see e-bikes on national park trails as a great thing, but some traditional riders and environmentalists see big problems ahead.
Mark Arehart
/
WKSU
An e-bike resembles a regular bicycle, with its batteries and electric motor integrated into the bike's frame. Enthusiasts see e-bikes on national park trails as a great thing, but some traditional riders and environmentalists see big problems ahead.

New York City is taking more steps to try and prevent lithium ion battery fires that have been a big problem in the Big Apple.

Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanaugh says they are launching an awareness campaign about the dangers of refurbished batteries and how to store and charged the certified ones.

"you don't keep propane and gasoline in your bedroom and you shouldn't keep an e-bike in your bedroom either."

The City is also starting a pilot swap program. The DOT is allowing eligible food delivery workers to swap out dangerous fire causing second hand batteries and e-bikes for certified ones for free.

"When these fail because they have so much power in them, they do an incredible amount of damage."

Kavanaugh says 59 Percent of 2023 Lithium-Ion Battery Fires Occurred While Batteries Were Not Charging