Prof. Samantha Clarke
State lawmakers are taking action to tackle the safety issues associated with micromobility devices in response to the growing number of lithium-ion battery-related fires and accidents. The recently passed Assembly bill, A4938, seeks to prohibit the sale of lithium-ion batteries used in devices such as electric bikes and scooters unless they meet certain safety standards and specifications.
The bill, co-sponsored by Queens Assemblymembers Steven Raga, Andrew Hevesi, David Weprin, Stacey Pheffer Amato, and Juan Ardila, received applause for its impactful measures. Pheffer Amato highlighted the importance of setting safety standards to prevent fires, injuries, and even fatalities. The legislation also aims to hold retailers and sellers accountable, with violators facing penalties ranging from $500 to $1,000.
Another set of bills, S07760 and A08102, proposes the inclusion of a red tag on the charging cords of micromobility devices, mopeds, and electric bikes. This tag would remind users to unplug the device when not in use and provide additional safety information for consumers. The bills, co-sponsored by various legislators, including Queens state Senator Joe Addabbo Jr., aim to enhance consumer awareness and promote safe usage of these devices.
Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar has introduced separate legislation, A09092 and A09114, to regulate the usage of e-bikes. The former would require electric bikes and scooters to be registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles and have a license plate. The latter goes a step further, proposing annual inspections, including battery inspections, and mandatory liability insurance.
These initiatives come in response to alarming statistics. In 2023 alone, New York City witnessed over 7,000 e-bike-related injuries, along with more than 250 fires caused by e-bike batteries. Tragically, these incidents resulted in the loss of 18 lives and left 133 individuals injured. Rajkumar emphasized the need to take immediate action to address these alarming safety concerns.
Moving forward, these legislative efforts aim to create stricter regulations and safety protocols for the use and sale of micromobility devices. By doing so, lawmakers hope to prevent accidents, protect consumers, and ensure that these devices can be enjoyed safely on city streets.
The micromobility industry has been growing rapidly in recent years, with electric bikes and scooters becoming popular modes of transportation in many cities. However, concerns about safety have arisen as the number of accidents and fires related to lithium-ion batteries has increased. State lawmakers have taken notice of these issues and are now implementing measures to address them.
One such measure is Assembly bill A4938, which seeks to prohibit the sale of lithium-ion batteries used in micromobility devices unless they meet specific safety standards and specifications. This legislation is seen as a crucial step in preventing fires, injuries, and fatalities caused by faulty batteries. It also holds retailers and sellers accountable, with penalties ranging from $500 to $1,000 for violators.
To further promote safety, bills S07760 and A08102 propose the inclusion of a red tag on the charging cords of micromobility devices, mopeds, and electric bikes. This tag would serve as a reminder for users to unplug the device when not in use and provide additional safety information. The aim is to enhance consumer awareness and encourage responsible usage of these devices.
Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar has also introduced legislation to regulate the usage of e-bikes. A09092 would require electric bikes and scooters to be registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles and have a license plate. A09114, on the other hand, suggests annual inspections, including battery inspections, and mandatory liability insurance for these devices. These measures are meant to improve accountability and ensure that e-bikes are safe to use.
The need for these legislative efforts is underscored by alarming statistics. In the year 2023 alone, New York City saw over 7,000 e-bike-related injuries and more than 250 fires caused by e-bike batteries. This led to the loss of 18 lives and left 133 individuals injured. These incidents highlight the urgent need for action to address safety concerns.
The passage of these bills represents a significant step towards creating stricter regulations and safety protocols for the use and sale of micromobility devices. Lawmakers hope that by implementing these measures, they can prevent accidents, protect consumers, and ensure that these devices can be enjoyed safely on city streets.
For more information on micromobility devices and related issues, visit the New York Times or the Bicycling website.
