The surge in e-bike popularity has brought attention to a concerning issue – the increase in fires and fatalities attributed to the lithium-ion batteries powering these vehicles. As e-bikes have become more ubiquitous, there has been a call for regulations to govern the manufacturing, sale, reconditioning, charging, and storage of these batteries.
Consumer advocates and fire departments, particularly in areas like New York City with a high concentration of e-bikes, are advocating for the establishment of mandatory safety standards and measures to prevent unsafe e-bikes and subpar batteries from reaching the streets and putting lives at risk.
Consumer Protection Agency Urged to Act
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has been urged to take action in this direction. During a recent forum on e-bikes and lithium-ion batteries, the commission’s chair, Alexander D. Hoehn-Saric, emphasized the urgency of the situation. He stressed the need for mandatory standards to enhance the safety of batteries and electrical systems in micro-mobility devices like e-bikes, electric scooters, bicycles, and hoverboards.
New York City, where over 65,000 e-bikes are in use, has witnessed a concerning rise in battery-related fires. The city is at the forefront of addressing this issue due to the frequency of these incidents. In 2021 alone, there were 100 battery-related fires resulting in 13 deaths. This alarming trend has prompted local authorities to introduce comprehensive legislation to curb defective battery-related accidents, including bans on uncertified e-bike sales and rentals, and restrictions on tampering with batteries or using refurbished batteries.
The Origin of Substandard Batteries
Unfortunately, the rise in substandard batteries, often originating overseas, poses a significant challenge for authorities to track and regulate. While there have been calls for mandatory safety standards, there remains a concern that overseas manufacturers and sellers could still introduce potentially hazardous products into the market.
Addressing this issue is crucial, as the number of battery-related fires and fatalities continues to grow. While e-bikes offer numerous benefits, including eco-friendly transportation and improved health for riders, ensuring their safety is paramount. The efforts to establish stringent regulations and standards for batteries and micro-mobility devices aim to make e-bike usage safer and prevent tragic incidents caused by battery malfunctions.
E-Bike Lawsuit Lawyers
Our lawyers are currently investigating e-bike related injuries and fatalities. If you or your loved one was injured by a defective e-bike, contact our attorneys to discuss your situation.