Law Preventing e-Bike, e-Scooter and Other Device Makers from Using Dangerous Lithium-Ion Batteries Takes Effect October 9
ALBANY—New York State today announced the implementation of a law to protect riders of electric scooters, e-bikes and other micromobility devices from potential fires.
The legislation (S.154F/A.4938-D), which was sponsored by Senator Liz Krueger and Assemblymember Jeffrey Dinowitz, prohibits manufacturers and distributors of micromobility devices from using certain lithium-ion batteries that are susceptible to overheating and bursting into flames.
The law mandates lithium-ion batteries used in micromobility devices be made in accordance with industry safety standards and specifications. Under the new law, micromobility device manufacturers and distributors that use improper batteries and chargers face a $500 fine for an initial violation and fines of $1,000 for each subsequent violation.
When buying an e-bike, scooter or other device, consumers should avoid “low price, low quality” products that could put New Yorkers and their families at risk. Consumers should look for safety marks from a nationally recognized certification laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and EN 15194 (European standard). Safety marks, which consumers can find on product packaging, the product itself or within product details when shopping online, indicate a product has been certified to meet safety, quality, or security standards.
Additionally, it’s important consumers purchase products from reputable manufacturers and check for recalls listed by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Consumers can file and read complaints about products on the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s SaferProducts.gov or call CPSC’s Hotline at 800-638-2772 (TTY 800-638-8270).
Lithium-ion batteries are used to power devices ranging from smartphones to scooters because they are easily rechargeable and can store large amounts of energy in a small space. However, if not treated properly, lithium-ion batteries can overheat, creating thermal runaway, which causes large fires.
Lithium-ion batteries ignited more than 250 fires and caused more than 130 injuries and at least 18 fatalities in New York City alone last year, with more fires occurring statewide.
Damaged, defective, or uncertified batteries pose a greater risk of combustion.
The new micromobility manufacturing standard is part of a broader legislative package signed by Governor Kathy Hochul in July meant to raise awareness about the safe purchase, use and storage of micromobility products that contain lithium-ion batteries.
Earlier this year, the New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection and the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services created a Lithium-Ion Battery Consumer Safety Guide to give New Yorkers clear safety guidance.
Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, “Deadly fires caused by lithium-ion batteries are on the rise as more and more devices are powered by them. By signing this bill into law, Governor Hochul has made it clear to manufacturers that they must use batteries that are manufactured to meet safety standards in order to protect citizens, emergency responders and property from the life-threatening fires they can ignite.”
Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley said, “Micromobility devices like e-bikes play a huge part in our efforts to create a greener New York. While these devices are convenient, the lithium-ion batteries that power them can be potentially dangerous or even deadly if they are not made to industry safety standards and specifications. This new law will help keep unsafe and uncertified products off the market and further prevent any unnecessary accidents and injuries caused by these devices.”
Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner and Chair of the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee Mark J.F. Schroeder said, “Comprehensive statewide safety initiatives like this law are paramount as the popularity of micromobility devices grows. In addition to making sure you buy a device from a reputable source that follows state laws, we also encourage all riders to make sure they are following the rules of the road. Everyone plays a part in safety, and together we can prevent tragedies.”
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, “Many New Yorkers use e-bikes, scooters or other forms of electric personal transportation for commuting, work and recreation. With micromobility an increasing part of daily life and the greening of our communities, consumers can now have confidence that the batteries for their devices have met safety standards and guidelines.”
For more, visit the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services’ website on battery safety.
Contact DMV Communications
Walter McClure, Director of Public Information
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (518) 473-7000
For more information about DMV, visit the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles website, or follow the DMV conversation online at Facebook, X and Instagram.