In New York City, a recurring deadly problem has become all too common: A delivery worker completes their shift, parks their e-bike outside, and charges the depleted battery in the hallway overnight. The e-bike battery catches fire, which spreads rapidly throughout the apartment building and trapping residents in their apartments, leading to severe burns, devastating injuries, and fatalities.
In 2022, New York experienced 219 fires related to such devices, resulting in 147 injuries and six deaths. In 2023 alone, there have been 33 fires, 42 injuries, and three fatalities attributed to these fires.
To address this issue, New York City Mayor Eric Adams signed a package of e-bike safety legislation on Monday after the New York City Council approved the laws two weeks prior. Mayor Adams emphasized the importance of incorporating e-bikes and e-scooters safely and efficiently into everyday life.
The legislation primarily requires micro-mobility devices to meet UL Solutions’ industry-leading battery technology standards. Other provisions include:
- Banning the resale of bikes or batteries.
- Altering NYC Fire Department reporting standards.
- Limiting the reconditioning of used batteries.
The demand for food and grocery delivery surged, leading New York to legalize electric bikes and scooters in August 2020. This opened the door to a largely unregulated market of potentially dangerous e-bikes, with poor-quality batteries causing fires and potentially damaging residential buildings.
Mayor Adams highlighted that these fires are more like explosions, spreading quickly and requiring more than just water to extinguish them. While the comprehensive set of laws addresses these vehicles, it remains to be seen how the new laws will prevent fires caused by the 65,000 e-bikes purchased prior to the law’s implementation.
E-bike sales have skyrocketed nationwide since the pandemic shifted lifestyle habits, including the rise of app-based delivery services. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported that at least 19 people died in 2022 due to fires caused by micro-mobility devices.
According to UL Solutions Chief Scientist Robert Slone, regulations governing micro-mobility devices existed before the New York law. However, lawmakers have been slow to respond to the rapid growth of micro-mobility devices. The delay in regulating e-bikes has had fatal consequences for New York, with the city’s typical living arrangements exacerbating the issue.
While the new e-bike laws in New York City are groundbreaking, advocates express concerns that the legislation may not adequately protect delivery workers or prevent fires. Workers Justice Project Executive Director Ligia Guallpa said that 90% of the 65,000 micro-mobility vehicles used by delivery workers in New York lack the essential safety certification required by new bikes.
Although the new laws are a promising first step, there is no current plan to transition preexisting bikes to safer batteries. UL-certified batteries can cost more than one thousand dollars, and delivery workers often carry multiple batteries to complete their daily deliveries. Despite initiatives like charging hubs, no plans exist to help cover the cost of transitioning to safer e-bike batteries.
According to ABC News, several delivery workers stated that their bikes, costing up to ,500, are their most valuable possessions. Guallpa emphasized that many delivery workers do not receive a living wage from companies, and the timeline, process, and cost for transitioning to UL batteries under the new law create uncertainty for these workers. In the meantime, delivery workers must live with the potential danger posed by their e-bikes.
If you or a member of your family have been adversely affected by an e-bike fire, you might be eligible to receive financial restitution. It is important that you speak with one of our highly experienced product liability law attorneys as soon as possible to protect your legal rights. Our firm is here to assist in determining the validity of your claim and the legal options available to you according to the law.
Parker Waichman LLP is a nationwide product injury and wrongful death law firm, and we possess the knowledge and resources necessary to represent you or you or your loved one effectively.
FOR A FREE CONSULTATION, CALL PARKER WAICHMAN LLP TODAY!
Keep in mind that the deadline to submit your claim is restricted by law, so it is essential to speak with us as soon as possible. Call us today at 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529) to receive a free, confidential consultation. Our battery fire attorneys are here to listen to you, assess your case, and help you or your loved one receive just compensation.
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