E-bikes eyed as possible cause of Bensonhurst house fire; at least 4 families displaced
Council Woman Susan Zhuang says e-bikes with illegally imported batteries present a risk to communities across the city.
Firefighters were called to the scene of a fire at a two-story home Sunday morning in Bensonhurst.
Council Woman Susan Zhuang said at least four families were displaced, but there were no injuries. She was on the scene helping connect the families to the Red Cross.
The cause of the fire has not yet been determined. Zhuang told News 12 that the displaced families pointed blame at e-bikes outside the building.
"They tell me they saw the e-bikes outside on fire and caused the fire on the first and second floor,” she said.
She says e-bikes with illegally imported batteries present a risk to communities across the city.
"We are working on laws to make sure these illegal batteries are not coming here, and that we are not keeping these e-bikes outside right on the homes," she said.
According to the FDNY, 210 e-bike fire investigations have been launched citywide in 2024, with those fires accounting for 85 injuries and three deaths.
