Elected leaders cracking down on purchase, use of e-bike devices
Several months ago, council members passed a package of bills that make the sale of uncertified batteries and e-bikes illegal.
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As fatal fires connected to e-bikes rise across the five boroughs, elected officials are looking to enforce the rules on how New Yorkers can buy and use these devices.
The New York City Council will move forward with the first-of-its-kind e-bike Battery Swap program. The program provides devices and batteries at reduced or no cost in exchange for bikes that are illegal and do not comply with current safety standards.
MORE: FDNY cracks down on e-bike shops amid series of fatal lithium-ion battery fires
Several months ago, council members passed a package of bills that make the sale of uncertified batteries and e-bikes illegal. The legislative package also requires the FDNY to educate New Yorkers on battery safety.
On Thursday, Council Member Oswald Feliz introduced new legislation to ensure delivery apps are on the same page as the city – it will require the use of certified batteries in e-bikes for delivery workers if workers do not currently use them.
Feliz says that 175 e-bike fires have been reported this year alone, and New York City's new battery swap program is now the first of its kind in the country.
