Second-hand and faulty lithium-ion batteries in electric bikes and scooters are wreaking havoc in New York, with 30 fires, 40 injuries and two deaths in 2023 till now.
The most recent exploding e-bike fire seriously injured seven people and burned down a Bronx grocery store. It took multiple hours and 200 firefighters to douse it.
Mayor Eric Adams arrived at the scene to call to attention the fires caused due to e-bikes in the city.
What causes e-bike blazes
Lithium-ion batteries power compact e-scooters and e-bikes and can be expensive to buy—$300 per battery—so many riders opt for cheaper batteries which tend to overheat and explode when left unattended to charge.
The fire caused by lithium-ion batteries engulfs a room in 15 seconds and lets out toxic gasses. These fires are also hard to put out.
NYC Council has approved bills to restrict the use and sale of second-hand batteries.