U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, and U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand stood alongside NYC Mayor Eric Adams on June 25 to announce funding of $25 million for 173 safe e-charging and storage stations at more than 50 NYC Housing Authority (NYCHA) sites. Schumer and Gillibrand said the federal funds will go towards the construction, and electrical work needed to make the project complete.

 

They said the project will fund the engineering and installation at 53 outdoor NYCHA sites, and that engineering and construction aspects include electrical supply, utilities, drainage, fire safety requirements, security, safety, lighting, and accessibility.

 

Schumer explained how New York City received the award, detailing how over the past few years, there have been a growing number of fires across New York City, Long Island and beyond caused by lithium-ion batteries used in e-bikes and e-scooters, often spurred during charging. He said there were 216 such battery fires last year, a dramatic increase in fires from the 44 that occurred in 2020. He said this year, there have already been 30 lithiun-ion battery fires in New York City, which have left 40 injured and two dead.

 

“We are in a time where technology is outpacing federal safety action in many ways, moving faster than the measures we need to keep the public safe, and there might be no better example of this dilemma than with the cheap, China-made, lithium-ion batteries in the e-bikes, e-scooters and other devices that are now as common in the home as a toaster, but far, far less regulated,” said Schumer.

 

“So, we are here today to deliver an infusion of $25 million to NYCHA for the installation of safe charging stations that will save lives and make these devices so much safer. As fires and injuries caused by these batteries are climbing across New York, federal action is needed to protect consumers and also our brave firefighters who are on the front lines of this new paradigm in fire prevention spurred by these unpredictable, and often times, very dangerous batteries.”  

 

For her part, Gillibrand said, “Far too many lives have already been lost to fires caused by faulty e-bike batteries in New York City, and I am launching a multipronged approach to solve this issue. In addition to the federal bill I helped introduce to establish a consumer product safety standard for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.”

 

She continued, “I am proud to have helped secure $25 million in federal dollars directly to NYCHA to increase outdoor charging stations,” “Providing safe storage and accessible charging infrastructure for micro-mobility transportation outside of New Yorkers’ homes, especially the homes of low-income NYCHA residents, will help save lives and reduce carbon emissions in New York City.”

 

Meanwhile, the mayor said, “New York City has already seen 110 lithium-ion battery-related fires this year, and just this week, in one fire alone, four of our fellow New Yorkers lost their lives. Working hand in hand with our federal partners, our administration is taking action.”

 

He added, “Under our ‘Charge Safe, Ride Safe’ plan, we are supercharging safety for all e-bike and e-scooter users — promoting safe devices, expanding education, increasing enforcement on high-risk situations, and pursuing additional regulation. This $25 million federal grant will help create much-needed safe charging infrastructure at 157 NYCHA developments. Thank you to U.S. Senate Majority Leader Schumer and President Biden for recognizing the urgency of this crisis and providing New York City the resources we need to act.”

 

Schumer explained the emergency funding for NYCHA comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation via a RAISE grant program, which stands for “Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity.” He said the project aims to “vastly reduce or eliminate” potential fire hazards linked to lithium-ion battery micro-mobility devices such as e-bikes and e-scooters.

 

Schumer and Gillibrand said that since their inception, micro-mobility devices have been an important form of transportation that help people meet their transportation needs. However, the increased popularity of micro-mobility devices has also raised concerns about safety challenges associated with the charging and storage of lithium-ion battery-powered micro-mobility devices in NYCHA apartments.

 

Despite these challenges, they said government remains committed to its mission of providing safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible transportation options for all of its residents.

 

As of April 2023, they said 63 reported fires caused by lithium-ion batteries have resulted in dozens of injuries and five deaths. They said the increased availability of outdoor charging and storage stations is intended to reduce or eliminate potential fire hazards linked to lithium-ion battery micro-mobility devices, such as e-bikes. They said it should also help to reduce carbon emissions in New York City.

 

Schumer and Gillibrand are also pushing a bill that would require the Consumer Product Safety Commission to promulgate a consumer product safety standard with respect to rechargeable lithium-ion batteries used in personal mobility devices, and for other purposes.

 

According to FDNY, lithium-ion batteries are used in various devices. The batteries are commonly used in cell phones, laptops, tablets, electric cars, and scooters. Lithium-ion batteries store a large amount of energy and can pose a threat if not treated properly. They said like any product, a small number of such batteries are defective, can overheat, catch fire, or explode.

 

Be #FDNYSmart if using any devices powered by lithium-ion batteries:

• When purchasing devices, be sure that the equipment has the Underwriters Laboratories Mark. The UL mark shows that the product has been safety tested.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for charging and storage.
• Do not charge a device under your pillow, on your bed, or on a couch.
• Always use the manufacturer’s cord and power adapter made specifically for the device.
• Keep batteries/devices at room temperature. Do not place in direct sunlight.
• Store batteries away from anything flammable.
• If a battery overheats or you notice an odor, change in shape/color, leaking, or odd noises from a device discontinue use immediately. If safe to do so, move the device away from anything that can catch fire and call 9-1-1.

 

New laws have been introduced at a federal, City and State level to address fire safety prevention and the hazards of lithium-ion batteries and e-bikes.

 

Click here for details of a prior federal recall of 53,000 scooters due to a fire hazard involving the deaths of two children.

 

Click here to read FDNY’s fire safety tips. A full list of educational materials on lithium-ion batteries can be found online.