Battery fires from micro-mobility devices, aka e-bikes, e-scooters, mopeds, etc., have surged this year. So far in 2023 these vehicles have caused 243 fires and seventeen deaths. The fires they cause are not micro.
“These fires don’t start slowly they explode,” stated Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) Commissioner Laura Kavanagh at a press conference on November 17. She stated the FDNY is worried that this threat will get worse due to those who have these devices on their wish lists. “Given how unregulated the market is – be very cautious of devices you have or get. They must have UL certification. Make sure you are using the correct charger.” Kavanagh added that it would be a good idea to hold off the purchase of these vehicles until national regulations are in place. “In NYC non UL bikes are banned. But it is far too easy to get illegal devices. A national standard will allow illegal devices to be collected at ports and will stop the import.”
Chief Fire Marshall Daniel Quin, mentioned that the Fly brand of e-bikes are not UL certified and have caused a lot of fires.
If you worry about the safety of your device many local bike shops can check them out for you. However, be sure that you go to a legitimate bike shop. The FDNY has a task force to shut down shops that operate illegally (and unsafely). However, these shops sometimes reopen at another location.
Some safety don’ts of e-bikes: never tamper with bike, don’t charge when sleeping, don’t pair with a different battery, do not use refurbished batteries or bikes, and because most of the deaths caused by these fires have happened in private homes, charge and keep the vehicle outside. If you do keep your e-vehicle inside make sure it doesn’t block your exit.
For more tips and info go here.
It is always a good idea to have a working smoke alarm. If you need one the FDNY is offering them for free and will install. Register at this link.
The Greenline 
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