Adams signs e-bike battery bills

Following a number of fires caused by exploding lithium-ion batteries that power the increasingly ubiquitous e-bikes and scooters, Mayor Eric Adams signed five bills this week tightening regulations on the sale of micro-mobility vehicles powered by the devices and mandating that the FDNY and Department of Consumer and Worker Protection conduct more outreach and education on how to use the devices safely. 

“New Yorkers deserve access to safe devices and batteries, and this plan commits to designing a safe environment access program that will help New Yorkers transition away from the illegal mopeds and uncertified bikes and batteries to safe legal devices and batteries,” Adams said during a Monday morning event at which he signed the legislation. “New York City is leading the way and raising this issue, and we hope that by acting today, that the state and federal government will follow suit.”