The New York City Fire Department reports that as of last week, it has investigated significantly more fires caused by e-bike batteries than in all of 2021.
In brief: Electronic bicycles have grown in popularity as emissions-free alternatives to mopeds and motorcycles, but charging them can be dangerous. The last two years have seen a dramatic rise in fires and injuries from exploding e-bike batteries in New York City.
The New York City Fire Department reports that as of last week, it has investigated significantly more fires caused by e-bike batteries than in all of 2021. City authorities have proposed multiple solutions, including regulations and partial bans.
Electric bike batteries have caused a suspected 174 fires in NYC in 2022. That’s an average of about four per week. By the end of the year, that number may hit double last year’s total of 104 and quadruple the 44 reported in 2020. Battery-related fires in 2022 have already injured 93 and killed six New Yorkers, compared to last year’s 79 injuries and deaths.
