BILL NUMBER: S7503B
SPONSOR: CLEARE
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the general business law, in relation to requiring
retailers of micromobility devices, bicycles with electric assist and
limited use motorcycles powered by lithium-ion batteries, and lithium-
ion batteries intended for use in such devices or bicycles to provide
customers with an operating manual
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1. The general business law is amended by adding a new section
391.
§ 2. Effective date
JUSTIFICATION:
To assist in the prevention of overcharging and explosion of batteries
for lithium-ion-battery-powered e-bikes, e-scooters, other micromobility
devices, limited use motorcycles, or the lithium-ion batteries for such.
This legislation requires that retailers of these products supply the
customer with an operating manual that includes instructions on storing
and charging batteries and management when problems arise.
Here are just a few of the fires in New York City caused by e-bike and
e-scooter batteries last year, which reached a record of 104 fires,
resulting in 79 injuries and four deaths. These numbers more than
doubled from the previous year, when 44 fires led to 23 injuries, up
from 28 fires in 2019.
An e-bike's battery burst into flames while charging in a Bronx restau-
rant, starting a four-alarm fire that drew more than 150 first respon-
ders and left one firefighter seriously injured.
A man was killed, and multiple families displaced when the nine e-bike
batteries he was charging erupted inside his apartment. The force of the
blast blew out the windows and collapsed an internal wall, according to
the FDNY.
An E-scooter battery fire tore through a house end killed a 9-year-old
boy.
Find information on E-bikes and E-scooters and charging at
https://rechargedcommute.com/
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New bill.
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New bill.
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
None.
EFFECTIVE DATE:
180 Days.