BILL NUMBER: S7760A
SPONSOR: CHU
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the general business law, in relation to requiring
charging cords for micromobility devices, mopeds, and bicycles with
electric assist to have a red tag attached
 
PURPOSE:
Requires bicycles with electric assist and electric scooters to have a
red tag attached to the charging cord which states to unplug in emergen-
cy.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 requires that any e-bike or e-scooter sold by an individual or
a company must have a red tag affixed to the charging cord near the end
which is plugged into the electricity source which states "UNPLUG WHEN
NOT IN USE" in a clear and conspicuous manner. Furthermore, this
section provides that the Department of State shall promulgate rules and
regulations on additional customer safety information, as well as post a
model tag for firms, partnerships, associations, and corporations. Last-
ly, this section clarifies various terms as used in this act.
Section 2 provides the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
With fires caused due to lithium-ion battery charging on the rise, now
is the time for the legislature to act. One simple way that could help
prevent a fire from becoming large and uncontrollable by an individual
is to unplug the charging device from the power source in the case of an
emergency.
Unfortunately, in the heat of the moment, people experiencing confusion
and fear may not think that simply unplugging the device can be one step
to help keep the fire in check. Requiring a small, bright red tag with
clear instructions on the physical cord itself could be enough of a
reminder to reduce the number of lithium-ion battery fires.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New bill.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
To be determined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.