BILL NUMBER: S4810
SPONSOR: ADDABBO
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the general business law, in relation to retail premises
of lithium-ion batteries, bicycles with electric assist, micromobility
devices, and limited use motorcycles
 
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this legislation is to address the growing problem of
electric bike-related fire incidents by requiring businesses to have
on-hand protection measures in place.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 provides the definition of "battery case," "lithium-ion
battery," and "micromobility device" as used in the act. Additionally,
this section adds any firm, individual, partnership, association, or
corporation that sells bicycles with electric assist or lithium-ion
batteries, or any storage facility that houses these bicycles must have
functional fire protection and suppression measures including extin-
guishers, battery cases, and automatic detection equipment. Lithium-ion
batteries enclosed within an e-bike that is not removeable without
disassembly are exempt.
In this act, the secretary of state shall designate the necessary rules
and regulations to implement these provisions, in accordance with the
appropriate New York State agency.
Section 2 provides the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
While the increased use of electric bicycles and scooters (e-bikes) have
been associated with a decrease in overall traffic congestion and green-
house gas emissions, e-bike fires have seen an increase as more New
Yorkers choose this method of transportation. E-bike related fires have
been proven to be violent, fast-moving, and tough to extinguish, and
according to the Fire Department of New York there have been 114 inves-
tigations into lithium-ion battery fires, with 74 injuries and 13 deaths
in 2023.
The purpose of this legislation is to address this issue in retail
settings, to prevent further damage, injuries, and deaths associated
with e-bike fires. By having designated protection and suppression meth-
ods, businesses, their employees, and storage facilities can be prepared
if a fire does break out and can take the necessary steps to prevent
harm or damage.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023/24: S7746B / A8291B - Passed Senate / recommitted to Assembly Rules
Committee.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
To be determined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect one year after it shall have become a law.