Velázquez Calls on CBP to Curb Imports of Dangerous Lithium-Ion Batteries to Protect Delivery Workers

Washington, D.C.— Today, Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) penned a letter to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) calling on the agency to do more to curb imports of dangerous unbranded lithium-ion batteries used in electric micro-mobility devices like e-scooters and bikes. In New York City, 65,000 gig economy delivery workers, or deliveristas, rely on these devices to earn a living.

Unfortunately, the poor quality of these devices' batteries pose a serious safety risk to deliveristas and residents due to their tendency to start fires. In 2022 alone, lithium-ion batteries caused 200 fires and six deaths in New York City.

In the letter, Velázquez called on the CBP to make efforts to seize substandard lithium-ion batteries and compel micro-mobility manufacturers, sellers, and resellers to comply with minimum safety standards.

"As public officials, it is our duty to represent the public interest and protect American consumers, especially our deliveristas, from the extreme and tragic hardships caused by lithium-ion battery fires," wrote Congresswoman Velázquez. "The livelihoods and well-being of many American workers rely upon the safety of their vehicles, and they are still waiting on the federal government to act."

In the letter, Rep. Velázquez requested more information on the following topics from CBP:

1. CPSC and CBP procedures to determine the safety of imported lithium-ion batteries;
2. Recent CPSC and CBP efforts to seize substandard lithium-ion batteries;
3. CPSC plans to compel electric micro-mobility manufacturers, sellers and resellers to comply with minimum safety standards;
4. CPSC campaigns to obtain recalls of faulty electric micro-mobility devices; and
5. How many resources CPSC and CBP have mobilized to remain responsive to the recent uptick in lithium-ion battery sales and importations.

A full copy of the letter is available here.