Velázquez Introduces Bill to Curb Deadly Lithium-Ion Battery Fires

Washington, D.C.— Today, Rep. Nydia Velázquez (D-NY) introduced a bill to prevent fires caused by lithium-ion batteries (LIB) by creating publicly accessible safe charging infrastructure for e-bikes and scooters in communities across the country.
 
Velázquez introduced the bill in response to recent fires sparked by lithium-ion batteries (LIB) in e-bikes and other electric mobility devices. These fires typically occur in neighborhoods with a high density of deliveristas, or delivery workers, who use LIB-powered vehicles in their work. The defective quality of these devices' batteries pose a serious safety risk to delivery workers, their families, and neighbors due to their tendency to start fires. In 2022 alone, lithium-ion batteries caused 200 fires and six deaths in New York City.
 
The Safe Charging Electric Bikes and Scooters Act directs the Department of Transportation to create grants for local governments to install charging and storage stations for e-bikes, scooters, and other mobility devices. These stations would have fireproofing measures so e-bike and scooter users could charge their lithium-ion batteries with a reduced risk of fires and explosions. The bill also create DOT educational programs to perform public outreach on best practices for lithium-ion battery safety.
 
“Lithium-ion battery fires represent a growing threat to all New Yorkers. The longer we wait to act the more lives will be put at risk. This crisis requires a whole of government approach to address it. I applaud the recent steps taken by the city council to address this issue, now it’s time for the federal government to act,” said Congresswoman Velázquez. “This legislation will help prevent fires while not interfering with the ability of deliveristas across the country to make a living. By creating proper safety measures, we can prevent fires, protect jobs, and most importantly, save lives.”
 
For a copy of the bill, click here