New Law to Ban Dangerous E-Bike Batteries

By Y.M. Lowy

A new law is about to make e-bikes and other devices with lithium-ion batteries much safer. This law, passed by the U.S. Senate, bans the sale of dangerous, untested batteries that have been causing fires and injuries. It’s expected to go into effect by the end of 2024.

Since 2019, faulty e-bike batteries have caused 929 fires, injuring 507 people and killing 33. These batteries can explode, creating dangerous fires, especially in New York City. To solve this problem, lawmakers have passed a bill that requires all e-bike batteries sold in the U.S. to be tested and certified as safe.

Fire Commissioner Robert Tucker from New York City praised the new law, calling it a “huge win” for safety. U.S. Rep. Ritchie Torres, who helped write the bill, said it would stop dangerous, uncertified batteries from being sold in the U.S.

Now, thanks to this law, only safe, tested batteries will be sold for e-bikes and similar devices. This is a big step toward protecting people from dangerous fires and injuries caused by faulty products.