by In recent years, e-bikes have killed at least 11 people and injured at least 251 in New York City alone, all from fires started by faulty lithium-ion battery-powered devices.
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In 2022, these bikes were the fourth leading cause of fire deaths, according to the FDNY. And in 2023 there have already been 15 lithium-ion battery-related fires, with one dead and up to 25 injured.
Why do these fires occur?
New York City has seen more of these fires than anywhere else in the country because it’s so densely populated and many delivery drivers use electric bikes for convenient transportation.
However, these bikes often need to be charged overnight at home, and unfortunately many of them were designed with cheap and poorly made batteries that end up exploding and causing those deadly fires.
IN NEW YORK CITY E-BIKE BATTERY CHARGED FOR 22 FIRE, 2 DEATHS SINCE JANUARY
In recent years, e-bikes have killed at least 11 people and injured at least 251 in New York City. (FDNY)
The thing about lithium ion batteries is that the fires they create are different than normal fires, which is why they have killed so many people.
The flames spread much faster, catching any combustible object within seconds. Batteries cannot be extinguished with water or foam as this may cause a reaction and increase the fire.
Firefighters must use extinguishers that are specifically designed for lithium battery fires and contain dry powder that absorbs heat and smothers the fire. The problem with these fires is that they give off toxic gases that add an extra layer of danger.
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What is being done to prevent this?
In New York City Councilman Robert Holden introduced legislation that would ban electric scooters and electric bicycles pending further safety precautions. However, this is only one form of legislation.
Many politicians in New York are working on proposals that would help reduce the fires without having to take bikes away from delivery people entirely, such as:
The New York City Fire Department has also banned e-mobility devices at its headquarters and trained firefighters to respond to lithium-ion battery fires. It also educates fire departments across the country about the risk.
In late November, the FDNY asked landlords in the city to distribute a residential safety bulletin warning renters of the potential dangers of charging electric bikes.
Many politicians in New York are working on proposals that would help reduce the fires without having to take bikes away from delivery people altogether. (FDNY)
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In the meantime, it’s important to note that the vast majority of e-bikes on the market are safe and reliable when used for their intended purpose and properly maintained.
The most important thing to remember is to avoid buying batteries that have been damaged or modified to be unsafe, as well as those that have not been certified with all the proper safety precautions.
E-bike owners should also avoid using a charger that is not designed for the battery or buying batteries from second-hand stores.
And remember not to charge the battery in a place where it could block a fire escape, such as a fire escape. B. a front door or a window.
How do you feel about e-bikes? Should they be banned altogether? Tell us your thoughts.
It is important to note that the vast majority of e-bikes on the market are safe and reliable when used for their intended purpose and properly maintained. (CyberGuy.com)
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