NYC must get e-bikes under control: They are a danger on the road and pose a deadly fire hazard

The rise of e-mobility devices has become a scourge in New York City. While these devices may seem attractive, their operation on city streets has caused significant accidents, injuries, and even fatalities. The proliferation of these devices requires us to do more to ensure their safe operation. And off the roads and the sidewalks, their lithium-ion batteries are causing many fires destroying property and tragically claiming lives.

It’s important to note that in 2020, the Legislature passed legislation allowing local municipalities to legalize e-mobility devices under 25 mph. That same year, the City Council rushed to legalize these devices in the city — legislation that I voted against. I knew back then that this rush would result in dangerous conditions on our roads and in our buildings. While there were good intentions behind the legislation, it was clear that the city was not yet prepared to regulate these devices safely. We should take a step back and reevaluate our approach to e-bikes and e-scooters before more lives are needlessly lost.

One of the major concerns about these devices is the number of collisions they have caused. In 2021 and 2022 alone, there were 1,330 crashes involving e-bikes and e-scooters in New York City, resulting in 1,405 injuries and 12 fatalities. These numbers are simply unacceptable and require immediate action.

In addition to the dangers they pose on the road, there is also a growing concern about the use of lithium-ion batteries in these devices. In the first few months of 2023, there have been more than 30 lithium-ion battery fires, with dozens hurt and at least three people killed. In 2022, there were 216 fires, 147 injured, and six dead. These batteries need to be more strictly regulated, and those regulations must be enforced. The potential for catastrophe is far too great.

Given these concerns, it is clear that we need to prohibit the use of e-mobility devices until there is further regulation from Albany and a crackdown on the import of non-UL-listed lithium-ion batteries. Furthermore, these devices should not be allowed to be charged in multi-dwelling buildings, and penalties for doing so should be high. We must ensure that individuals and businesses using these devices are held accountable for their safe operation and potential risk. An illegal repair shop operating out of a residential home in Bushwick stored more than 50 batteries before going up in flames.

The delivery workers who utilize these devices should have them registered and insured, just like any other commercial vehicle businesses use to deliver their goods. And those who use these devices should undergo operational training the way someone applying for a driver’s license would. The Council recently passed a package of bills, including my bill Intro 0722, to deal with fires started by lithium-ion batteries. We need a similar effort to deal with people who use these vehicles recklessly. This is a fundamental matter of safety and responsibility.

In addition to these measures, there needs to be a greater emphasis on education and enforcement. While there are laws regulating e-mobility devices, they are not being enforced rigorously enough. The city needs to educate riders about the rules of the road and the potential dangers of these devices, as well as a crackdown on those who violate existing laws. Without these measures, the dangerous proliferation of these devices on our streets will continue.

Supporters of e-mobility devices claim that increased use is environmentally friendly. While they may seem like a greener alternative to traditional gas-powered vehicles, many experts claim that the production and disposal of lithium-ion batteries are harmful to the environment. We need to take a comprehensive look at the environmental impact of these devices and work to minimize any negative effects.

The free-for-all mentality of e-bike and e-scooter riders on the streets of New York City must be addressed immediately. The number of accidents, injuries, and fatalities caused by these devices is simply unacceptable, and we need to take action to ensure their safe operation. It’s time that New York City prohibits their use until further regulation is in place. My bill, Intro 0758, would require every e-bike, e-scooter, and any e-mobility device (even those that only go 25 mph) to be registered with DOT and receive an identifying number which would be displayed on a visible plate affixed to the vehicle.

It’s time that we take a bold approach to e-mobility devices, which emphasizes safety, environmental responsibility, and proper regulation. We cannot let these devices continue to wreak havoc on our streets and in our buildings. The time for action is now.

Holden represents Glendale, Maspeth, Middle Village and other Queens neighborhoods in the City Council.