Manhattan E-Bike Crisis Triggers Flurry of New State Laws to Protect Public
After a series of accidents and eight deaths in Manhattan last year linked to faulty lithium-ion batteries, Governor Hochul signed legislation on July 11 to promote the safe use of e-bikes and instituted the first statewide ban on non-UL certified lithium-ion batteries.
A comprehensive new set of rules governing lithium-ion batteries and e-bikes, including a groundbreaking requirement to register mopeds with New York State at the point of sale, was signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul on July 11. This follows a year marked by 18 deaths tied to faulty lithium-ion batteries in NYC, an increase in violent e-bike collisions, Mayor Adams’ citywide crackdown, and the NYPD’s confiscation of 42,000 illegal electric vehicles.
“As e-bike adoption increases and battery technology continues to develop, I urge New Yorkers to be aware of safety,” Hochul said. “These laws underscore our commitment to help New Yorkers make educated, safe, smart choices with their purchases of products.”
Two of the bills were introduced by Assemblymember Alex Bores, who was invited by the governor to speak at the bill-signing ceremony. Last year, Bores’ office released a report that examined every e-bike and moped fire and every vehicle collision in New York City, finding that e-bikes were 28 times more likely to cause a death than a regular bicycle.
Assembly Bill A7628, now law, requires accident reports to specify when e-bikes and e-scooters are involved by modifying state accident reports, allowing for the collection of valuable data. Additionally, Assembly Bill A8450, also now law, addresses the issue of unregistered mopeds across New York. While mopeds must be registered with the DMV and require a driver’s license to operate, a loophole allowed these vehicles not to be registered at the point of sale, resulting in very few registrations. This bill closes that loophole.
“This package of common-sense bills will keep New Yorkers safer from battery fires and collisions,” said Bores. “By requiring the registration of mopeds at point of sale and the collection of e-bike collision data, we are making our streets safer and increasing accountability.”
Many of the new regulations stop short of imposing stiffer penalties for the sale of faulty materials that some advocates seek. Instead, they require micro-mobility devices to have red tags on charging cords urging users to unplug them when not in use and mandate training materials for first responders dealing with lithium-ion battery incidents.
Present at the bill signing, taking his first major steps outside of his apartment, was Rabbi Michael Miller, who had his right leg broken by a hit-and-run e-biker in early June. Miller, a retired NYPD chaplain who spent over 30 years with the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York, called for a crackdown after his injury. Mayor Eric Adams described rogue e-bikers as a “menace to our city.”
Miller collided with an e-bike rider going the wrong way down a one-way street, leaving him writhing on the ground while the e-biker sped away without stopping. The rabbi needed a titanium rod inserted into his leg as he struggled to learn to walk again.
“As a victim of a reckless e-bike rider, the signing of legislation today is an initial step in regulating this very popular but hazardous form of transportation,” he said. “[The legislation] is a very meaningful indication that we’re heading in the right direction.”
Among the flurry of bills was a state law that prohibits the sale of lithium-ion batteries not approved by Underwriters Laboratory, mirroring a city law already on the books. Last year, eight deaths in Manhattan, including one blaze in Chinatown that killed four, were among the 18 citywide deaths from fires started by faulty lithium-ion batteries.
In February this year, 27-year-old Fazil Kahn, a young journalist from India and Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism graduate, was killed in a fire in a Washington Heights apartment building. Fire marshals found a faulty lithium-ion battery used by delivery workers on another floor had exploded, igniting the blaze. The fire was so intense that firefighters had to use a rare rope roof rescue to bring three residents trapped above the flames to safety.
Miller said Hochul was asked how many of these incidents occurred years ago. Hochul dramatically replied, “Zero!” indicating the surge in the use of e-bikes, e-scooters, and mopeds. Their popularity increased during the pandemic when many home-bound residents relied on delivery services, and it has continued to surge even as COVID eased.
Miller acknowledged that these vehicles can be “very beneficial” because they provide easy access to food delivery but also pose significant risks. He has spoken to several members of Congress to discuss the crisis at a national level.
“It’s the world we live in, where we want everything as fast as possible,” he said. “This is not just a municipal and state issue. It’s a national issue.”
Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright, who visited Miller in the hospital, has been a major voice on the growing e-bike problem and co-sponsored the legislation. Seawright represents Miller’s Upper East Side neighborhood, and her own daughter was hit by a bicycle outside her local high school.
“Careless e-vehicle usage poses deadly threats to our communities,” she said. “No one should fear navigating their own neighborhoods.”
Hochul hopes this legislation will help bring attention to what’s happening in Manhattan, reinforcing her number-one priority as governor: to keep New York safe.
“I’m very hopeful for pedestrians here in New York,” Miller said. “There is hope that the government will get its arm around [e-vehicles] to ensure and enhance our quality of life.”
Kristina Grant is not just an enthusiast but a true authority on electric bikes. Nestled in the coastal beauty of Virginia, Kristina has found the perfect backdrop for her passion for electric biking. As a dedicated wife and homeschooling mom, her life revolves around family, faith, and the thrill of adventure.
Originally hailing from Ohio, Kristina's journey with electric bikes began as a curiosity and quickly evolved into a deep expertise. Her blog is a testament to her love for electric biking, combining her fascination for eco-friendly transportation with her coastal lifestyle.
When she's not cruising the beach on her electric bike, you'll find Kristina indulging in her other loves: long walks along the shore, getting lost in a good book, and cherishing moments with her loved ones. With a heart as big as her love for animals, especially cats, Kristina brings a unique perspective to the electric bike world, grounded in her strong faith in God and her dedication to a sustainable lifestyle.
Through her blog, Kristina shares her extensive knowledge of electric bikes, offering valuable insights, tips, and recommendations to fellow enthusiasts. Whether you're a seasoned rider or a newcomer to the electric bike scene, Kristina's blog is your go-to source for all things electric biking, fueled by her passion, expertise, and the scenic beauty of coastal Virginia.
