Lithium-ion batteries fire prevention bill for the Bronx goes to Senate for final vote
The bill was pushed by Bronx Rep. Ritchie Torres in order to protect residents from devastating fires caused by the batteries.
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A new federal bill is one step closer to preventing fires caused by lithium-ion batteries in New York City.
The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-ion Batteries Act on Wednesday. The legislation will require the Consumer Product Safety Commission to establish some standard safety rules for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries used in e-bikes, electric scooters and electric skateboards.
The bill was pushed by Bronx Rep. Ritchie Torres in order to protect residents from devastating fires caused by the batteries.
FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh says that with the continued enforcement and public education on the dangers of e-bike batteries, this bill could save lives.
"Most technology that we buy does not just spontaneously combust in our homes... but right now people are making things that do and they're making them in a way that causes them to do that... this sets the standard that would not allow that anymore," said Kavanagh.
In March 2023, FDNY officials say at least seven people were injured after a massive fire, caused by one lithium-ion battery, swept through a supermarket on the Grand Concourse.
Another fire broke out over on Ryer Avenue over the weekend in Tremont. They found four e-bike batteries inside of that building.
The bill now goes to the Senate for a vote.
