In the past few 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.
According to the FDNY, these bicycles were the cause of the fourth most fire deaths by 2022. And by 2023, there have already been 15 lithium-ion battery fires, killing one person and injuring up to 25.
Why do these fires start?
New York City has had more of these fires than anywhere else in the country because it is so densely populated and many delivery drivers use electric bicycles as an easy way to get around.
However, these bikes often require overnight charging at home, and many of them are unfortunately designed with cheap and poorly made batteries that explode and start these deadly fires.
IN NEW YORK CITY, E-BIKE BATTERIES CHARGED FOR 22 FIRES, 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 start are different from normal fires, which is why they killed so many.
The flames spread much faster and capture any combustible object within seconds. The batteries cannot be extinguished with water or foam as this may cause a reaction and increase the fire.
Firefighters must use extinguishers specifically designed for lithium battery fires and contain dry powder, which absorbs the heat and extinguishes the fire. A bigger problem with these fires is that they release toxic gases, which pose an additional hazard.
MORE: AI RACE REPLACES HUMAN DRIVERS
What is being done to prevent this?
In New York City Councilman Robert Holden has introduced legislation banning electric scooters and electric bicycles until more safety measures are put in place. However, this is only one form of legislation.
Many New York politicians are working on proposals to help reduce the number of fires without requiring delivery drivers to completely take the bikes away, such as a bill that would legally require people to charge their batteries outside the home.
Also, the New York City Fire Department has 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 on the risk.
In late November, the FDNY required landlords in the city to distribute a safety bulletin in residential buildings warning tenants about the potential dangers of charging electric bicycles.
Many politicians in New York are working on proposals to reduce the number of fires without having to completely remove the bikes from the delivery people. (FDNY)
WHAT MAKES YOUR LAPTOP BATTERY REALLY SMALL?
In the meantime, it’s important to note that the vast majority of e-bikes on the market are safe and reliable when used as intended and properly maintained.
The most important thing to remember is to avoid buying batteries that have been damaged or altered as unsafe, as well as batteries that have not been certified with all the proper safety precautions.
E-bike owners should also avoid using a charger not designed for the battery or buying batteries from thrift stores.
And remember not to charge the battery in a place where it could block a fire escape, such as a front door or window.
What do you think of e-bikes? Should they be banned altogether? Tell us your opinion.
It is important to note that the vast majority of e-bikes on the market are safe and reliable when used as intended and properly maintained. (CyberGuy.com)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
For more of my tips, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report newsletter by clicking the “Free Newsletter” link at the top of my website.
Copyright 2023 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved. CyberGuy.com articles and content may contain affiliate links that earn a commission when purchases are made.
