The Department of Transportation is proposing a solution for minimizing risk during e-bike charging in NYC. Here are the details, and what managers can do to learn more:
Why E-Bikes?
First, let’s review why e-bikes (including e-scooters) are such a challenge for city owners and managers.
Popular e-bikes (more specifically, the act of charging them) can create major hazards and risks within city buildings. A spate of recent legislation was aimed at making e-bike batteries safer on the consumer side. So far, specific legislation regarding indoor charging requirements hasn’t been passed. As a result, rule guidance has been left to individual management companies, who are trying to balance the needs of residents and occupants while minimizing potential hazards.
What are the charging risks, exactly?
If you attended RealFocus 2023, you may have seen videos provided by NY Fire Consultants showing the possible risks of e-bike charging. Per the NFPA, bad batteries can “catch on fire and cause explosions” – something no one wants in their building. The NFPA also shares details on the risks in NYC specifically:
While there are no national or international statistics on how often e-bikes or e-scooters catch on fire, it does happen with some regularity—and the numbers are rising. The New York City Fire Department (FDNY) reported more than 130 such fires in 2022. These fires have led to five deaths and dozens of injuries. In 2019, the first year FDNY started tracking e-bike fires, only 13 were reported.
Growing concern over e-bike safety made its way into recent annual safety notice mailings bulletins, providing residents with specific instructions on staying safe while using and charging these devices.
The NFPA and experts like NY Fire Consultants do provide recommendations on how to reduce risk for bikes and other lithium-ion battery powered devices. That said, city-driven solutions could be a big help towards managing resident needs and minimizing risk.
City-Approved External Charging Sites
Per an article in Crain’s, property owners in NYC may have the option to install city-approved charging sites on sidewalks outside of their buildings:
Such a process would enable landlords, or commercial tenants with the owner’s consent, to apply for a city permit to set up sidewalk e-bike charging stations outside of buildings or storefronts. The Adams administration says the effort seeks to make safe charging infrastructure more accessible to curb fire safety concerns, while giving private property owners the perk of monetizing public space and the ability to better serve their commercial tenants, said Meera Joshi, the city’s deputy mayor for operations, at a Monday news conference on e-bike safety.
Risk Mitigation
Per the article, the proposed locations would have to comply with safety requirements, including sensors for monitoring batteries and automatic shut-offs for overheating. They would also undergo reviews and approvals by the FDNY and DOB.
Next Steps
A virtual hearing (access linked here, per Crain’s) will be held on August 21st at 10 AM to get more public feedback on this proposal. Please note as of publish time, this hearing did not appear on the city’s proposed rules calendar. We’ll continue to confirm details here as they’re released.
Per the Mayor’s press release, applications for this program will open at the end of 2024.
This proposed solution is just one part of Mayor Adams’ Charge Safe, Ride Safe plan. Additional resources will be allocated for education, including a new FDNY safety campaign focused on lithium-ion batteries and potential risks.
Click here to view the press release and learn more about what’s happening in e-bike safety citywide.
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