Serious Concern Over E-Bike Battery Explosions in New York

The link between e-bike batteries and dangerous fires in New York is now clear. While previously this was an area of speculation, investigations have uncovered undeniably safety hazards with exploding lithium-ion batteries. These explosions can spread to homes, kill innocent people, and alter the lives of New York families forever. Today, even the FDNY Commissioner is urging people to stop using these dangerous devices. But what can you do if you have been injured by an exploding e-bike in New York?

Fire Department Commissioner Issues Dire Safety Warning Regarding E-Bikes

 On November 18th of 2023, the FDNY Commissioner was forced to host a press conference regarding the 17 deaths attributed to e-bike battery explosions during 2023 alone. The situation has reached a point where it can no longer be ignored by public officials, and the Fire Department now accepts that these batteries are causing up to 20% of all fire-related deaths in New York. Keep in mind that many others are suffering serious injuries while escaping with their lives, and these injuries may involve burns, disfigurements, lung damage, and so on.

The Commissioner raised a few key points, including the increased reliance on e-bikes by delivery workers. These individuals often ride through the city on e-bikes, exposing not only themselves to explosions, but also the rest of the city. When they finish work, they return home and store their bikes in condos – exposing densely-packed residences to serious fire hazards. In a recent Brooklyn fire that killed numerous people, an e-bike stored at ground-level exploded while the victims were sleeping.

The Commissioner stresses that many of these e-bikes are completely unregulated by state or federal authorities. In other words, the government has no way of making sure these devices are even safe, and it is leading to a situation in which our streets are literally being flooded with countless explosive devices that could go off at any moment.

City Faces Criticism for Inaction 

For many the Commissioner’s comments are “too little, too late.” Days after her statements, the New York Post ran an article questioning both her and the mayor’s safety record – even suggesting that their inaction may be the result of conflicts of interests and corruption. Some say that the fire department was pressured to ignore safety rules. One of the mayor’s biggest donors was Grubhub, a company that relies heavily on these e-bikes and their presence in New York.

 Where Can I Find a Qualified, Experienced New York Injury Attorney?

 If you’ve been searching for a qualified, experienced New York personal injury attorney, look no further than Cohan Law, PLLC. We recognize the danger posed by lithium-ion batteries and the various products that use them. Whether you have suffered burns, smoke inhalation, or the loss of a loved one, it may be possible to hold the manufacturer of these products accountable and pursue compensation. Book your consultation today to discuss your legal options in more detail.

Sources: 

lavocedinewyork.com/en/new-york/2023/11/18/fdny-commissioner-warns-of-e-bike-battery-explosions-and-urges-safety-measures/

toronto.citynews.ca/2023/11/14/after-fire-kills-3-nyc-officials-say-retailers-delivery-apps-must-to-more-to-ensure-e-bike-safety/

nypost.com/2023/11/19/opinion/when-will-nyc-do-something-about-the-staggering-number-of-e-bike-fire-deaths/