The legislation would create the first city-run trade-in program for e-bikes and lithium-ion batteries.New York City Council voted to establish the programSo far, there have been 175 fires related to lithium-ion batteries this year, killing 14 people.
"This is going to be huge help and support for delivery workers around New York City," said Gustavo Ajche with Los Deliveristas Unidos."It really is an explosion more so than it is a smoldering fire as you would often think. So, you see the volume of fire that occurs immediately upon explosion. It can make it impossible in that moment. You often hear us say that early warning is the best way to save yourselves from a fire. That is not the case with e-bikes.
In addition to the trade-in program, the city is banning the sale and lease of uncertified e-bikes, cracking down on retailers in physical stores and even on Amazon.