NEW YORK (PIX11) – City officials can now close businesses that repeatedly sell e-bikes and other powered devices that don’t meet safety standards, thanks to new legislation passed Wednesday.
Businesses will face fines of up to $2,000 for selling any powered mobility device, largely powered by lithium-ion batteries, that doesn’t meet “recognized safety standards,” according to the legislation. As violations accrue, the business could be padlocked.
Before, businesses selling unregulated motorized scooters and bikes were only subject to, at worst, a $1,000 fine.
The bill was unanimously approved by the City Council Wednesday and requires Mayor Eric Adams’ signature before going into effect.
City Council members celebrated the new legislation as a life-saving win as lithium-ion batteries spark fires across the city, including a fire in Harlem on Friday that killed a reporter.
And in 2023, 18 people were killed in fires sparked by lithium-ion batteries across the city, according to City Council Member Gale Brewer.
“It’s the 31st blaze caused by lithium-ion batteries this year,” Brewer, who introduced the legislation, said of Friday's deadly fire. “We have to do something about this.”
The council also passed a bill to require businesses to post safety information along with any sales of lithium-ion battery-powered devices. They could face up to a $300 fine if they do not.
“We need to have e-bike repair shops to be as safe as any auto repair shop,” Brewer said. “Consumers should be informed.”
Emily Rahhal is a digital reporter from Los Angeles who has covered local news for years. She has been with PIX11 since 2024. See more of her work here and follow her on Twitter.
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