Preventing NYC Lithium-Battery Fires: It’s Personal

As a Brooklyn resident, the risks of charging lithium-ion batteries are too real. One cold winter evening, my family and I were alarmed by the sound of fire trucks and ambulances—familiar in New York. But this time, the sirens didn’t fade. We soon discovered that a fire had broken out at our neighbor’s home, caused by a lithium battery from an electric scooter in their basement. The fire spread quickly, severely damaging their home; it was a chilling reminder of how dangerous these devices can be when not used, charged, or stored correctly. I wrote an article then wondering if a battery-swapping scheme in NYC would help.

The fire was not an isolated incident. Lithium-ion battery fires have become a growing issue in New York City. In 2023, FDNY reported 268 fires caused by these batteries, many powering e-bikes. Data showed that 59% of these fires occurred when batteries weren’t charging. As e-bikes gain popularity, especially among delivery workers, the risk of battery fires increases, putting users and the broader community in harm's way. Despite their many benefits, these batteries can cause devastating fires when mishandled.

Firefighters responding to a house fire in Brooklyn. Courtesy of Maria Guerra.

Every time I hear on the local news about another fire caused by lithium-ion batteries, and I see a delivery worker navigating the streets of my neighborhood in Brooklyn on their e-bike, I can't help but think: How and where are they charging their batteries? Do they fully understand the dangers of improperly handling or storing these batteries? These thoughts hang in the back of my mind, knowing that many e-bike users may not be fully aware of the risks involved.

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NYC DOT pilot program

Launched six months ago, the NYC Department of Transportation’s battery-swapping program tackles the growing problem of e-bike battery fires by offering delivery workers a safe, accessible alternative to at-home charging. The program included three participating companies, PopWheels, Swiftmile, and Swobbee, as well as 118 participating delivery workers. Users can quickly exchange depleted batteries for fully charged ones by offering battery-swapping stations across the city. Therefore, eliminating the need for home charging which is often a leading cause of fires due to improper handling or storage. FDNY mandated that all charging products charge up to 95% to minimize the risk of battery thermal runaway.

The pilot program has shown several key benefits, such as creating a safe environment for e-bike batteries by regularly charging them using the appropriate equipment. It has also contributed to creating awareness about safe battery practices and educating e-bike users on the potential dangers of misusing lithium-ion batteries.

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Charging technologies participating in the city’s pilot, produced by (from left to right) Swobbee, Swiftmile, and Popwheels. Courtesy of NYC DOT.

"Micro-mobility devices powered by lithium-ion batteries are already in people's homes, and we know we have to find safe ways to use them," stated Fire Commissioner Robert Tucker. "They are used daily by delivery workers and others to work and commute. We are grateful to the DOT for providing delivery workers a safe place to charge their devices. Fires caused by lithium-ion batteries are extremely dangerous and deadly, and we must continue to work together to tackle this public safety threat head on."

The pilot showed that battery-swap cabinets can safely meet the needs of delivery workers, who completed over 12,000 battery swaps over six months. it also reduced dangerous at-home charging sessions by more than a third and, for many participants, eliminated the practice. Despite challenges with the charging products, program participants showed a strong willingness to pay for a monthly, unlimited subscription to maintain access to the services.

Educating New Yorkers: Certified batteries and public safety

A 2022 study by the NYC Department of Worker and Consumer Protection (DCWP) found that 65,000 New Yorkers worked as food delivery workers, 46% using e-bikes. However, with a population of almost 9 million, more needs to be done.

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The FDNY’s $1 million education campaign aims to tackle the surge in lithium-ion battery fires by raising public awareness about the risks of uncertified batteries. Running across subways, buses, digital kiosks, newspapers, and radio in ten languages, the campaign underscores the dangers of battery fires—even when batteries are not charging. Targeted ads are being placed in areas with high fire incidents to maximize impact.

46% of food delivery workers use e-bikes. Courtesy of Maria Guerra.

Additionally, New York City enforces strict regulations requiring e-bike batteries to be certified by accredited labs like UL. Since the law's enactment, the city has issued 275 violations to local stores and 25 to online sellers, including Amazon, for distributing uncertified batteries. Education and regulation are vital and robust approaches to protecting New Yorkers and ensuring only safe, high-quality batteries are used.

The future of battery-swapping programs and educational initiatives in NYC looks very promising. The demand for e-bikes and micro-mobility devices continues to rise, and these solutions can be expanded to other urban NYC areas confronting similar challenges. The safety benefits of scaling the battery-swapping infrastructure could significantly reduce the dependence on home charging while promoting safer charging practices.