The Rising Concern: E-Bike Dangers in New York City

An NYPD Highway patrolman investigates a crash at Third Avenue and East 149 Street after a scooter rider and an e-bike rider collided, sending the 58-year-old e-bike rider into the path of an MTA bus on June 19. -Photo by David Greene

By David Greene 

Manhattan Voice 

August 1, 2023

NEW YORK - The number of injuries and deaths continue to climb from the mostly improper use of the new e-scooters, mopeds, and some e-bikes, often caused by poorly manufactured or incompatible chargers as homes and businesses have erupted in flames.

On July 15, the FDNY reported via Twitter that as of July 6, there have been 125 fires caused by Lithium-ion batteries in New York City that have led to at least 13 deaths and 66 injuries since January 1st.

But the greatest danger to most Bronxites surveyed on the issue, as a large majority agree-- Scooter riders drive like they don't have to follow the rules of the road.

The New York City Council recently passed a measure banning the sale of non-UL certified electric bikes and scooters with lithium-ion batteries as well as their reconditioning for resale, but little has been done to enforce the traffic laws involving scooters and e-bikes and police are forced to confiscate illegal bikes when time permits and its safe to do so.

On July 3, Citizens App reported a motorcycle crash at Bogart Avenue and Van Nest Avenue in the Morris Park section at just before 9:30 a.m. The visibly shaken female driver told the Bronx Voice, "He just basically ran. He didn't bother looking at the stop sign and he just kept going.”

The victim continued, "It was a regular moped. He didn't have a license plate. He just banged into (the vehicle).”

Pointing to a dent in the car and shattering the passenger window. She added, "And you see the impact, that's how fast he was going and he didn't stop." Now near tears, she concluded, "And then he looked at me like I was at fault. I stopped." As she pointed out she captured the crash on dash-cam video.

On June 19, officers from the 40th Precinct were called to Third Avenue and East 149 Street in The Hub, after an e-bike rider and a scooter rider collided, sending the e-bike rider into the path of an MTA bus.

The unidentified 60-year-old moped rider was injured and treated at the scene by paramedics, while the 58-year-old e-bike rider suffered a severe head injury and was transported to Lincoln Hospital in critical condition. The NYPD continues to investigate the cause of the crash.

One man operating an unlicensed scooter as he crossed Third Avenue and stopped to look at the crash scene. The scooter rider attempted to defend his own decision to not wear a helmet, stating, "I wear a helmet, I live nearby.”

The scooter rider said, "I know, but these guys, they drive wild." Asked if he follows all the rules, he replied, "Yes, I do." He continued, "But these guys are wild, they beat the light, they ride on the sidewalk."On June 20, a Manhattan e-bike shop burst into flames on Madison Street. The fire spread to the apartment building over the shop, killing four people and critically injuring two others.

On June 21, Mayor Eric Adams joined FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh and other city officials as they visited the Madison Street e-bike shop and announced a new plan to expedite investigations into complaints about e-bike shops and other locations charging these vehicles as well as a new education plan targeted for bike shops to prevent future fires.

At a press conference held outside the shop, Adams said, "We are committed to leading the nation in identifying proactive ways to both increase enforcement against those improperly using lithium-ion batteries while simultaneously educating users on how to best use these products.”

Adams stated that beginning on that day all complaints to 311 regarding bike shops or any location with "questionable activity" regarding e-bike or scooter charging will be investigated by the FDNY within 12 hours. Members of the city's Small Business Services will assist in instructing local businesses regarding the safe charging of e-bikes and scooters. 

FDNY Commissioner Kavanagh said, "We are devastated by the losses suffered at the fire at the e-bike store in Chinatown. Too many people have lost their lives because of lithium-ion batteries.”

Mayor Eric Adams joins other city officials as they survey the damage at the deadly e-bike store fire on Madison Street on June 21. -Photo courtesy of the NYC Mayors office

There have been at least five recent fires suspected to have been caused by lithium-ion batteries:

* An all-hands fire on the third floor of 3636 Holland Avenue on June 15. One person was reportedly injured.

* An all-hands fire reported at 1420 Washington Avenue, also on June 15.

* A fire reported on the 4th-floor of 1387 Jessup Avenue on June 11.

* A fire was reported at an e-bike store at 275 East 206 Street on June 7.

* An e-bike fire reported in the rear of 1579 Leland Avenue on June 7.

The Bronx Voice has asked the FDNY for a list of recent lithium-ion related fires in the Bronx, while asking them to confirm the list above involving these batteries. The FDNY was unable to provide a list or confirm that the fires above were caused by these batteries, before the publication of this article.

The FDNY is urging owners of Lithium-ion-powered devices to visit the following website for the best practices to share and store these vehicles, visit: www.FDNYSmart.org.

Meanwhile, the 49th Precinct sent out this recent warning on Twitter, telling residents, “Be aware that thieves working in pairs are using mopeds / e-bikes to snatch chains off the necks of pedestrians.” Officials say be aware of your surroundings and remain cautious when two people ride a scooter on a sidewalk.