Governor Kathy Hochul today signed into law a legislative package aimed at enhancing safety standards for lithium-ion batteries. This new legislation includes the recognition of EN and UL testing standards and will come into effect in 90 days.
"As e-bike adoption increases and battery technology continues to develop, I urge New Yorkers to be aware of safety best practices and to use their devices and chargers properly," Governor Hochul stated. "These laws underscore our commitment to help New Yorkers make educated, safe, smart choices with their purchases of products with lithium-ion batteries and how to best store and use them to prevent any more tragedies from occurring."
The legislative package includes the following key measures:
Manufactured and Sale Standards of Lithium-Ion Batteries (S.154F/A.4938-D): Allows manufacturers to use ISO 17025, ISO 17065, or an OSHA-approved nationally recognized testing lab.
Legislation S.8743/A.9338: Directs the state to develop and maintain safety resources, information, and protocols regarding fire hazard prevention related to lithium-ion batteries, in consultation with relevant authorities.
Legislation S.8742/A.9337: Requires the State Fire Administrator to provide training materials for first responders on emergency responses to lithium-ion battery incidents.
Legislation S.7503-B/A.01910-B: Mandates retailers of micromobility devices and related lithium-ion batteries to provide customers with an operating manual.
Legislation S.9419/A.7628-A: Requires police and judicial officers to report e-bike or e-scooter accidents resulting in death or injury to the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Legislation S.7703-B/A.8450-B: Requires mopeds to be registered by dealers at the point of sale.
Legislation S.7760-A/A.8102-A: Mandates a red tag on charging cords of micromobility devices, mopeds, and e-bikes to indicate unplugging when not in use.
Legislation S.7744-D/A.8310-C: Requires retailers to affix a notice on e-bikes and micromobility devices, stating to always yield to pedestrians and follow traffic laws, with penalties for non-compliance.
"As the use of these batteries continues to grow, so does the potential for more fires caused by them," said Jackie Bray, Commissioner of the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services. "New York State Fire has trained nearly 5,000 firefighters statewide on lithium-ion battery emergencies, and we will continue to expand these educational tools that will save lives and property."
In February, Governor Hochul announced the start of a safety campaign to raise awareness of consumer products that use lithium-ion batteries. The campaign includes display, search, and social media ads directed to consumers purchasing lithium-ion battery-powered items like e-bikes and e-scooters.
