New York City Mayor Eric Adams, City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams and other city officials on Wednesday announced expanded regulations to protect residents from the dangers of uncertified lithium-ion batteries.
The new measures, enacted through Local Laws 49 and 50, give the city authority to close brick-and-mortar retailers that repeatedly violate regulations on selling uncertified batteries and micro-mobility devices, such as e-bikes and scooters, according to a press release.
“The data is clear: Unsafe, uncertified batteries pose a real threat to New Yorkers and their property, and this administration will continue to do everything that it can to enforce the law to keep residents safe,” the mayor said.
The regulations build on Local Law 39, which took effect in 2023, requiring all battery-powered micromobility devices sold in the city to meet accredited lab safety standards. The new rules aim to address growing concerns over fires linked to lithium-ion batteries, which have caused fatalities and property damage across the city.
FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker highlighted the urgency of the new regulations.
“Recklessly, repeatedly selling uncertified lithium-ion batteries is criminal, and a critical threat to public safety," he said.
The laws also increase penalties for violations to up to $2,000 per device type and require retailers, including online sellers, to display fire safety information to help consumers safely charge and store devices. Since Local Law 39 went into effect, city agencies have conducted over 650 inspections and issued more than 275 violations to local retailers.
New York City’s expanded regulatory effort is part of the administration’s broader "Charge Safe, Ride Safe" initiative, which aims to improve safety and awareness around electric micromobility use, according to the press release.
“Lithium-ion batteries pose significant fire risks, and have caused deadly fires across our city, making it critical that we do our part in mitigating preventable death and injury,” said City Council Speaker Adams.
