Congressman Dan Goldman Pushes for Greater Safety Standards for E-Bike Lithium-Ion Batteries

Goldman Cosponsors Legislation to Make Electric Bikes and Scooters Safer to Operate
 
‘Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act’ Would Establish Minimum Safety Standards for Batteries
 
‘Safe Charging Electric Bikes and Scooters Act’ Would Fund Safe Charging Stations in Public Spaces

New York, NY – Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10) today announced he is cosponsoring a package of legislation to tackle the rise in fires caused by lithium-ion batteries. The use of electric bicycles and scooters have skyrocketed in recent years, especially in New York City. However, due to loose regulations surrounding the lithium-ion batteries used, they are prone to ignite and explode, posing a serious threat to public safety. 
 
The ‘Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act’ would establish an overarching safety standard for all lithium-ion batteries used, providing decisive safeguard against these fires. The ‘Safe Charging Electric Bikes and Scooters Act’ would provide funding for safe charging stations in public spaces as well as encourage the use of lithium-ion batteries that are certified by nationally accredited safety testing labs.  
 
“E-bikes have increasingly become irreplaceable transportation alternatives that power the livelihoods of New York’s delivery workers,” Congressman Dan Goldman said. “Implementing greater regulation and publicly provided charging will help mitigate many of the safety concerns caused by lithium-ion batteries while ensuring we are not punishing the delivery workers who keep New York moving. I am proud to work with my colleagues Representatives Velázquez and Torres to support the City’s battery safety efforts at the federal level.”
 
In 2022, 200 fires caused by poorly-made lithium-ion batteries occurred in New York City, devastating New Yorkers who lost both their homes and their vehicles. These batteries are more likely to fail when charged with inadequate electrical equipment, near other batteries, and with subpar electric systems. 
 
The ‘Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act’ requires the Consumer Product Safety Commission to establish definite safety standards for lithium-ion batteries so that consumers can be assured that they are purchasing products that are safe to bring into their homes.
 
The ‘Safe Charging Electric Bikes and Scooters Act’ would ensure access to safe charging stations with fireproofing measures in place. This legislation would also enact public outreach to encourage the purchasing of safety tested lithium-ion batteries, as well as safe storage, and timely replacement of the batteries, all of which reduce the risk of explosions and fires. 
 
As a member of the U.S. House of Representatives Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition, Congressman Dan Goldman is committed to advocating for clean energy innovation that will protect our environment and put us on a path to a greener future.

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