E-Bikes: A Rising Challenge for Building Fire Safety

Many building tenants in New York City are turning to e-bikes as a more convenient and affordable way to commute. However, the popularity of e-bikes has created a surge in the number of fires and explosions caused by the lithium-ion batteries that power them. Last year, faulty lithium-ion batteries caused 267 fires in New York City, roughly a 20% increase over 2022. The number of deaths tripled to 18 versus six the previous year, and 150 people were injured.

Lithium-ion battery fires can be even more destructive in an apartment or mixed-use building, where a fire can spread quickly between units. The current FDNY Fire and Emergency Preparedness Annual Bulletin includes e-bike fire safety tips for residents.

Insurance Exclusion for E-Bikes and Scooters

The growing incidence of fires caused by the lithium-ion batteries that power e-bikes and scooters has driven some insurance companies to exclude these forms of transportation from commercial insurance policies, including landlord insurance. Such endorsements specifically exclude any occurrence of fire or fire-related damages caused by an electronic bike or scooter, its associated charging equipment, and batteries, whether or not attached.

As e-bikes—and e-bike fires—become more common, these insurance exclusions will likely become standard practice. Landlords will need to decide whether or not to permit tenants to store these modes of transportation, as well as establish policies to reduce potential e-bike fires from visitors and/or delivery personnel.

Building owners who allow tenants to keep e-bikes and scooters on premises should take steps to reduce the risk of an e-bike fire in their building.

3 Steps Landlords Can Take to Prevent E-Bike Fires

Raising awareness of e-bike safety recommendations is essential, but there’s also a potential building improvement opportunity (see #3 below) that can help protect your building from e-bike fires.

1. Include the FDNY e-bike fire safety bulletin in your lease or move-in materials.

Consider attaching a copy of the e-bike fire safety bulletin (or another comparable guide) to your lease or “welcome” letter.

You can also require tenants to sign a safety agreement regarding the use of e-bikes on the premises. In the agreement, encourage tenants to use e-bike batteries that are certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory. Certified batteries will have a sticker affixed with symbols like UL, ETL and CSA.

2. Create a flyer that summarizes FDNY e-bike safety tips, with building-specific instructions.

Include at least the following tips:

• Do not store your e-bike near the entrance of your unit.
•  Avoid overcharging the battery by unplugging it as soon as it’s finished charging.
•  Never charge the battery when you’re asleep or away from home.
• Only use the original charger that came with your e-bike. If you need a replacement, ask the manufacturer for a list of recommendations that are compatible with your e-bike model.
• Inspect your e-bike’s battery for wear and tear regularly, and replace the battery immediately if you notice it leaks or emits odd smells, noises, or smoke as it charges.
• Dispose of old lithium-ion batteries at a safe disposal location; it is illegal to throw them in the trash at your unit.

3. Consider setting up a safe charging and storage facility on site.

If you have the space on your property and an increasing number of your tenants use e-bikes, you may want to add a secure storage facility that is equipped with electrical outlets, a sprinkler system, and locking mechanisms. You’ll show your commitment to the safety of your current tenants and potentially make your property more attractive to prospective tenants.