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. There have been 108 fires caused by e-bikes so far in 2023, up from the 98 fires recorded at this time last year.

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

Besides distributing the bulletin, building owners can take additional steps to protect their tenants and 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.