Electronic bikes gain speed in WNY, local bike shop offers tips to remain safe

TONAWANDA, N.Y. (WIVB) — Electric bikes and electric scooters have never been more popular.

“E-bike sales have really tripled in the last three years,” said Jim Costello, the regional manager of Bert’s Bikes and Fitness.

Costello says e-bikes are safe, but like any other battery-powered vehicle, he says people need to use common sense.

“You want to make sure that what you’re buying is safe and rated,” he said. “Any bike that’s bought under $800 on Amazon doesn’t have to meet any safety standards or anything like that. Every bike that we sell, the batteries have a UR listing. Someone has tested it to make sure it’s safe.”

The Firefighters Association of the State of New York says improperly charging lithium ion batteries could start a fire.

“In recent years we have seen a noticeable uptick in the number of fires caused by e-bikes and other small mobility devices that utilize lithium ion batteries,” said FASNY Secretary John D’Alessandro.

FASNY recommends only buying products certified by a third-party safety testing group, plugging chargers directly to the wall outlet, and never leaving batteries unattended while charging.

“Any technology can be used properly or misused,” D’Alessandro said. “We need consumers to play their part to use properly tested and proved equipment, batteries and charges so they don’t have to come meet us at the front door because their house is on fire.”

Sarah Minkewicz is an Emmy-nominated reporter and Buffalo native who has been a part of the News 4 team since 2019. Follow Sarah on Twitter @SarahMinkewicz and click here to see more of her work.