New York Passes New Lithium-Ion Battery Legislation

ALBANY, N.Y. - Legislation that targets lithium-ion batteries and aims to keep New Yorkers safe both on and off the road is now on the books.

The package of laws signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul on Thursday, July 11, prohibit the sale of lithium-ion batteries that are not up to manufacturing standards (and include civil penalties for violations); direct the Department of State -- in consultation with the Division of Homeland Security, Emergency Services, and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority -- to develop and maintain safety resources; require the state fire administrator within the Homeland Security’s Office of Fire Prevention and Control to create training materials for first responders for incidents involving lithium-ion batteries, and require retailers to provide operating manuals for items with lithium-ion batteries.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE FREE TAPINTO.NET NEWSLETTER

They also require: making a report to the state Department of Motor Vehicles following electric bike, scooter, or moped accidents that have resulted in injuries or death – to make things consistent with other vehicles and motorcycles; dealers to register mopeds at the point of sale, micro-mobility devices to have red tags on charging cords stating to unplug when not in use, and retailers to include notices on e-bikes warning users to follow traffic laws and to yield to pedestrians.

Retail entities that violate the laws face penalties of up to $250 per unit for the first offense and not more than $1,000 for each subsequent offense.

“As e-bike adoption increases and battery technology continues to develop, I urge New Yorkers to be aware of safety best practices and to use their devices and chargers properly,” Hochul said.

“These laws underscore our commitment to help New Yorkers make educated, safe, smart choices with their purchases of products with lithium-ion batteries and how to best store and use them in order prevent any more tragedies from occurring,” she added.

DOWNLOAD THE FREE TAPINTO APP FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS. AVAILABLE IN THE APPLE STORE AND THE GOOGLE PLAY STORE .

They build on the “Buy Safe, Charge Safe” statewide campaign Hochul announced earlier this year to raise awareness about the dangers of lithium-ion battery fires.

(The New York City Fire Department reported that lithium-ion batteries caused 270 fires, injured 150 people, and killed 18 people in 2023.)

The multi-agency effort was applauded by DMV Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder, who also chairs the governor’s Traffic Safety Committee.

“These are important steps to keep New Yorkers safe. Before buying an e-bike, familiarize yourself with everything you need to do to maintain it safely and prevent fires,” he advised.

For more local news, visit TAPinto.net