New York Attorney General Issues E-bike Battery Warning
Owners of e-bikes and e-scooters should use UL-certified gear and avoid power strips to prevent fire risks.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
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New York Attorney General Letitia James has issued a safety warning following a fatal fire in the Bronx linked to an e-bike battery. The advisory highlights the severe risks associated with improper use of lithium-ion batteries in e-bikes and e-scooters.
Why it matters
Battery fires have led to significant loss of life and property across the city, prompting state officials to urge caution. The warning follows a recent tragic incident at the Patterson Houses, underscoring the urgent need for safer charging practices among household owners.
New York City has recorded 401 e-bike battery fires this year, resulting in 74 injuries and six deaths. State officials are now emphasizing the importance of using certified equipment and proper outlets to mitigate these hazards.
The players
Letitia James
The New York Attorney General who provides legal guidance and consumer protection advocacy for state residents.
The details
Lithium-ion batteries pose fire risks when charged using incompatible equipment or damaged components. To improve home safety, users should look for a UL certification logo on all batteries and chargers. Furthermore, always charge batteries directly into a wall outlet to avoid the overload risks associated with power strips.
Timeline
October 28, 2026: Attorney General issued the consumer safety warning.
2026: 401 fires and six deaths occurred in New York City.
The Home Front
This warning reinforces the existing state rechargeable battery law designed to govern the safety standards of lithium-ion devices. It highlights a growing regulatory push to standardize charging safety amidst a rising trend of preventable residential fires.
Check all e-bike and e-scooter batteries for a UL certification label to ensure the device meets safety standards. If you own these devices, stop using power strips for charging and only use the manufacturer-provided charger directly in a wall outlet.
The takeaway
Safety information regarding battery use is currently available through the state in English, Spanish, Simplified Chinese, Bengali, and Haitian Creole. Ensure your household charging routine prioritizes verified, certified equipment to protect your home from fire risk.
Further reading
For more on managing vehicle electronics, visit the Electric Vehicles section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Fingerlakes1.
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