FDNY Speeds Up E-Bike Inspections After Fatal Lower Manhattan Fire

NEW YORK CITY — New Yorkers' 311 calls about potentially dangerous e-bike charging setups will get a speedier response from the city after a fatal Lower Manhattan fire this week, officials said.

FDNY firefighters will respond to such calls within 12 hours "effectively immediately," Mayor Eric Adams said Wednesday.

Those inspections used to happen within 72 hours, but a spate of fires sparked by faulty lithium-ion batteries — including the Chinatown blaze early Tuesday that left four dead — showed the need for more action, Adams said.

The mayor encouraged New Yorkers to call 311 if they see questionable e-bike charging practices that include mazes of extension cords, sale of apparently refurbished batteries and informal charging centers that do not appear properly licensed.

“Every call will be investigated quickly and violations will result in enforcement,” he said.

Faulty lithium-ion batteries used to power e-bike have been linked to 108 fires and at least 13 deaths this year in the city, officials said.

Officials also announced Wednesday that FDNY members will partner with city Small Business Services teams to perform outreach on safe practices for lithium-ion batteries at every bike shop and bicycle repair shop in the city.