R David Paulison is a board director of the U.S. National Fire Protection Association. Prior to that, he was fire chief of Miami-Dade County, and trustee of Underwriters Laboratories among several other achievements. Paulison told New York Daily News, too many people are dying in fires caused by bad e-bike batteries and chargers. Let’s save lives and avoid more tragedies – together – he pleaded.
Are We Doing Enough to Prevent Bad E-Bike Battery Fires?
We have regulations, law enforcement, product standards, and litigation, Paulison agreed on December 10, 2023. But they will need time to take effect, and meanwhile we need practical steps on the ground. However, we can’t leave the situation to first responders to tackle alone.
“Today, tomorrow, and next week – government, the private sector, first responders, and e-bike stakeholders – must work together without rancor to save lives. Law and policy have their place, but this is an emergency that requires collective action without delay.”
Paulison proposes the following ’emergency measures’:
- Authorities, especially in urban areas, must exchange dangerous batteries for safe ones.
- Fire and police stations should inspect, and replace dangerous batteries on the turn.
- Bike shops and clubs should publicize the risks of bad e-bike batteries, and take proactive action.
- Steps should be taken against ‘unlicensed bike shops that operate in the shadow economy’.
- Delivery apps and brick-and-mortar services must give practical advice to their stakeholders.
- Local leaders and religious groups should reach out to people who don’t trust official channels.
What Should We, As Individuals Do About Bad E-Bike Batteries?
This topic has been the subject of much publicity lately, and so it is not easy to find a new handle on it. Newmarket Today chatted with Richmond Hill Fire and Emergency Services (RHFES) on December 10, 2023.
RHFES have teamed with National Fire Protection Association to raise awareness about the fire risks associated with lithium-ion batteries. Their joint community action centers on responsible individual consumer action. In a nutshell, do not use an e-bike lithium battery, if you have any reason to suspect it.
More Information:
Should We Standardize Batteries for E-Bikes?
New York City E-Bike Recovery Project
