FDNY
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Feds One Step Closer to Requiring Safety Standards for Lithium-ion Batteries
Safety standards are fine, but the responsibility for securing better power packs will still fall on the lowest-paid workers in our city.
December 11, 2023
One Year Later, Delivery Workers Are Still Waiting for Their Charging Hubs
More than a year — and a dozen-plus fatal fires — since the city announced charging stations for delivery workers, the hubs aren't ready,
November 21, 2023
Online Retailers Selling Illegal Batteries and Mopeds to City Buyers
Call it Amazon crime: The mammoth online retailer is selling illegal batteries and mopeds to city residents, despite such devices being forbidden from city streets.
September 21, 2023
Enforcement of Illegal Batteries — and, Apparently, Mopeds — Starts on Saturday
The city says it will send out inspectors this weekend to begin enforcement of a new law prohibiting the sale of uncertified lithium-ion power cells.
September 15, 2023
Council Passes Battery ‘Buy-Back’ Program and Other Bills to Curb Lithium-Ion Fires
Finally, there's a law to create a citywide "buy back" program that would allow delivery workers to exchange faulty or second-hand lithium-ion batteries for safe, certified ones.
September 14, 2023
After Deadly Fire, Mayor Waffles on E-Bike Battery Buy Back Bill
A day after a fatal blaze tore through a Chinatown e-bike shop, killing four, Mayor Adams did not "get stuff done."
June 22, 2023
Wednesday’s Headlines: What in Blazes Edition
The big story yesterday was the aftermath of the devastating, early morning fatal fire in Chinatown on Tuesday.
June 21, 2023
Second Delivery Company Steps Up to Help Workers Avoid Deadly Lithium-Ion Fires
Another tech giant is now stepping up to help delivery workers access safe e-bikes amid a scourge of deadly fires linked to faulty lithium-ion batteries — a week after Uber unveiled two trade-in programs to swap out bad power packs.
April 26, 2023
Delivery Apps Should ‘Step Up’ to Help Workers Avoid Deadly Lithium-Ion Fires, City Says
City Hall is "very much aligned in spirit” with the proposed buyback program.
April 18, 2023
Finally! Uber Helps Fund Two Battery Buy-Back Programs
The San Francisco-based tech giant, which so far has remained relatively silent on an issue that has blazed through the city, is helping fund the two separate pilot programs both aimed at improving access to safe e-bikes and batteries.
April 11, 2023
