S7446A

The New York State Senate passed legislation sponsored by Sen. Chu to require businesses to install fire suppression safety systems to combat dangers from lithium-ion batteries in e-bikes and e-scooters. The bill passed 54-7 on a roll call vote. Sen. Chu cited Fire Department of New York data showing e-bike batteries caused 268 fires across New York City last year, resulting in over 150 injuries, some fatal. She characterized the measure as commonsense legislation protecting riders, residents, and first responders. The bill takes effect 180 days after becoming law. However, Sen. Borrello and six other Republicans voted against the measure, arguing it imposes unclear and prohibitively expensive requirements on small businesses while larger retailers like Amazon and Walmart can continue selling e-bikes without similar restrictions. Borrello questioned the practical effectiveness of the required fire suppression systems, noting that sprinkler systems cannot extinguish battery fires and that restaurant-grade Ansul systems are too expensive for small Main Street businesses to afford.