Lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable batteries found in electric bikes and scooters, cars, laptops, tablets, phones and common household devices.

Lithium-ion battery fires have caused deaths, serious injuries and devastating damage to property around the city.

It is not illegal to own something that uses lithium-ion batteries, such as e-bikes and e-scooters. However, you must follow proper storage, charging, and disposal guidelines for these types of batteries.

Always purchase and use devices certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory (NRTL), such as:

• Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL)
• Intertek Testing Services NA, Inc. (ITSNA)
• NSF International (NSF)
• CSA Group Testing and Certification Inc.

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for:

• Charging and storage
• Using the correct battery, cord, and power adapter
• Plugging directly into a wall electrical outlet for charging
• Keeping batteries and devices at room temperature
• Storing and/or charging batteries away from anything flammable
• Keeping away from heat sources
• Bringing batteries to a special waste disposal site

Never:

• Use generic batteries or chargers unless it is specifically approved for your product
• Plug into a power strip or overload an outlet
• Overcharge or leave a battery charging overnight
• Charge a battery or device under your pillow, on your bed, or near a couch
• Leave e-bikes or e-scooters unattended while charging
• Block your primary way in or out of a room/space with e-bikes, e-scooters, wheelchairs, etc.
• Place batteries in a trash or recycling bin; it is illegal

Learn more about lithium-ion battery safety.

Learn about battery disposal rules from the Department of Sanitation.

Report Improper Storage, Charging or Disposal

You can report improper storage, charging, or disposal of lithium-ion batteries, including but not limited to:

• Batteries being charged less than 3 feet apart
• More than 5 batteries being charged at once
• Using multiple extension cords to charge batteries
• Batteries that look like they’ve been tampered with
• Suspected unlicensed business charging batteries

Your report will be referred to the appropriate Fire Prevention Unit. FDNY will review the report and possibly inspect the location by the next business day. 

You will get a response within 12 hours of submitting your report.

Call 311 or 212-NEW-YORK (212-639-9675) to report the problem.

Report Counterfeit Battery Chargers

You can report suspected counterfeit chargers to FDNY. This includes chargers that have fake Underwriters Laboratories (UL) stickers.

Call 311 or 212-NEW-YORK (212-639-9675) for help.