# E-bike battery fires in New York City kill 12 this year

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/enough-is-enough-rising-number-of-deadly-ebike-battery-fires-spark-fear-in-new-york-city/
- Published: 2026-11-14T12:00:44+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-14T12:17:44+00:00
- Original publisher: The Guardian (publisher lean: Left)
- Original article: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/nov/14/new-york-city-ebike-battery-fires-deaths
- Topics: World

## Key points

- New York has recorded over 400 battery fires this year.
- The fires have caused 83 injuries and 12 deaths.
- Planned charging stations remain delayed.

## Summary

Lithium-ion battery fires linked to e-bikes and scooters are causing growing concern in New York City, where fires, injuries and deaths have risen sharply this year. The increase has renewed calls for safer storage and charging options, as batteries charged inside homes can pose a greater risk.

The FDNY recorded more than 400 fires, 83 injuries and 12 deaths this year, compared with 292 fires, 51 injuries and one death in 2025. A six-month battery-swapping pilot saw more than 12,000 swaps and reduced home charging among participants by 35%, but 25 planned charging sites are not expected before 2027. A separate 2023 plan for 173 stations at public housing developments has stalled, with the city saying the promised $25m federal grant has not been provided.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.