New York City may turn to delivery apps like DoorDash to prevent e-bike battery fires
NEW YORK -- Over the weekend, a fire involving lithium-ion batteries lit up a warehouse in Brooklyn where hundreds of e-bikes and other mobility devices were being stored.
The New York City Council is now trying to tackle the problem from a different approach - by going after third-party delivery companies. As the crisis from lithium-ion battery fires continues to swell, officials say it's time delivery companies share responsibility.
New legislation proposed by Council Member Oswald Feliz would require delivery apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats and Grubhub to provide safe and certified e-bikes to workers who don't have one.
"These delivery companies have their biggest market right here in New York City and we've seen a lot of fire safety issues caused by these e-bikes. So, not fair for them to simply just turn a blind eye on the issues that are being caused," said Feliz.
At an oversight hearing Monday, food delivery workers pushed for the bill's approval.
"The delivery apps are accumulating multi-billion dollars a year and they don't give benefits for delivery workers. So, I think it's very important they're gonna take the responsibly and start a program," said William Medina, a food delivery worker.
Several food delivery companies testified in opposition and outlined concerns about potential fraud.
"As written, one interpretation is a company like DoorDash would be required to actually purchase an e-bike and a battery for the individual. They could quit DoorDash tomorrow, sign up for Uber Eats the next day. Uber Eats would have to provide an e-bike, and there's no mechanism to control that," said Toney Anaya, with DoorDash.
According to the FDNY, lithium-ion batteries have caused 222 fires, 121 injuries and 14 fatalities so far this year.
Advocates said those stunning numbers are why all parties need to work together to come up with a solution.
"We really need to work comprehensively and that's what today's hearing is about," said Council Member Marjorie Velazquez.
Feliz said he expected pushback from food delivery companies and is committed to working with them to find common ground. The current bill does not outline any fines for potential violations, but Feliz said nothing is off the table.
