Fires caused by lithium ion batteries in e-bikes and scooters are becoming more common in New York City.

The number of deaths from battery fires increased in 2023, tripling to 18 from six the previous year. 

But a lot of delivery workers rely on e-bikes and e-scooters for work. An advocacy group for app based delivery workers called Los Deliveristas Unidos, says they want safe working conditions but not overregulation. So, if you need an e-bike to work, how do you do it safely?

Councilmember Joann Ariola, chair of the New York City Council Committee on Fire and Emergency Management, and Bobby Eustace, Vice President of the Uniformed Firefighters Association, talks with WNYC'S Sean Carlson about best practices around e-bikes.