In a significant move, New York City’s Fire Commissioner, Laura Kavanaugh, has raised concerns over the sale of lithium-ion batteries on Amazon. Commissioner Kavanaugh is urging the online retail giant to exclusively offer ‘legal’ lithium-ion batteries in the city, citing a recent city law that bans the sale of e-bike and scooter batteries that lack certification. In a letter addressed to Amazon’s head attorney, Kavanaugh expressed the need to address the proliferation of so-called ‘bootleg batteries,’ which she believes have contributed to an alarming increase in fire incidents, posing a serious threat to the lives of New Yorkers. The concerns are particularly grave given that, so far this year, lithium-ion batteries have been implicated in over 200 fires, resulting in 14 fatalities.
The backdrop to Commissioner Kavanaugh’s plea is the city law that went into effect last month, explicitly prohibiting the sale of e-bike and scooter batteries that lack certification. This legislative measure reflects the city’s commitment to ensuring the safety of its residents by regulating the sale of potentially hazardous lithium-ion batteries. The law aims to curb the availability of non-certified batteries, which have been linked to an increased incidence of fire-related emergencies.
In a letter addressed to Amazon’s head attorney, Commissioner Kavanaugh expressed her deep concerns regarding the sale of uncertified lithium-ion batteries on the platform. She emphasized that these so-called ‘bootleg batteries’ have been associated with a rising number of fire incidents, posing a significant threat to the safety and well-being of New Yorkers. The Commissioner urged Amazon to take immediate action to restrict the sale of non-certified batteries in compliance with the recently enacted city law.
The urgency of Commissioner Kavanaugh’s appeal is underscored by the alarming statistics related to lithium-ion battery-related incidents in New York City. So far this year, over 200 fires have been attributed to these batteries, resulting in the tragic loss of 14 lives. These incidents highlight the potential dangers associated with uncertified batteries and the imperative need for heightened regulations to protect the public.
As one of the world’s largest online retailers, Amazon plays a pivotal role in ensuring the safety of the products it sells, including lithium-ion batteries. Commissioner Kavanaugh’s letter is a direct call to Amazon to exercise greater responsibility by restricting the sale of ‘bootleg batteries’ that do not adhere to the city’s safety regulations. By doing so, Amazon can contribute significantly to mitigating the risks associated with uncertified batteries and enhance overall consumer safety.
New York City’s Fire Commissioner, Laura Kavanaugh, has taken a strong stance against the sale of uncertified lithium-ion batteries on Amazon, urging the online retail giant to exclusively offer ‘legal’ batteries in compliance with the city’s recently enacted law. The Commissioner’s concerns are rooted in the rising number of fire incidents linked to these batteries, which have already claimed 14 lives this year. The appeal underscores the critical role that major online retailers like Amazon play in ensuring the safety of the products they distribute. As discussions unfold, the focus remains on finding effective measures to curb the availability of non-certified batteries and enhance consumer safety in New York City.
