Fires from lithium-ion batteries, which power ebikes and scooters, have become regular occurrences in New York, causing deaths and fear among residents, but the city has failed to build infrastructure that could reduce the threat.

New York has seen a dramatic uptick this year in fires from the batteries. In 2025, there were 292 fires, 51 injuries and one death, according to the New York fire department (FDNY). This year, there have already been more than 400 fires, 83 injuries and 12 deaths.