Requires the installation and maintenance of outdoor lithium-ion battery charging stations at multiple dwellings as part of the state uniform fire prevention and building code; prohibits charging lithium-ion batteries used in powered mobility devices inside of multiple dwellings.
Summary
This bill would amend the New York Executive Law to require the state fire prevention and building code to include standards mandating that all multiple dwellings install and maintain at least one outdoor charging station for lithium-ion batteries used in powered mobility devices by residents. It would also prohibit charging those batteries inside multiple dwellings. The bill is aimed at devices such as e-bikes, e-scooters, limited use motorcycles, and other similar personal mobility devices that use lithium-ion or other storage batteries.
The bill defines “lithium-ion battery” and “powered mobility device” broadly, covering electric-assist bicycles, electric scooters, certain limited-use motorcycles, electrical personal assistive mobility devices, and other wheeled devices such as skateboards and unicycles. It would take effect immediately upon enactment and would operate through the state’s uniform fire prevention and building code framework.
Impact
If enacted, the bill would require changes to the state uniform fire prevention and building code and would impose a new safety-related obligation on owners and operators of multiple dwellings. Residential buildings covered by the code would need to provide outdoor charging access for residents’ lithium-ion batteries and would be barred from allowing indoor charging of those batteries. The practical effect would be to shift charging practices for e-mobility devices out of apartments and common indoor areas and into designated outdoor locations, affecting landlords, property managers, and tenants in multiple dwellings.
Sentiment
No committee transcripts or recorded votes were provided, so there is no direct evidence of legislative debate or formal support/opposition in the available record. Based on the bill text and caption, the measure appears motivated by fire safety concerns associated with lithium-ion battery charging in residential buildings. The overall framing is preventative and regulatory rather than punitive, suggesting a public-safety-oriented intent.
Contention
The main likely point of contention is the indoor charging prohibition, which could be viewed as a safety measure by supporters but as burdensome or impractical by opponents, especially in buildings with limited outdoor space or infrastructure. Another possible issue is the breadth of the definition of powered mobility device, which extends beyond e-bikes and e-scooters to other battery-powered personal devices. Landlords may also object to the cost and logistics of installing and maintaining outdoor charging stations, while tenant advocates may raise concerns about convenience, access, and enforceability.