E-Bike Battery Fire Kills Two Children in Queens, Highlighting Deadly Risks

An electric bicycle battery ignited a fire in Queens that killed two children and injured others.
The deaths bring the city’s death toll from e-bike blazes this year to five and the total number of e-bike fires to 59.
Safety officials have urged residents to follow e-bike manufacturers’ safety protocols but said regulations may be needed to prevent further tragedy.
Four other family members were able to escape by jumping out of their building's windows as the blaze quickly engulfed the vestibule where the e-bike had been charging.
The city is struggling with how to safely incorporate the growing popularity of e-bikes and other micro-mobility devices like e-scooters.