The City of San Francisco held a meeting on July 4, 2025, focusing on fire safety concerns related to battery-operated scooters and energy storage systems. The discussion was prompted by a recent fatality linked to scooter battery incidents, highlighting the urgent need for safety measures.

One council member emphasized the seriousness of the issue, advocating for public assurance regarding the safety of these devices. They suggested that the fire department should provide written guidance and possibly participate in future discussions to address community concerns.

In response, city officials acknowledged the importance of involving the fire department in these discussions. They noted that initial feedback had been received, including a fire bulletin addressing safety for stationary energy storage and references to the California fire code. It was pointed out that scooter batteries are often less safe compared to larger home energy storage systems typically used with rooftop solar installations.

The meeting also touched on regulatory frustrations within the industry, as San Francisco's regulations on battery storage are stricter than those in other parts of California. Currently, the city limits battery storage installations to 20 megawatts without requiring additional safety measures like sprinklers, while other regions allow for larger installations without such constraints.

Overall, the meeting underscored the city's commitment to enhancing safety protocols for battery-operated devices and the importance of collaboration with fire safety experts to protect the community. Further discussions and actions are anticipated as the city seeks to address these critical safety issues.