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Council adopts battery safety rules for e-bikes and scooters after fire-safety push from fire officials
Summary
The council unanimously passed ordinance B739 to restrict charging and storage practices for certain lithium-ion e-bike and scooter batteries in multifamily and common areas after testimony from the fire marshal and council members about the fire risk posed by secondhand and uncertified batteries
The Hoboken City Council approved ordinance B739, aimed at reducing fire risk from lithium-ion batteries used in electric bicycles, scooters and similar micro-mobility devices. The measure bars charging and storage of certain batteries in common hallways and other shared spaces and limits the use of non-UL-rated or otherwise uncertified batteries in multiunit buildings.
Council members described the ordinance as a public-safety priority prompted by incidents and fire marshal concerns. "If you live in any multifamily building and you see, either an e-bike or scooter that is parked in your hallway and plugged into an outlet in the hallway, that's illegal now under this," a council member explained during debate.
Council debate and committee work leading up to the vote focused on narrowing the scope to target the riskiest items: secondhand batteries and devices lacking recognized safety certifications. Speakers said the original draft had been broader and that the revised draft attempts to protect micro-mobility users while reducing hazards in buildings and common areas.
Supporters included the fire marshal and council members who said the regulations give emergency personnel clearer authority and reduce the chance of apartment fires spreading quickly because of improperly stored or charged batteries. Councilman Quintero, who had advocated for a stricter approach earlier, said the revised ordinance targets the riskiest devices while allowing safer, certified units to remain in use under responsible practices.
Councilman Cohen and others also said the ordinance is intended to be practical and enforceable; the measure reflects community feedback and aims to avoid unnecessarily restricting people who own certified equipment.
The ordinance passed on a roll-call vote with all members present voting in favor: Councilwoman Cohen (Aye); Councilman Fisher (Yes); Councilman Jabbour (Yes); Councilman Prezizzano (Aye); Councilman Quintero (Aye); Councilman Ramos (Aye); Councilman Russo (Aye); Council President Doyle (Aye).
