Lithium-ion Battery Ban for
Personal Mobility Devices
The Board of Mutual Redevelopment Houses, Inc. has passed a house rule banning lithium-ion batteries used in transportation devices. The ban took effect on September 1, 2023. Lithium-ion batteries and the transportation devices they service are now prohibited from all apartments and common area of the co-op. Further below on this webpage is the complete text of House Rule Number 28.
The Dangers of Lithium-Ion Batteries:
Lithium-ion batteries have become one of the leading causes of structural fires in New York City, especially with the recent surge in popularity of personal transportation devices. These batteries are highly flammable. Numerous factors such as improper manufacturing, charging, storage, or disposal, can lead to explosive fires that spread aggressively and are extremely difficult to extinguish. The batteries need not be “in-use” or connected to an outlet (charging) to spontaneously combust. It is important to note that the larger and more powerful the battery, the greater the threat posed if it were to combust. This new house rule is intended to reduce risk and ensure the safety of all residents, guests, and employees of Penn South. Failure to abide by this policy will result in penalties described in the House Rule. Lithium-ion batteries for household items and medical necessity or ADA purposes will be allowed. The Penn South Security Department will be vigorously enforcing this policy, including via the talk-back system as well as in-person contact. All co-op employees have been instructed to report any device or battery observed in the co-op that may violate this rule, including those seen within apartments during inspections or maintenance.
Lithium-ion batteries have become one of the leading causes of structural fires in New York City, especially with the recent surge in popularity of personal transportation devices. These batteries are highly flammable. Numerous factors such as improper manufacturing, charging, storage, or disposal, can lead to explosive fires that spread aggressively and are extremely difficult to extinguish. The batteries need not be “in-use” or connected to an outlet (charging) to spontaneously combust. It is important to note that the larger and more powerful the battery, the greater the threat posed if it were to combust. This new house rule is intended to reduce risk and ensure the safety of all residents, guests, and employees of Penn South. Failure to abide by this policy will result in penalties described in the House Rule. Lithium-ion batteries for household items and medical necessity or ADA purposes will be allowed. The Penn South Security Department will be vigorously enforcing this policy, including via the talk-back system as well as in-person contact. All co-op employees have been instructed to report any device or battery observed in the co-op that may violate this rule, including those seen within apartments during inspections or maintenance.
House Rule 28:
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Effective September 1, 2023, lithium-ion batteries for use in transportation devices, including but not limited to E-bikes, E-scooters, E-unicycles and such other similar devices may not be stored, charged or present in any apartment or common area of the Cooperative. This prohibition includes the batteries and the transportation devices they service. Lithium-ion batteries for medical necessity or ADA purposes will be allowed subject to review and approval by the Cooperative’s management. Upon receiving notice of a violation, the shareholder of the apartment must present a letter to the co-op Management Office within five business days attesting that they have permanently removed all lithium-ion powered mobility devices, and their batteries, from the premises. Failure to provide this letter within the deadline will be deemed an additional violation. Management reserves the right to inspect apartments for compliance with this rule.
The first violation of this rule will result in a warning. For each subsequent violation of this rule by any member of the same household, fines will be imposed at a rate of $1,500 for the second offense, and thereafter $3,000 for each additional offense. The Cooperative reserves the right to commence legal action to terminate a Cooperator’s tenancy if the circumstances are a threat to the health and safety of Cooperators. Should a violation of this House Rule result in injury or damage to Cooperative property or any Cooperator thereof, the violating Cooperator, including but not limited to any violation caused by occupants or guests for which the Cooperator is responsible, shall be solely and wholly liable for said injury or damage and fully reimburse the Cooperative for its costs. |
Lithium-ion Batteries Safety for Non-Mobility Devices
While the large batteries used in mobility devices are responsible for most of the fires, you may have numerous lithium-ion batteries in your home. These rechargeable batteries are found in devices such as cell phones, laptops, bluetooth speakers, electric toothbrushes, and portable devices of all types. See below for important information about safe use:
Important safety tips for all lithium-ion batteries:
For additional information, see the Lithium-Ion Battery Safety webpage on the New York City website.
While the large batteries used in mobility devices are responsible for most of the fires, you may have numerous lithium-ion batteries in your home. These rechargeable batteries are found in devices such as cell phones, laptops, bluetooth speakers, electric toothbrushes, and portable devices of all types. See below for important information about safe use:
Important safety tips for all lithium-ion batteries:
- Avoid off-brand products with rechargeable batteries. The quality of manufacturing can affect safety.
- Only use the charging device and cable that came with the product. Some fires have started because people used a wire or a charger that is not compatible with their product's battery.
- Do not overcharge devices. Unplug them when they are charged.
- Make sure you are always home and awake when batteries or devices are charging.
- Unplug devices before leaving the apartment or going to bed.
- Purchase an "outlet timer" which cuts off power at a pre-set time to prevent overcharging.
- Immediately unplug items if you observe the following: excessive overheating, strange odors or noises, leaking, or change in color or shape.
- Keep batteries and devices away from all items that can catch fire such as soft, combustible furniture.
- Do not allow batteries and devices to be in direct sunlight.
- Batteries and devices should be kept in room temperature environments. Don’t expose them to fire or excessive heat.
- Do not allow batteries or devices to get wet.
- Do not carry or store batteries or devices with metal items. This will help to prevent short circuiting between the battery terminals.
- Protect your batteries and devices from strong impacts or sharp objects.
- Make sure to install batteries correctly (don’t reverse the polarity)
For additional information, see the Lithium-Ion Battery Safety webpage on the New York City website.