Queens E-Bike Shop Burns Down: Lithium-Ion Batteries Blamed, Firefighter Injured

Queens E-Bike Shop Goes Up in Flames: Lithium-Ion Batteries Blamed, Firefighter Injured

Early Thursday morning, a fire ripped through Kings Electric Scooters on Jamaica Avenue in Queens, injuring one firefighter. The FDNY suspects lithium-ion batteries, commonly used in e-bikes, are likely to blame for the blaze.

The fire broke out around 2:30 a.m. and was brought under control within an hour, but not before causing significant damage to the shop. The injured firefighter was treated at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center for minor injuries.

<figure><figcaption>Firefighters responded to the bike shop blaze, which took place early Thursday. </figcaption> </figure>

Hazmat units were called to the scene due to the presence of lithium-ion batteries, highlighting the growing concern over these potentially dangerous components. The incident occurred just a month after Governor Kathy Hochul signed bills aimed at addressing the issue of e-bike battery fires, which have resulted in 18 deaths across NYC in the past year.

<figure><figcaption>The fire likely stemmed from the hazardous lithium-ion batteries used to power the devices, officials said. </figcaption> </figure>

The FDNY is investigating the cause of the fire, but the presence of e-bikes makes lithium-ion battery malfunction the leading theory. Videos from the scene show a pile of smoldering e-bikes on the sidewalk outside the shop.

<figure><figcaption>The blaze was under control in less than an hour, by around 3:20 a.m. </figcaption> </figure>

The incident also revealed an illegal occupancy and conversion in the cellar, leading to a vacate order issued by the Department of Buildings.

This latest fire serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by lithium-ion batteries and the importance of adhering to safety measures, especially given the recent increase in e-bike related fires and their devastating consequences.