Int 0722-2022

Be it enacted by the Council as follows: Section 1. a. Definitions. For purposes of this section, the term "powered mobility devices" means: (i) a bicycle with electric assist as defined in section 102-c of the vehicle and traffic law or any successor provision; (ii) an electric scooter as defined in section 114-e of the vehicle and traffic law or any successor provision; (iii) a motorized scooter as defined in section 19-176.2; or (iv) any other personal mobility device powered by a lithium-ion or other storage battery. The term does not include wheelchairs or other mobility devices designed for use by persons with disabilities, or any vehicle that is capable of being registered with the New York state department of motor vehicles. b. No later than January 30, 2024, and within 30 days after the beginning of each of the four following calendar years, the fire department shall submit to the speaker of the council a report relating to safety measures to mitigate fire risks posed by powered mobility devices. Such report shall include but need not be limited to: 1. Information on all fires that occurred during the prior calendar year in which powered mobility devices were determined by the fire department to be the cause of such fire, including the geographic location and building occupancy type where each such fire occurred, and whether circumstances at each such location indicated compliance with relevant fire code and administrative code provisions, provided that such information can be ascertained; 2. A review of existing New York City Fire Code and Administrative Code provisions governing the purchase, use, storage and charging of powered mobility devices, and an evaluation of additional local measures, regulatory or otherwise, that could further mitigate fire risks posed by powered mobility devices; and 3. A summary of relevant activities taken by the fire department to decrease the occurrence of fires caused by powered mobility devices, including a summary of all related inspections or enforcement actions, and other fire prevention activities. � 2. This local law takes effect immediately. JDK LS #7025 2/7/2023