Easy solution for NY City - just OUTLAW bringing the batteries from E-Bikes indoors. Hard to see a downside.
How to destroy your enemy 101. Give them toys they take home that start large fires.
I am sure folks that steal e-bikes will be careful to obey any laws against charging them inside.
;-)
“”Easy solution.... - just OUTLAW””
Several New York buildings have banned e-bikes and scooters. Several European ferry companies have banned EVs. I suggest the ferries tow a large, flat barge where the EVs can park for their trip across the water. If fire(s) should break out, they can just disconnect the barge.
I think in many cases, the battery is built into the bike, so you can’t just bring the battery in. Guessing, but water intrusion might be part of the problem.
I will confess to hating ebikes. They were a big factor in my getting away from cycling. For instance, on a challenging course someone on an ebike can just power up, and with hardly any effort pass almost everyone else.
I have seen this happen several times with terrible results, because the ebike rider has no connection to the regular riders and rear-ends them. They are not in sync with other riders and the ability to accelerate past other riders is a thrill - especially when you know you couldn’t do this without the e-bike.
If you are a rider, you know the concentration it takes to ride in a group, but e bike riders are not usually bike riders. They don’t know the protocol. A couple of weeks ago, had a guy on an ebike rapidly overtaking me. When I signaled and turned left, he locked it down and slid sideways and blew a tire. Nobody was hurt, but there needs to rules.
Riding around town like a moped? Perfect. Flying down a bike trail at 30? No.
Hard to see a downside.
Theft.