the staff of the Ridgewood blog
HACKENSACK, NJ — Hackensack is taking action against the rising fire dangers linked to lithium-ion batteries, passing a new ordinance that bans the sale of secondhand batteries and restricts where they can be stored in apartment buildings.
The City Council approved the measure after growing concerns from residents and property owners about the safety of e-bikes, scooters, and other devices powered by lithium batteries. The law, which takes effect January 1, 2026, aims to prevent fast-moving fires that can trap residents and put firefighters at risk.
What the New Ordinance Does
Under the new rules:
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No secondhand batteries: The sale or use of “second-use” lithium-ion batteries is prohibited.
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No charging or storage in unsafe areas: Residents of multifamily buildings with three or more apartments cannot store or charge these batteries in:
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Basements or attics
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Below-ground garages
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Utility rooms, closets, or exits
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Shared/common areas
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The ordinance also bans reconditioned or repaired batteries made from old cells — a practice fire officials say is extremely hazardous.
Why Hackensack Is Acting Now
Deputy Fire Chief Chris Annunziata said the city modeled its policy after Hoboken and New York City, both of which tightened regulations following deadly e-bike fires.
“An e-bike or scooter fire is spectacular, to say the least,” Annunziata explained. “If it blocks your way out, it is very dangerous.”
Cheap aftermarket batteries are a particular concern. Many buyers replace original batteries with generic versions sold online, but Annunziata stressed that “it is much safer to go with an exact match when you need to replace a battery.”
A Growing National Safety Issue
Mayor Caseen Gaines noted that lithium battery-related fires have caused a “significant number of injuries and deaths” nationwide. Since New York City enacted its safety laws in 2023, deaths from e-bike fires dropped from 18 to just six in one year — a trend Hackensack hopes to replicate.
“This ordinance is about proactive prevention,” Gaines said. “We want to protect residents, ensure safe exits in emergencies, and reduce the risks for our firefighters.”
With e-bikes and scooters continuing to grow in popularity across New Jersey, Hackensack’s new law could serve as a model for other communities looking to balance convenience with safety.
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