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Moving an E-Bike or E-Scooter: Lithium-Ion Battery Safety Before, During and After the Move

Updated October 11, 2026

E-bikes and e-scooters are everywhere in New York, and so are their lithium-ion batteries. The FDNY says fires caused by these batteries have increased dramatically in the city, and it counted 268 lithium-ion battery fires in 2023 alone (FDNY). A move adds risk: batteries get packed, bumped, left in a hot car, then charged in a new apartment full of cardboard. Here is how to move one safely.

Before moving day

  • Tell your mover. Mention the e-bike or e-scooter and any spare batteries when you ask for your estimate, and ask how they want them handled. The federal booklet for interstate moves says federal law forbids putting hazardous materials in your household goods boxes without telling your mover (FMCSA).
  • Look at the battery. If it is cracked, dented, swollen or leaking, do not pack it and do not charge it. Ask the maker what to do, or take it to a battery drop-off.
  • Use the right parts. The FDNY says to use devices certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, to use the correct battery, cord and power adapter, and never to use aftermarket or generic batteries or chargers.
  • Know the city rule if you are buying new. In New York City, e-bikes sold must be certified to UL standard 2849, e-scooters to UL 2272 and their batteries to UL 2271, and the product must show the testing lab’s mark (NYC DCWP). If you plan to replace an old bike after the move, look for that mark.

Packing and moving day

  • If the battery is made to come out, take it out following the maker’s instructions, and pack the charger with the bike so it does not get lost.
  • Carry the battery yourself if you can, in your car, padded so it cannot slide around.
  • The FDNY says to keep batteries at room temperature and away from heat. Do not leave one in a closed car on a hot day or next to a heater.
  • Never charge a battery the night before the move while you sleep. The FDNY says never to leave a battery charging overnight or unattended.
  • Protect the bike itself with a blanket or pad, and keep the handlebars and display from rubbing on furniture.

The first nights in the new home

This is when the risk is highest. The rooms are full of boxes, paper and tape, which all burn, and you do not know the outlets yet. The FDNY rules are worth following to the letter:

  • Plug the charger straight into a wall outlet. Never use a power strip and never overload an outlet.
  • Do not charge under a pillow, on a bed or near a couch, and keep the battery away from anything that can burn. That includes moving boxes.
  • Never block your main way in or out of a room with the bike or the charger.
  • Never leave an e-bike or e-scooter charging while no one is watching.
  • Ask the building manager if the building has rules for where e-bikes can be kept.

The FDNY also warns that fire extinguishers do not work on lithium-ion battery fires (FDNY guide). If a battery catches fire, leave the area, close the door behind you and call 911.

Getting rid of an old battery

A move is a good time to get rid of a battery you no longer use. Do not put it in the trash or the recycling. NYC Sanitation says it is dangerous and illegal to throw rechargeable batteries out with trash or recycling, and it lists drop-off options on its battery page (DSNY).

More moving-day planning: our essential moving checklist, and if you are moving out of state, the spongy moth check for outdoor items.

Common questions

Can movers take my e-bike?

Ask your mover when you get the estimate and tell them about the battery. For interstate moves, federal rules forbid putting hazardous materials in household goods boxes without telling the mover.

Can I charge my e-bike battery right after the move?

Only the safe way: plugged straight into a wall outlet, away from boxes and anything that can burn, not on a bed or couch, and never while no one is watching, as the FDNY advises.

How do I get rid of an old e-bike battery in New York City?

Do not put it in the trash or recycling. NYC Sanitation says that is dangerous and illegal for rechargeable batteries; use a battery drop-off listed on its website.

What should I do if a battery catches fire?

Leave the area, close the door and call 911. The FDNY says fire extinguishers do not work on lithium-ion battery fires.

How do I get a free written estimate from you?

Call (929) 339-6014 or use the quote form on our home page.

Free written estimate: call (929) 339-6014 or use the quote form on our home page. Family business since 1999 · U.S. DOT No. 967970 (MC-432549) · NYSDOT 34875 · NJPM 000930 · Company facts

We checked the official links on this page on October 11, 2026. Rules change, so confirm on the linked page before you rely on them.

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Official sources