A New York City co-op resident questions the legality of a ban on their e-bike, which they rely on for transporting their child to medical appointments. The co-op implemented the ban due to safety concerns about fires caused by lithium-ion batteries. Although the resident requested accommodation under the Fair Housing Act, backed by medical letters, the board refused to reverse the decision and suggested future communications go through a lawyer.
Daniel Flanzig, a New York Lawyer who is involved in bicycle advocacy, noted that a challenge to the ban on the grounds that your e-bike is a reasonable accommodation under fair housing laws has not been tested in court.