New York City Mayor Eric Adams has announced final regulations for the city’s new e-bike and lithium-ion battery trade-in program, the first of its kind in the United States.
As reported by the City of New York, this initiative allows eligible food delivery workers to trade in their unsafe e-bikes and batteries for certified, high-quality alternatives.
The program is part of the city’s broader “Charge Safe, Ride Safe” plan to address the risks posed by uncertified lithium-ion batteries and enhance street safety.
The program, which aims to reduce the number of dangerous e-bike fires and illegal mopeds on city streets, has already shown promising results in reducing injuries and fatalities linked to lithium-ion battery fires.
So far in 2024, there have been 222 fires caused by these batteries, resulting in 88 injuries and four deaths, a decrease from the 14 deaths recorded in the same period last year.
Mayor Adams stated: “My top priority is keeping New Yorkers safe, and that includes from new and emerging threats like the dangers posed by uncertified lithium-ion batteries.”
He emphasized the program’s importance in helping delivery workers while reducing fire hazards.
The new trade-in program, funded with $2 million, will allow delivery workers in New York City to exchange their uncertified e-bikes and lithium-ion batteries for UL-certified alternatives.
UL certification is a nationally recognized safety standard, and the program aims to promote safer e-bike usage while reducing fire and crash risks.
Participants will receive one certified e-bike and two compatible batteries, as many delivery workers require two batteries to complete a full day of work.
Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi said: “E-bikes are an important part of reducing pollution, but not at the expense of riders, their families, or neighbors.”
The program is designed to provide safe, zero-emission e-bikes to those who rely on them for work, giving both workers and their communities peace of mind.
The city’s Department of Transportation (DOT) will be responsible for overseeing the program.
Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez explained: “This program will do this while also protecting all New Yorkers from deadly fires,” adding that the trade-in initiative is essential to ensuring both the safety of delivery workers and the city as a whole.
To be eligible for the trade-in program, participants must meet specific criteria, including being a New York City resident, owning an eligible working e-bike or lithium-ion battery, and earning at least $1,500 as a food delivery worker in 2024.
Applicants must also be at least 18 years old.
The city will begin accepting applications for the program in early 2025.
DOT will also launch a public awareness campaign to ensure eligible workers are informed about how they can participate.
The goal is to remove unsafe devices from the streets and replace them with legal, certified alternatives, contributing to safer micromobility practices throughout the city.
In addition to the trade-in initiative, DOT is working on other efforts to improve e-bike access and safety, such as expanding bike lanes, piloting public e-bike charging stations, and educating New Yorkers on safe e-bike usage.
These initiatives complement the trade-in program and aim to promote a safer, cleaner e-mobility future in New York City.
As part of the broader safety measures, New York City plans to publish new rules that will allow property owners to install e-bike charging and battery-swapping cabinets on public sidewalks.
Currently, these installations are prohibited.
The rule change, expected in the coming months, will require that all battery-swapping cabinets comply with specific siting and dimensional requirements and undergo approval from the FDNY and the Department of Buildings (DOB).
Councilmember Keith Powers, who sponsored Local Law 131, which led to the program’s creation, expressed support for the initiative: “This trade-in program is a first-in-the-nation investment in e-bike safety, putting a stop to the deadly fires that have tragically already taken too many lives.”
The city has also implemented public charging station pilots featuring battery-swapping cabinets from companies such as Popwheels and Swobbee.
These stations, available to pre-registered delivery workers, have already shown positive results, reducing the need for home charging and improving safety for both workers and residents.
The trade-in program has garnered widespread support from various city and state officials.
Fire Department of New York (FDNY) Commissioner Robert S.
Tucker emphasized the importance of the program in addressing the dangers posed by uncertified lithium-ion batteries.
“Getting uncertified lithium-ion batteries and devices off our city’s streets is critically important,” Tucker said, adding that the initiative will make the city safer for both delivery workers and the public.
New York State Senator Cordell Cleare echoed these sentiments, stressing the need to prevent further fire-related tragedies: “While that is a reduction from the 18 deaths last year, it is still four deaths too many.”
He described the trade-in program as a crucial step in protecting New Yorkers from the growing risks associated with lithium-ion batteries.
Several council members, including Carlina Rivera and Oswald Feliz, also voiced their support for the initiative, noting that safer e-bikes are essential for the city’s transportation infrastructure.
Councilmember Rivera pointed out the importance of expanding public charging stations to ensure safe and legal e-bike use throughout the five boroughs.
The City of New York has announced a first-of-its-kind municipal e-bike and lithium-ion battery trade-in program, aimed at improving safety for delivery workers and the public.
The program, part of the “Charge Safe, Ride Safe” initiative, allows eligible workers to trade in unsafe e-bikes and batteries for UL-certified models.
The $2 million initiative, which will start accepting applications in early 2025, is expected to reduce fire and crash risks, contributing to safer streets across the city.
The program has received widespread support from city and state officials, including Mayor Eric Adams, who emphasized the importance of addressing the dangers posed by uncertified lithium-ion batteries.
