Big news for e-bike users as new and accessible charging cabinets will be making their way to NYC streets—infrastructure that is currently prohibited. Under this new action, property owners or commercial tenants can apply for a permit to add these charging cabinets in front of their establishment. The permit must be reviewed and approved by the FDNY and DOB, in addition to following dimensional requirements and specific siting.
The Adams Administration’s New York City Safe Charging Accelerator will work in conjunction with the NYC DOT and FDNY to not only expedite the installment of these charging cabinets, but kickstart the country’s only municipal trade-in pilot program for unsafe e-bikes and a $1 million campaign to educate New Yorkers on the dangers of lithium-ion batteries.
The trade-in program will grant selected food delivery workers a UL-certified e-bike and two UL-certified batteries in exchange for their unsafe e-bike and lithium-ion batteries. As for the educational campaign, keep your eyes out for OOH ads with QR codes that lead to safety tips.
Since 2019, New York has seen 733 fires started from lithium-ion batteries that power tens of thousands of electric micromobility devices in NYC. These fires that can occur even when devices aren’t charging have injured more than 442 New Yorkers and killed 29. The public safety initiative to prevent such tragedies follows a recent uptick in the use of e-bikes across the city.
“When used correctly, e-bikes are a convenient, low-cost transportation option that reduce congestion and emissions, and tens of thousands of delivery workers rely on them every day,” clarifies Mayor Eric Adams. “But too often, those bikes are powered by unsafe, uncertified batteries that at any minute could combust. That is why we are doing everything in our power to put a stop to these deadly fires and make use of safe lithium-ion batteries more affordable.”
Applications to apply for charging cabinets will open at the end of the year.
“E-bikes are critical tools used by tens of thousands of delivery workers to support our economy,” said DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. “By providing these workers with reliable, safe equipment, we are helping protect this workforce, their neighbors and loved ones, and all New Yorkers who rely on them each day. We look forward to engaging with delivery stakeholders and with the broader public as we work together to make our city safer for everyone.”