In a pioneering effort to improve safety and sustainability in urban mobility, New York City recently introduced the first municipal e-bike and lithium-ion battery trade-in program in the United States.
This initiative, designed primarily for food delivery workers, addresses the significant risks posed by uncertified e-bike batteries, which have been linked to a concerning number of fires and fatalities in the city.
With an investment of $2 million and robust support from city agencies, the program forms part of the broader "Charge Safe, Ride Safe" action plan led by Mayor Eric Adams.
Background: The Need for Change
New York City’s growing reliance on e-bikes and electric scooters for food delivery and commuting has highlighted the potential dangers of uncertified lithium-ion batteries.
In 2023 alone, over 200 battery-related fires occurred, resulting in multiple fatalities and serious injuries. The root of the issue often lies in uncertified and potentially unsafe batteries, which are more likely to overheat, ignite, or cause catastrophic fires due to inadequate safety standards.
Given the prevalence of these incidents, city leaders deemed it essential to implement measures that both support the livelihoods of delivery workers and ensure public safety.
How the Trade-In Program Works
The trade-in program is an opportunity for delivery workers who currently own uncertified e-bikes or batteries to upgrade to safer, UL-certified equipment at no cost. Here’s how it works:
Eligibility Requirements: To qualify, participants must live in New York City, be at least 18 years old, and own a functioning e-bike or battery eligible for trade-in. Additionally, they need to demonstrate they’ve earned at least $1,500 from delivery work in the past year.
Certified Equipment: In exchange for uncertified e-bikes and batteries, participants will receive a new UL-certified e-bike along with two UL-certified batteries. This dual-battery system addresses a common issue for delivery workers, many of whom require additional battery power to complete a full workday.
Public Education and Fire Safety Awareness: Alongside the trade-in program, New York City has launched a $1 million awareness campaign focused on the dangers of uncertified batteries. The campaign includes public service announcements, informational materials, and targeted outreach in neighborhoods with high incidences of battery fires.
Addressing Safety Concerns: The Role of UL Certification
UL (Underwriters Laboratories) certification is a globally recognized safety standard for electric devices, particularly those involving lithium-ion batteries.
UL-certified batteries are rigorously tested to withstand extreme conditions, making them significantly safer for daily use in urban settings.
By mandating UL certification for all new devices in the trade-in program, New York City aims to significantly reduce the risk of battery fires caused by overheating or faulty construction. This certification requirement has become more crucial as New York City experiences an increase in fires caused by non-compliant e-bike batteries, sometimes even when the batteries aren’t actively charging.
A Broader Safety Strategy
The trade-in program is just one part of New York City’s comprehensive approach to e-bike and battery safety. The city’s broader safety plan includes:
- Safe Charging Stations: New York City has already begun installing secure e-bike battery charging and swapping stations across the city. In February 2024, the first public charging station opened under a six-month pilot program, which aims to establish reliable charging infrastructure and mitigate fire risks associated with home charging.
- Streamlined Permit Process for Charging Stations: To encourage more accessible charging options, New York City has streamlined the permitting process for property owners interested in installing e-bike battery charging cabinets on sidewalks. This measure, still under review, could enable more businesses to install battery-swapping stations for public use, particularly in high-demand areas.
- Inspection and Enforcement: The city has implemented a task force to inspect e-bike repair shops and address violations related to unsafe lithium-ion batteries. In 2023, inspections led to hundreds of violations and numerous criminal summonses. The task force’s efforts also targeted unregulated “Frankenstein batteries,” which are often assembled from disparate parts, posing significant fire hazards.
Education and Community Outreach
In addition to hardware upgrades, New York City’s safety initiative prioritizes community engagement and education. The city’s public awareness campaign, with a budget of $1 million, includes advertisements on digital kiosks, subways, buses, and other prominent locations.
Messaging is available in multiple languages to reach diverse communities and emphasizes best practices for battery handling, including how to identify certified equipment and the risks of attempting to repair damaged batteries. QR codes on campaign materials link to further safety resources, making fire prevention information easily accessible to residents.
Looking Forward: The Future of Sustainable Delivery
The trade-in program is expected to make e-bikes a safer and more sustainable choice for New York City’s delivery ecosystem. Local Law 131, enacted in 2023, has also mandated that all new e-bikes and scooters meet UL safety standards to reduce risks associated with uncertified equipment.
Mayor Adams’ administration is exploring the creation of a Department of Sustainable Delivery to set clear guidelines for e-bike use and ensure delivery practices align with the city’s environmental and safety goals.
Conclusion
New York City’s e-bike and battery trade-in program represents a landmark step toward addressing fire safety risks and promoting a sustainable, secure micromobility ecosystem.
By investing in safe equipment, public infrastructure, and community education, the program not only safeguards the lives of delivery workers but also protects the city’s broader population. As applications open in early 2025, this initiative will serve as a model for other urban centers grappling with the complexities of modern micromobility and public safety.
The trade-in program reflects New York City’s commitment to making urban mobility safer and more sustainable, while also addressing the unique challenges faced by delivery workers. By implementing such pioneering initiatives, the city continues to set a standard for micromobility safety and innovation.
