The rapid proliferation of e-bikes, cargo bikes, and mopeds, particularly among the estimated 65,000 delivery workers traversing New York City’s streets, has become an integral part of the city’s dynamic ecosystem. While these light electric vehicles have become essential tools for delivery workers’ livelihoods, their rise has coincided with a dramatic upsurge in fires caused by unsafe lithium-ion batteries. These fires, sparked primarily by overuse and overcharging of often substandard batteries, pose significant threats to the riders, their families, and the densely packed urban environment they inhabit. The situation underscores the urgent need for safe and accessible charging solutions to mitigate these risks and ensure the sustainable growth of micromobility in the city.
The alarming statistics paint a stark picture of the escalating danger. In 2020, 44 fires were attributed to e-bike batteries. This number skyrocketed to 220 in 2022 and further escalated to 268 in 2023, resulting in 150 injuries and 18 fatalities, including a tragic apartment building fire in Harlem. These incidents highlight the precarious situation faced by many delivery workers who, as independent contractors, often resort to purchasing cheaper, uncertified third-party batteries and chargers due to economic constraints. This practice, coupled with the common practice of charging batteries within their homes using inadequate equipment, drastically increases the fire risk in already densely populated living spaces.
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the NYC Department of Transportation (DOT), in collaboration with Newlab, launched the DOT Studio initiative. This program buscaddress the multifaceted challenges surrounding micromobility safety, focusing on innovative solutions such as battery swapping stations. The initial six-month pilot program, initiated in 2023, has proven so successful that it has been extended through 2025. This initiative acknowledges the often-overlooked role of delivery workers as essential contributors to the city’s economy and aims to address the systemic issues they face, including the lack of access to safe and affordable charging infrastructure.
The DOT Studio pilot program partnered with three startups—Swobbee, Popwheels, and Swiftmile—to test various battery swapping and charging technologies across five locations in Manhattan and Brooklyn. These solutions included multi-modal battery swapping stations, open-air battery charging cabinets, and secure charging bike racks. The program engaged 118 delivery workers who provided valuable feedback on the practicality and effectiveness of the different technologies. The aim was to provide delivery riders with safe, conveniently located alternatives to charging batteries in their homes, thereby minimizing both the risks and the associated costs.
The preliminary results of the pilot program have been highly encouraging. With 118 active users and over 700 on the waiting list, the program facilitated 12,000 battery swaps in just the first six months. Significantly, at least 50% of participants reported they no longer charge batteries at home, and no fires have been reported at any of the designated charging points or involving the provided batteries. The demonstrable success of the pilot program has prompted city officials not only to extend it until February 2025 but also to actively pursue the installation of more battery swapping stations throughout the city, including on sidewalks. Private sector partners, such as Swobbee and Popwheels, are also planning to expand their services to private properties like parking lots, further broadening access to safe charging infrastructure.
Beyond the pilot program, New York City has implemented other key initiatives to address the safety challenges associated with the burgeoning micromobility sector. The newly established Department of Sustainable Delivery underscores the city’s commitment to supporting the growth of e-micromobility while prioritizing safety. In late 2023, Local Law 39 was passed, making New York City the first in the United States to ban the sale or lease of uncertified e-micromobility vehicles and batteries. This landmark legislation aims to curb the proliferation of substandard products that contribute significantly to fire hazards. While bureaucratic processes for setting up additional charging stations have encountered delays, a proposed new rule classifying battery cabinets under “revocable consent” offers a promising avenue for streamlined installations. This change, anticipated to take effect in mid to late 2025, would empower local businesses to request battery cabinets outside their premises, integrating this vital infrastructure into the fabric of the city’s streetscape.
The New York City pilot program provides a compelling model for cities worldwide grappling with similar challenges posed by the rapid expansion of e-micromobility. The combination of innovative technology, strategic partnerships between public and private sectors, and proactive regulatory measures represents a comprehensive approach to fostering a safe and sustainable micromobility ecosystem. The data collected from the pilot, including insights into safety improvements, usage patterns, and economic benefits, offers valuable lessons for other cities looking to implement similar programs. The proactive approach taken by New York City underscores the importance of addressing the safety concerns surrounding lithium-ion batteries head-on, not just to protect individual riders and the public but also to ensure the continued growth and viability of this crucial mode of transportation in the urban landscape.
