On Thursday, January 2nd, New York City announced an expansion of its initiative to improve the safety of electric micromobility devices, especially e-bikes, by increasing the availability of battery charging stations on public sidewalks. Beginning February 1st, 2025, property owners and tenants can apply to install battery swapping and charging cabinets on sidewalks outside their buildings. This effort seeks to reduce the risk of fires caused by unsafe lithium-ion battery charging practices.
The new initiative builds on the success of a pilot program launched by the New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) in 2024, which set up five charging stations throughout the city. The pilot focused on providing delivery workers with safer alternatives for charging their e-bikes outside of their apartments. “Safer charging practices are integral to a cleaner and more sustainable future,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. “Installing charging infrastructure throughout the five boroughs will support the growth in e-bikes while also protecting all New Yorkers from deadly fires.”
The expanded program allows for installing battery swapping and charging cabinets outside buildings with ground-floor commercial or community facility spaces and residential buildings with five or more units. Each cabinet will adhere to strict safety standards, including fire suppression systems, temperature control, and automatic shutoff mechanisms. “Protecting the public from the dangers of lithium-ion batteries is critically important to the safety of our city,” said FDNY Fire Commissioner Robert S. Tucker, emphasizing the role of these charging cabinets in preventing fires.
To mitigate the risks posed by e-bikes and other micromobility devices, which have become increasingly popular, the city is implementing proactive measures through the Charge Safe, Ride Safe initiative. Many e-bikes and illegal e-mopeds are using low-quality, uncertified lithium-ion batteries, which are contributing to the growing number of fires. “A couple critical things we can do to improve the safety of these e-bikes is to ensure people are using UL-certified batteries, that they’re charging those batteries outside their homes, and that they’re storing those batteries outside their homes,” said Will Carry, Assistant Commissioner for Policy at NYC DOT.
In addition to the new charging stations, the city is launching a trade-in program for unsafe e-bikes, offering riders safer, certified alternatives. With at least five fatalities in 2024 caused by lithium-ion battery fires, this initiative is seen as a crucial step in preventing future tragedies and making New York City’s streets safer for all.
