Charge Safe, Ride Safe: New York City’s Electric Micromobility Action Plan

By Idy Perl

To counter the growing number of lithium-ion battery fires and unfortunate incidents with e-bikes, Mayor Adams announced today the launch of the New York City Safe Charging Accelerator.

This accelerator safely charges e-bikes and prevents deadly fires, as well as ensures that the bike is safe to use when it’s done charging. 

The DOT will be proposing a new rule to approve e-bike chargers and battery swapping cabinets on public sidewalks to make them more accessible for all e-bike users. In addition, DOT is also launching the nation’s first trade-in system, in which unsafe e-bikes can be traded in and replaced with a safe, certified e-bike. 

The FDNY will be creating a public awareness and education campaign about the dangers of lithium-ion batteries and the devices that use them. 

“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,” Mayor Adams said today. “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. We’re cutting red tape so property owners can install charging stations outside, in front of their buildings."

"We’re also launching the nation’s first municipal trade-in program, so delivery workers can swap their dangerous bikes and batteries for certified, safe versions. And we’re launching a new campaign to let New Yorkers know that charging or not, uncertified batteries can be ticking time bombs. When New Yorkers face danger, this administration will take decisive action, and that is what we have done and continue to do with respect to deadly lithium-ion battery fires.”