New York City, a bustling metropolis renowned for its embrace of sustainable transportation, faces a growing challenge: ensuring the safety of its electric micromobility sector.
New York City. While e-bikes and e-scooters offer convenient and eco-friendly alternatives to cars, the city has experienced a surge in fires caused by lithium-ion batteries, particularly those powering these devices. In response, the city council launched a comprehensive plan to address this issue while fostering the responsible growth of electric micromobility.
The rise of E-micromobility and its perils
Electric micromobility devices have witnessed a surge in popularity in NYC, driven by factors such as legalization in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic, and their affordability compared to car ownership. These devices, including e-bikes and e-scooters, offer a convenient last-mile transportation solution, reduce congestion, and align with NYC Mayor Adams’ climate agenda. However, alongside these benefits, the city has grappled with a concerning rise in fires caused by lithium-ion batteries, primarily attributed to uncertified and poorly maintained batteries.
This issue has disproportionately impacted low-income communities, including delivery workers who rely on these devices for their livelihood. The lack of sufficient product regulation at the federal level has allowed low-quality devices and batteries to enter the market, posing significant safety risks. Compounding this problem is the affordability barrier to acquiring high-quality, certified equipment, which often needs to be addressed for many New Yorkers.
NYC’s Electric Micromobility Action Plan
In March 2023, Mayor Adams unveiled “Charge Safe, Ride Safe: New York City’s Electric Micromobility Action Plan” to address these concerns. This comprehensive plan, developed by an interagency task force, outlines a multifaceted strategy to prevent fires, promote safe device operation, support delivery workers, enhance sustainability, improve emergency response, and educate the public.
One crucial aspect of the plan is facilitating access to safe and legal e-micromobility devices. This includes advocating for a New York State e-bike rebate program, which would subsidize the purchase of certified devices and batteries. Furthermore, the city plans to design a safe equipment access program tailored to the specific needs of NYC residents, focusing on delivery cyclists and low-income communities.
Recognizing the unique challenges delivery workers face, the plan outlines measures to support their transition to safe equipment. Initiatives include supporting “Deliverista Hubs,” which will offer designated spaces for delivery workers to rest and recharge their devices, providing a safer alternative to informal charging hubs. The city also plans to pilot outdoor electric micromobility storage and charging solutions at NYCHA properties, catering to residents who rely on these devices.
NYC Mayor Adams announces e-bike trade-in program
In a recent announcement, Mayor Adams has taken a significant step forward in implementing the Action Plan by finalizing the city’s first-in-the-nation e-bike trade-in program. This program, funded with a $2 million city investment, aims to allow eligible food delivery workers to trade in their unsafe devices and batteries for certified, high-quality e-bikes and batteries. The program underscores the administration’s commitment to promoting safety among delivery workers, a group particularly vulnerable to the risks associated with uncertified batteries.
“My top priority is keeping New Yorkers safe, including new and emerging threats like the dangers posed by uncertified lithium-ion batteries,” said Mayor Adams. “Thanks to our new trade-in program, eligible frontline delivery workers who keep our city moving will be able to swap their dangerous bikes and batteries for safe versions for free — this is how we make our city safer and more affordable. This initiative builds on our efforts to help New Yorkers charge safe and ride safe — and our efforts are working, with significantly fewer injuries and deaths from lithium-ion battery fires this year compared to last. One death is still one too many, but we are making progress, and the rules we’re finalizing today show that New York City is again leading the nation in getting battery safety done right.”
Recognizing that preventing fires goes beyond providing access to safe equipment, the city’s plan emphasizes public education about fire safety best practices. This includes targeted outreach to immigrant and worker communities, leveraging NYC Emergency Management resources and community messengers, and training families and youth on fire prevention. The FDNY, in partnership with various organizations, will conduct seminars and training to raise awareness about safe charging and storage practices, particularly in neighborhoods with a high incidence of lithium-ion battery fires.
“Safer e-bikes, safer batteries, and safer charging practices are integral to a cleaner and more sustainable future, and this program will do this while also protecting all New Yorkers from deadly fires,” said New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. “Delivery workers have one of the toughest jobs in New York City, and this trade-in program gives them access to safe equipment at work while giving their families and neighbors greater peace of mind.”
The city is also working to strengthen regulations and enforcement measures to address the sale and use of unsafe devices. The administration has collaborated with the New York City Council on legislation making it unlawful to sell or assemble reconditioned lithium-ion batteries and requiring all e-micro mobility devices and batteries sold in the city to be certified by an accredited testing laboratory. These measures ensure that only safe and compliant products are available to consumers, reducing the risk of fires.
Furthermore, the city plans to enhance enforcement against high-risk situations, partnering with the Department of Finance’s Sheriff’s Office and the District Attorney’s Office to target businesses violating fire codes and ensure that penalties are commensurate with safety hazards. The NYPD will continue to enforce against the sale of unregistered mopeds and the unsafe operation of illegal devices, prioritizing outreach and education before resorting to summonses and seizures.
Promoting the growth of safe electric micromobility and cycling
Beyond safety concerns, the city recognizes the importance of supporting the sustainable growth of e-micromobility and cycling. Initiatives include:
- Piloting the use of legal electric micromobility devices on park drives and greenways.
- Expanding the city’s cycling network with a focus on priority investment areas.
- Promoting safe riding practices through public education campaigns and events.
The city’s comprehensive plan reflects a nuanced approach, balancing the need to address safety concerns with the commitment to promoting sustainable transportation options. The recent announcement of the e-bike trade-in program is a significant step in implementing this plan, demonstrating the administration’s dedication to making e-micromobility a safer and more accessible mode of transportation for all New Yorkers. The success of this ambitious undertaking will require continued collaboration between city agencies, community organizations, delivery app companies, and residents, working together to foster a culture of safety and responsibility within the city’s burgeoning electric micromobility landscape.
