Adams Charges Forward With New E-Bike Safety Measures

NEW YORK CITY, NY – New Yorkers love delivery, and that business supports approximately 70,000 workers, many of whom utilize e-bikes to ferry food and other goods from merchant to customer.

Unfortunately, these e-bikes can be deadly, and the lithium-ion batteries which power them have started 733 fires across the city since 2019, killing 29 New Yorkers and injuring 442 more.

According to a 2023 FDNY report, lithium-ion batteries have surpassed electrical fires as the top cause of civilian fire deaths in the five boroughs.

To combat this dangerous rise in battery fires, New York City is launching a $2 million trade-in program targeting unsafe bikes.

“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,” said Mayor Adams.

“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.

The e-bike trade-in program, which the city is touting as the first municipal program of its kind, will enable riders to exchange unsafe e-bikes for new devices. Participants must reside in New York City, be at least 18 years of age, have earned at least $1,500 over the past year as a food delivery worker, and own an eligible, working e-bike. Applications open in early 2025.

Another program, led by the Department of Transportation, aims to make it easier for landlords to install safe e-bike battery swapping and charging cabinets on sidewalks. Currently, many workers charge their bikes in their homes, as opposed to designated charging stations.

To get the word out, FDNY is investing in a $1 million education campaign to raise awareness about the risk of battery fires in the city and the dangers uncertified batteries pose. The majority of the money will be used for ads – in ten languages – and will target neighborhoods which have a high incidence of lithium-ion battery fires.

The campaign presents a harrowing glimpse of what these fires look like and how quickly they can engulf a residence or business.