Mayor Adams Announces Final Rules for the E-Bike Trade-In Program to Enhance NYC Safety

On Wednesday, October 23rd, New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced the final rules for the city’s first municipal trade-in pilot program for unsafe electric bikes and other electric-powered mobility devices. This initiative, supported by a $2 million investment, will allow eligible food delivery workers to exchange their dangerous e-bikes and mopeds for certified, safer e-bikes and 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. “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.”

The program is part of the Adams administration’s “Charge Safe, Ride Safe: New York City’s Electric Micromobility Action Plan,” which aims to promote public safety as e-bike usage continues to rise. The initiative seeks to reduce the risk of deadly e-bike fires, often caused by uncertified lithium-ion batteries. New York City has seen a reduction in lithium-ion battery fire-related deaths and injuries this year compared to 2023.

Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar emphasized the importance of the program, stating, “Last year, New York City witnessed over 250 lithium-ion battery fires, taking the precious lives of 18 people and injuring another 133. This $2 million program is a wise investment to take dangerous mobility devices off our streets, just as we do for firearms.”

“For three years, the FDNY has been working to stem the scourge of lithium-ion battery fires, and we’ve been attacking the problem relentlessly,” said Fire Department Commissioner Robert S. Tucker. “Getting uncertified lithium-ion batteries and devices off our city’s streets is critically important, and this trade-in program will help do just that.”

NYC Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez stated, “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. 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.”

With these new laws, New York City aims to enhance public safety, particularly for delivery workers and residents affected by lithium-ion battery fires. The e-bike trade-in program and other safety initiatives will help remove unsafe devices from the streets and provide safer alternatives, ultimately contributing to a safer urban environment.