New York City Mayor Adams announced on July 22nd a series of initiatives aimed at ensuring the safe use of electric bikes by food delivery workers and preventing deadly lithium-ion battery fires. The measures include a trade-in program, installation of charging facilities on sidewalks, and an increased focus on safety awareness.
In a press conference held with officials including Transportation Commissioner Rodriguez and Fire Commissioner Kavanagh, Adams unveiled the “Safe Charging, Safe Riding” action plan. The “E-Micromobility Trade-in Program for Food Delivery Workers” will be open to New York residents aged 18 and above who have earned over $1,500 in delivery income in the past year. Regardless of whether their current electric bikes have UL safety certification or vehicle identification numbers, or if they are unregistered with the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), participants can exchange their old bikes for UL-certified electric bikes and two UL-certified batteries. A public hearing is scheduled for August 22nd at 10 a.m., with applications set to open early next year for a program estimated to cost $2 million.
The “Simplifying Safe E-Bike Charger Installation” plan aims to streamline the installation of charging facilities for electric bikes on public sidewalks by revising current regulations. Battery swap and charging lockers must meet specific site selection and size requirements and receive approval from the fire department and buildings department. Approval is expected to take no longer than six weeks, with priority given to chargers using new technology. A public hearing on the revised rules for battery swap and charging lockers is set for August 21st at 10 a.m., with applications scheduled to open by the end of this year.
The FDNY Public Education Campaign in New York City will allocate $1 million for raising awareness of the fire hazards posed by uncertified lithium-ion batteries. Of the $1 million, $750,000 will be spent on advertising through online, subway, and bus platforms, targeted newspapers, and radio, while an additional $250,000 will be used to purchase safety materials and the latest firefighting equipment.
According to city statistics, since 2019, lithium-ion batteries have caused 733 fires citywide, resulting in 29 deaths and 442 injuries. Notably, there were 133 fires last year caused by lithium-ion batteries not being charged, compared to only 91 fires initiated while charging, highlighting the significant dangers posed by uncertified lithium-ion batteries regardless of their charging status.