NYC DOT to Distribute 400th E-bike as Part of E-bike Trade-in Program to Cut Down on Deadly Battery Fires

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IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 18, 2025  Contact: (212) 839-4850, [email protected]

NYC DOT to Distribute 400th E-bike as Part of E-bike Trade-in Program to Cut Down on Deadly Battery Fires

Launched Earlier This Year, the E-Bike Trade-In Program Allowed Eligible Delivery Workers To Trade in Unsafe E-Bikes and Batteries and Illegal Mopeds for Safe, Certified E-Bikes and Batteries

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Certified E-bikes and batteries distributed for the E-Bike Trade-In Program. Photo Credit: NYC DOT

NEW YORK - New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez announced the agency is completing its distribution of 402 fire-safe, certified e-bikes and batteries today as part of its E-Bike Trade-In Program. Through this initiative, NYC DOT selected 402 delivery workers to receive one certified e-bike and two certified batteries at no cost in exchange for their uncertified e-bikes and batteries and illegal mopeds. The trade-in pilot aims to reduce the risk of deadly lithium-ion battery fires, often caused by uncertified equipment, and enhance street safety by getting faster and heavier illegal mopeds off our streets.

"The E-Bike Trade-In program was the first initiative of its kind in the nation, removing unsafe e-bikes and batteries from our streets and taking a significant step to improve fire safety," said NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. "By minimizing fire hazards caused by uncertified equipment, the program protects residents and first responders while providing vulnerable delivery workers with safer tools to do their jobs. Delivery workers are an essential part of our city, and supporting them is central to building a safer, more sustainable future that meets the needs of New Yorkers."

"Uncertified lithium-ion batteries can be extremely dangerous," said FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker. "Coming up with ways to get them off the street has required out-of-the-box thinking. This trade-in program has been vital to removing dangerous batteries from our neighborhoods and replacing them with certified alternatives. We thank the DOT for their partnership in protecting New Yorkers and FDNY members and reducing the risk of lithium-ion battery fires."

"When I first introduced legislation to establish an e-bike trade-in program, our goal was simple: to keep New Yorkers safe, prevent deadly lithium-ion battery fires, and give riders the opportunity to trade in unsafe batteries. Today, as we celebrate the final trade-in event with the Department of Transportation, I'm proud to see that vision realized. Hundreds of riders have swapped unsafe bikes and batteries for certified, reliable equipment-protecting their homes, their families, and their communities. This program is proof that when we act boldly, we can deliver solutions that save lives and strengthen our city's commitment to a cleaner, safer future," said Councilmember Keith Powers.

NYC DOT will now launch a multilingual feedback survey and conduct a full evaluation of the program. The survey will be available in five languages and will collect input on the program's application and booking system, in-person trade-in process, the performance of the new bikes and batteries, how participants are using the equipment, and overall impressions. Lessons learned could inform a potential future phase of the program, pending additional funding.

The first-of-its-kind municipal initiative is part of Mayor Adams' Charge Safe, Ride Safe: New York City's Electric Micromobility Action Plan, which promotes public safety amid the rapid growth of e-bike use and lithium-ion batteries. In addition to getting faster and heavier illegal mopeds off the streets, the program also allows NYC DOT to ensure the proper disposal of all retired e-bikes, mopeds, and uncertified batteries so that unsafe equipment is fully removed from circulation. Because uncertified batteries haven't been independently tested to meet industry safety standards, they are more likely to overheat, ignite, and cause fast-spreading fires that are extremely difficult to extinguish.

The $2 million pilot program was established in response to Local Law 131 of 2023, sponsored by New York City Council Member Keith Powers.

"Workers' Justice Project and Los Deliveristas Unidos are proud to have partnered on the nation's first pilot e-bike trade-in program as part of the Charge Safe, Ride Safe initiative. We are grateful to Commissioner Rodriguez and the Department of Transportation for their leadership in advancing innovative safety and workforce development solutions that provide job security and job continuity for these essential workers," said Ligia Guallpa, executive director of Worker's Justice Project and Co-Founder of its Los Deliveristas Unidos campaign. "In delivering 402 fire-safe, certified e-bikes and batteries directly into the hands of delivery workers who need them, the DOT has shown what it means to treat delivery workers with dignity-by investing in their safety, livelihoods, and future. This is a historic step toward protecting our communities from deadly battery fires, ensuring safer streets, and recognizing deliveristas as essential leaders in New York City's clean and just transition to a more carbon-neutral delivery system. We look forward to continuing our partnership with NYC DOT to expand this program and build the safe, sustainable infrastructure delivery workers deserve."

"Delivery workers put food on the table for countless New Yorkers. It's crucial that they have safe workplace tools, just like workers in any other industry. Unfortunately, delivery app companies aren't fulfilling what should be their responsibility to make sure their workers have safe bikes and batteries, but we're thankful that DOT is stepping up to fill that gap," said Ben Furnas, executive director of Transportation Alternatives.

"We've seen far too many tragedies caused by unsafe lithium-ion batteries, and the implementation of this initiative is a critical step toward saving lives," said Ken Podziba, CEO of Bike New York. "Delivery workers are the backbone of New York City, and they should never have to fear that the bikes they rely on for their livelihood could harm them or others. We commend Mayor Adams, Commissioner Rodriguez and the Department of Transportation, and Council Member Keith Powers for their leadership in championing this first-in-the-nation trade-in program to eliminate these senseless and preventable fires."

"E-bikes are an accessible, affordable, and sustainable way to get around the city, but cheaper unregulated models can come with real fire risks," said Corey Hannigan, active transportation program manager at Tri-State Transportation Campaign. "It's great to see the city focusing on getting those specific uncertified or illegal devices off the streets, without hurting cash-strapped workers or lumping safe, regulated low-speed e-bikes in with them."

Delivery Worker Testimonials

"The new e-bike has given me real peace of mind," said Jose Yos, a delivery worker in Manhattan. "Before, I was always nervous at night thinking the battery might catch fire while charging. But with this new bike from the Department of Transportation's trade-in program, I can sleep easy knowing it's safe and working perfectly," said Jose Yos, a delivery worker and participant in the trade-in program.

"I feel very satisfied with the NYC Department of Transportation's E-Bike Trade-In Program. I was selected for the exchange, and the new bike fully meets my expectations and requirements to continue working in the delivery industry. This program will definitely change the way workers in this industry move around the city, allowing us to travel safely while using clean energy and certified batteries - a new beginning to work with dignity," said William Medina, a delivery worker and participant in the trade-in program.

"This program is an excellent initiative that I hope will expand in the future to benefit many more workers. It really helps since I spend long hours on the street, and now I don't have to worry when I'm charging my battery at home. Having a safe, certified battery prevents risks to my family and, with the added bike security, may also help reduce theft," said Mamadou Balde, a delivery worker who received a new e-bike through the trade-in program.

"The new bike works really well, and I'm very grateful," said Juan Evangelista, a delivery worker in Manhattan. "It's lighter than other models I've used, which makes my job a lot easier. Plus, the battery lasts the whole workday, so I don't have to worry about running out of power while I'm out making deliveries," said Juan Evangelista, a delivery worker who received a new e-bike through the trade-in program.