E-Bike Programs

E-bikes have become a popular way to get around the city, particularly among delivery workers. NYC is working to promote the growth of electric micromobility in ways that meet New Yorkers’ diverse needs while keeping everyone safe.

E-Bike Battery Charging Pilot

Mayor Adams’ Charge Safe, Ride Safe Action Plan, is focused on building a safe, welcoming environment for e-bike riders. To promote the safe use of e-bikes and reduce fire risks, NYC DOT has launched an e-bike charging pilot program to test different battery charging technologies on the street. This program is an initiative under the DOT Studio, a research and development program developed in collaboration with Newlab and with support from the Economic Development Corporation.

NYC DOT is installing a network of e-bike charging stations, featuring three battery charging technologies. These hubs will serve a group of pre-registered delivery workers as test users. During the six-month pilot, NYC DOT will collect feedback from test users and track the stations. The goal is to evaluate the effectiveness of the charging solutions in addressing the needs of commercial cyclists. This research and development program will inform long-term investment in charging infrastructure.

Locations

Five charging hubs will be deployed across Manhattan and Brooklyn:
  • Brooklyn Army Terminal, Brooklyn
  • Cooper Square, Manhattan
  • Essex Market, Manhattan
  • Plaza de las Americas, Manhattan
  • Willoughby Street, Brooklyn

Join the Pilot

Multiple people gather around a green N Y C D O T tent as an employee speaks to them.

Only registered test users can access these charging hubs. Interested delivery workers must complete an in-person onboarding process to register. Delivery workers can see if they're eligible and enroll in the pilot at onboarding events. Participation in the program is free-of-cost.

Upcoming Onboarding Events

  • Thursday, March 21 from 2 pm to 5 pm in Downtown Brooklyn (Willoughby Street, between Pearl Street and Jay Street, Brooklyn)
  • Friday, March 22 from 2 pm to 5 pm at Plaza de las Americas (West 175th Street, between Broadway and Wadsworth Avenue, Manhattan)

If you are a delivery worker and would like to receive more information and learn about upcoming onboarding events, please fill out an expression of interest form.

Technology Companies

Three technology companies are participating in the program:
  • Battery-swapping cabinets by Swobbee: Test users have on-demand access to cabinets with UL-certified, lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries. Only batteries provided and maintained by the company can be charged in their cabinets. LFP batteries don't overheat, experience thermal runaway, or off-gassing like some conventional lithium-ion batteries have.
  • Battery-swapping cabinets by Popwheels: Test users have on-demand access to cabinets with UL-certified, lithium-ion batteries. Similarly, only company-provided and maintained batteries can be charged in their cabinets.
  • Electrified bike racks by Swiftmile: Each bay has a cable that fast-charges the battery directly from the e-bike. Users bring their own batteries.

Partners

Partnerships are central to the success of this program. The NYC Fire Department (FDNY) has been a key partner in the evaluation and selection of the participating charging products. FDNY is closely involved in the deployment of the technologies and the ongoing monitoring of the stations. The program team has also engaged food delivery workers in the program design, product evaluation, and site selection. As the highest-mile traveled e-bike user, they provide unique insight into the battery charging needs of commercial cyclists.