Property owners and tenants with property owner approval can now apply to install e-bike battery swapping and charging cabinets on sidewalks in front of their buildings, the New York City Department of Transportation said on April 7.
The measure is designed to reduce apartment fires by relocating battery charging and storage to Fire Department-approved cabinets placed on public sidewalks. The program follows the success of a pilot program last year, which reduced e-bike battery charging in apartments by 35% among participants.
Under the new rules, e-bike battery swapping and charging cabinets may be installed outdoors in front of buildings with ground-floor commercial and community facility uses, as well as residential buildings with five or more dwelling units. These installations require a "revocable consent," a legal grant that allows the construction and maintenance of structures on public property like sidewalks.
“As more and more New Yorkers turn to e-bikes as a safe, affordable and convenient way to get around, we need to do our part to ensure charging is safe and accessible,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez in a statement. “These rules help us continue the important work to expand access to safe e-bike charging options, and I encourage anyone who is interested to check out our new guide.”
The new policy includes a step-by-step guide, Sidewalk E-Bike Battery Swapping and Charging Cabinets 101, which explains the application process and requirements for property owners and tenants seeking to install the cabinets. The guidelines cover eligibility, site design and the approval process, which will involve coordination with FDNY and the New York City Department of Buildings.
NYC DOT will review applications and work closely with FDNY, which will conduct site inspections before installation. All e-bike charging cabinet models must be approved by FDNY’s Technology Management Unit, and the Department of Buildings will issue electrical permits for installation.
FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker highlighted the rise in structural fires caused by lithium-ion batteries.
"We know that New Yorkers rely on e-micromobility devices to live and work throughout the five boroughs and this proactive measure will help ensure that innovation and safety go hand in hand," Tucker said.
Click here for application information.
