Image credit: NYC DOT.
On January 27, 2025, New York City Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez announced applications New York City’s e-bike trade-in program are now open. The program allows eligible food delivery workers to trade in an uncertified electric bicycle (e-bike) or non-street legal moped for a safer UL-certified e-bike and UL-certified spare battery for free.
The goal of this program is to reduce deadly e-battery fires, as they are often caused by uncertified equipment and enhance street safety by getting illegal mopeds off the streets. The program was created in response to Local Law 131 of 2023 sponsored by Council Member Keith Powers. The program aims to provide over 400 UL-certified e-bikes, the global standard for e-bike quality and fire safety, and spare batteries through trade-ins in 2025.
To be eligible to participate in this program the following requirements have to be met: be a current New York City Resident, be at least 18 years old, earned at least $1,500 in 2024 as a food delivery worker at a food service establishment, a third-party food delivery service, or a third-party courier service, and own an eligible device in operable condition.
The applications will be available online from January 27, 2025, to February 17, 2025 in English, Spanish, French, Bengali, and Chinese. For information on receiving assistance to fill out the application and the location and hours of these free technical support clinics, visit the application portal. Those who are selected to receive an e-bike and spare battery must complete an online safety training course to ensure they understand the safe riding practices.
New York City Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez said, “Safer e-bikes, batteries, and charging practices are key to a cleaner and more sustainable transportation future and to 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 safe, reliable equipment while giving their families and neighbors greater peace of mind. We thank Mayor Adams and his vision for helping New York City become the first municipality to ever launch such a program.”
By: Chelsea Ramjeawan (Chelsea is the CityLaw intern and a New York Law School student, Class of 2025.)