NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) is launching the first-of-its-kind E-Bike Trade-in Program to get unsafe e-bikes, illegal mopeds, and their batteries off the streets and out of New Yorkers' homes.

Eligible food delivery workers will be able to replace their unsafe devices with certified, high-quality e-bikes and compatible batteries. The program aims to enhance public safety by reducing the fire risks posed by uncertified lithium-ion batteries from e-bikes and removing faster and heavier illegal mopeds from roadways.

Selected program participants will receive an UL-certified e-bike with two compatible UL-certified batteries in exchange for their unsafe devices and batteries. The term “certified” refers to e-bike equipment that has been tested and certified by an accredited testing laboratory to UL standard 2849 for e-bikes and UL standard 2271 for batteries.

Learn more about the E-Bike Trade-in Program.

You can also review the City of New York’s Rules on § 4-150 Accredited Testing Laboratories or DCWP’s Inspection Checklists for more details.

Eligibility

The E-Bike Trade-in Program is open to food delivery workers who:

• Have earned at least $1,500 in 2024 delivering food,
• Live in the five boroughs of New York City,
• Are at least 18 years of age, and
• Own and use an e-bike or moped to complete food deliveries.

Eligible devices for trade in include:

• A non-UL-certified e-bike with its non-UL-certified battery, including spare batteries, and battery charger;
• A non-UL-certified e-moped with its battery, including spare batteries, and battery charger; or
• A moped that cannot be registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and lacks a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

Selection and Trade-in

The application period is expected to open in early 2025. 

Once the application is open, eligible applicants can fill out an online form and provide proof of eligibility. If the number of eligible applicants is greater than the number of available mobility equipment, DOT will select program participants through a lottery.

The agency expects to distribute approximately 400 e-bikes during the pilot. Selected applicants will be required to attend trade-in events to exchange their unsafe devices with safer ones. The applicant’s mobility device must be in operable condition.