Mayor Adams Launches NYC Safe Charging Accelerator
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New York City Mayor Eric Adams has unveiled the NYC Safe Charging Accelerator, a comprehensive initiative aimed at ensuring safe e-bike usage and preventing lithium-ion battery fires. This comes as part of the broader “Charge Safe, Ride Safe” plan to address the growing number of battery-related incidents in the city.
Key Actions and Programs
Expedited Approval for Charging Infrastructure
The NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) will propose rules to expedite the approval process for installing safe, outdoor e-bike charging infrastructure. This will allow property owners to install battery swapping and charging cabinets on public sidewalks, making them accessible to e-bike users. The streamlined approval process aims to reduce installation times to six weeks, prioritizing new technologies.
$2 Million Trade-In Program
The city will launch the nation’s first municipal trade-in program for unsafe e-bikes and batteries. This $2 million initiative will enable food delivery workers to trade their uncertified, dangerous e-bikes and batteries for UL-certified replacements. This effort aims to reduce fire risks and ensure compliance with safety standards.
FDNY Public Education Campaign
The FDNY will invest $1 million in a public education campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of uncertified lithium-ion batteries. The campaign will highlight safety tips and promote the use of certified batteries through ads and educational materials in multiple languages across various media platforms.
Supporting Data and Statistics
• Since 2019, lithium-ion batteries have caused 733 fires in NYC, resulting in 29 deaths and 442 injuries.
• In 2023 alone, 133 fires were caused by batteries that were not charging at the time.
• The new initiatives build on existing regulations and safety measures introduced by the Adams administration, including five bills signed into law last spring to further regulate lithium-ion batteries.
Statements from City Officials
Mayor Adams emphasized the importance of safe e-bike usage, stating, “We are doing everything in our power to put a stop to these deadly fires and make safe lithium-ion batteries more affordable.” DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez and FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh echoed these sentiments, highlighting the critical role of safe infrastructure and public awareness in preventing battery fires.
Community and Legislative Support
The initiatives have garnered widespread support from city officials and community leaders, including New York State Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar and Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine. The programs aim to protect delivery workers, reduce fire risks, and promote sustainable transportation.
Future Plans
The NYC Safe Charging Accelerator and related initiatives reflect the city’s commitment to public safety and sustainable transportation. The administration will continue to work with stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of these programs and promote the safe use of e-bikes and lithium-ion batteries.
For more information on these initiatives and to stay updated on the latest developments, visit the official NYC government website.
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