The NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) recently released its report, “Safer Charging, Safer Deliveries,” summarizing the findings of its six-month Public E-Bike Charging Pilot Program. The report offers encouraging news to apartment building owners because innovative approaches to lithium-ion battery charging have the potential to reduce the risk of fires.

There’s been a growing threat of lithium-ion battery fires from charging micromobility devices such as scooters and e-bikes. According to the report, between 2020 and 2023, fire incidents caused by lithium-ion batteries rose from 30 to 268, with 18 fatalities reported in 2023. This sharp increase has been attributed to the use of uncertified e-bike batteries, many of which are charged in apartments under unsafe conditions.

To study and combat this, the DOT pilot introduced outdoor charging alternatives, such as battery-swapping cabinets and e-bike charging docks, at five locations across New York City. These facilities provided free, safe charging options primarily for food delivery workers. The initiative achieved remarkable results, reducing at-home charging by 35 percent. In some cases, participants stopped charging at home altogether, significantly lowering the risk of residential fires. Importantly, there were no fire incidents reported at any of the pilot sites, which further underscores the effectiveness of providing controlled, secure charging infrastructure.

The pilot program offers guidance for owners looking to enhance fire safety. Owners may significantly reduce the risks posed by tenants charging e-bike batteries indoors by advocating for the installation of safe charging stations near their buildings. With the pilot program, moving charging practices outdoors improved fire safety but also demonstrated the demand for accessible charging options. The program recorded over 12,000 battery swaps and more than 1,300 dock charging sessions, with peak usage aligning with meal delivery times. This indicates that outdoor hubs may serve as a practical and widely used alternative to indoor charging.