Earlier this year, the FDNY reported significant progress in the fight against lithium-ion battery fires. In 2024, New York City saw 277 battery fires but fire-related deaths linked to these batteries dropped by two-thirds, from 18 deaths in 2023 to six in 2024. FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker credited the improvement to sustained public education efforts, expanded inspections, and stronger community engagement.

One of the most notable indicators of changing behavior is where these fires are occurring. In prior years, many of the battery fires occurred in residential buildings where uncertified or poorly maintained batteries were charged inside units, hallways, or entryways. For 2024, however, 133 fires happened outdoors, up from 90 in 2023, suggesting that more residents are charging and storing batteries outside of their homes. This trend reinforces the value of developing outdoor charging infrastructure, which the city is now encouraging building owners to help expand.

To this end, the NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) recently opened applications for external sidewalk-based e-bike charging and battery-swapping cabinets. Owners can now apply to install these cabinets directly outside residential or mixed-use buildings through the city’s revocable consent process. For owners, this program offers a structured path to reduce fire hazards posed by indoor battery charging, while adding a safety-forward amenity for tenants.

We’ll go over the details of charging and swapping cabinets that may be installed adjacent to buildings and the specifics of the formal application process.

Charging and Swapping Cabinets

Last year, the city implemented a six-month pilot program that tested outdoor charging stations and battery-swapping cabinets at select sites to promising results. Participants reported a 35 percent drop in at-home charging, and there were no fire incidents at any of the outdoor locations. These outcomes point to a workable strategy of utilizing charging and swapping cabinets to move the risk outside.

Charging cabinets allow users to safely plug in and charge their own UL-certified batteries. Swapping cabinets, on the other hand, are operated by third-party providers that manage an inventory of certified batteries that users can rent, return, and exchange as needed. These units are typically about the size of a vending machine and can either serve the general public or be designated as a private building amenity. For example, Swobbee, a Berlin-based company participating in the program, offers battery swap subscriptions and plans to charge a maximum of $2 a day for unlimited swaps. Owners may charge usage fees, although the city has not yet released formal pricing guidelines for owners.

While any direct revenue may be modest, the larger value lies in risk mitigation. By installing an outdoor charging or swapping cabinet, building owners can significantly reduce the risk of fire hazards inside residential units while offering a practical solution to residents and neighborhood riders.

Application Process and Timeline

Owners of residential buildings with five or more units or buildings where the ground floor is used for non-residential purposes can apply for a revocable consent from DOT. A revocable consent is the grant of a right to an individual or organization to construct and maintain certain structures on, over, or under the inalienable property (streets and sidewalks) of New York City adjacent to their building. These agreements are typically valid for 10 years, with the city retaining the right to revoke consent if needed.

DOT has issued an application guide, Sidewalk E-Bike Battery Swapping and Charging Cabinets 101, which outlines the site clearance requirements, cabinet specifications, and the approval process. The application is tied to the specific property, and the cabinet must be located directly on the sidewalk adjacent to that building.

Approval process. According to the guideline, the process of securing permission to install a cabinet typically takes about 12 months and involves several city agencies. It begins with a submission to the DOT Revocable Consent Team, including plans prepared by a licensed New York State design professional (6 months).

The application must include detailed site drawings, legal and corporate documentation, and a filing fee. Once submitted, the proposal is reviewed by DOT staff, as well as the local community board, the borough president’s office, and the appropriate City Council member. After this review, the proposal must be approved by the Public Design Commission, which may request revisions to ensure the design is appropriate for the streetscape. Once design approvals are obtained, DOT prepares the draft agreement and schedules a public hearing (3.5 months). At this stage, the applicant must provide insurance documentation, pay for the public hearing notice, and submit a security deposit.

The final step involves formal sign-off by the Mayor’s Office and registration with the Comptroller’s Office (less than 2 months). Separately, FDNY must approve both the model of the cabinet and its location through a review conducted by its Technology Management division. Applicants must also secure electrical permits from the Department of Buildings before construction can begin. Once installed, the cabinet remains under the responsibility of the petitioner and must be maintained in accordance with the terms of the 10-year revocable consent agreement.

Site clearance requirement. Before a cabinet can be installed, the site must meet clearance requirements set forth by DOT and the FDNY. The sidewalk must allow for a clear pedestrian path that is generally no less than 8 feet wide. This width may increase depending on the presence of other street elements such as tree pits, subway entrances, or bus stops.

Cabinets also cannot obstruct entrances, utilities, or access points and must be situated far enough from other fixed infrastructure to allow safe and unobstructed pedestrian movement. For installation near angled or 90-degree parking spots, safety bollards must be placed between the cabinet and the parking area. The placement of the cabinet is also subject to site-specific review by the Public Design Commission and FDNY, which may result in additional clearance adjustments or design changes.

Cabinet specifications. Each unit must comply with strict dimensional limits. No cabinet may exceed a height of 8 feet and 5 inches, and the maximum width and depth are each limited to 4 feet. Where more than one cabinet is proposed, there must be at least three feet of separation between them, unless FDNY explicitly allows for closer placement.

All cabinets must be connected to power via underground conduit that runs from the petitioner’s building. The petitioner is responsible for funding the installation, covering maintenance costs, and ensuring ongoing compliance with city regulations. Cabinets must also be installed and operated using FDNY-approved models and follow appropriate certification requirements. FDNY will also inspect each site before activation.

Anticipated costs. After the basic and initial fees, owners interested in renewal after the initial 10-year term, additional fees include a $500 renewal fee, $1,250 public hearing advertising fee, and an updated security deposit adjusted for inflation. The basic fees for owners who are applying include the following:

• $750 filing fee;
• $3,000 security deposit;
• $1,250 advertising fee for public hearing;
• $25 annual consent fee to the city;
• Ongoing insurance costs and engineering/design fees.

While these costs are not insignificant, they reflect the city’s desire to ensure that installations are safe, compliant, and appropriate for public sidewalks. And they are much less in comparison to the potential damage, liability, and loss of life that an indoor lithium-ion battery fire can bring.

Applications are now open, and DOT will accept them on a rolling basis. Owners interested in applying or learning more should review DOT’s application guide and direct any specific questions to revocableconsents@dot.nyc.gov.