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
• Removing non-street legal mopeds from roadways

DOT expects to distribute approximately 400 e-bikes during the pilot.

Selected program participants will receive a new UL-certified Fly 11 Pro E-Bike with a spare UL-certified battery in exchange for their unsafe devices and batteries. The term “UL-certified” refers to an electric bicycle (e-bike), electric moped (e-moped), or battery that was certified by an accredited testing laboratory. Standards for device types are: UL 2849 for e-bikes, UL 2272 for e-mopeds, and UL 2271 for batteries. 

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

You can also review the 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 as a food delivery worker,
• Live in one of the five boroughs of New York City,
• Are at least 18 years old, and
• Own and use an eligible mobility device to complete food deliveries.

Eligible mobility devices for trade-in include:

• A non-UL-certified e-bike with its battery, spare batteries, and battery charger
• A non-UL-certified e-moped with its battery, spare batteries, and battery charger
• A moped that cannot be registered with the DMV and does not have a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

Application and Selection Process

The application period is expected to begin January 27, 2025 at 9 AM and end February 17, 2025 at 9 PM.

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.

Application Support

During the application period, the Worker’s Justice Project will help eligible applicants fill out their application forms.

Walk-in clinics will be available at:

• 365 Broadway
  Brooklyn, NY 11211
  Open Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 4:30 PM

• 4112 4 Avenue
  Brooklyn, NY 11232
  Open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 AM to 4:30 PM