In a significant move to enhance urban mobility and safety, the New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) has finalized rules permitting property owners and tenants to install e-bike battery swapping and charging cabinets on public sidewalks adjacent to their buildings.
“Safer charging practices are integral to a cleaner and more sustainable future and installing charging infrastructure throughout the five boroughs will support the growth in e-bikes while also protecting all New Yorkers from deadly fires,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez.
This initiative, part of the city’s “Charge Safe, Ride Safe” action plan, aims to reduce the incidence of hazardous in-home charging of uncertified batteries, a leading cause of fires in the city. According to the New York Times, there were 202 fires as of October in 2024.
What are the Problems with NYC’s E-Bike Locker Initiative?
While New York City’s current initiative and lockers (we especially like the colour scheme of the one on the left) are an excellent start, they often rely on proprietary battery chargers and only work for one brand of battery. By contrast, PowerShelter’s lockers and “false wall” design allow chargers (whether proprietary or universal) to be securely locked inside each compartment. This ensures riders of virtually any bike brand can safely and conveniently power up, broadening access to e-bike charging beyond proprietary solutions or certain companies
Why a PowerShelter is the Best Charging Locker for Everyone
In addition to the ability to permanently lock a charger inside of the compartment, PowerShelter goes above and beyond the current standard in New York City with its large amount of safety and security features
You may be wondering what makes these lockers necessary and how they benefit both riders and property owners. By installing PowerShelter’s charging lockers, property owners can:
Enhance Safety: Our lockers are equipped with fire suppression and temperature control systems, gas sensors and made out of Stainless Steel, mitigating fire risks.
Promote Sustainable Mobility: Accessible charging infrastructure encourages the use of e-bikes, reducing reliance on fossil-fuel-powered transportation and contributing to a greener urban environment. While there is a big increase in e-bike ridership, behavioral changes needed to follow suit. Riders need to have confidence that the places they are commuting will have suitable infrastructure for them to charge, let alone even be allowed to.
Increase Property Appeal: Offering on-site e-bike charging amenities can attract eco-conscious tenants and customers, adding a modern and desirable feature to properties, with the ability of full API integration into existing security or employee software.
A SmartShelter locker also provides an alternative to blanket bans of e-bike charging in buildings, something the riders are probably doing anyway.
To learn more about the SmartShelter, check out the full features here
The success of NYC DOT’s pilot program, which saw a significant reduction in in-home charging and positive feedback from users, underscores the effectiveness of accessible public charging solutions. We do it for EVs, why not E-bikes?
PowerShelter is poised to support property owners in New York City and beyond in implementing these solutions, contributing to safer streets and a more sustainable urban landscape.
Blog Photo Credit: NYC Dot
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Media Contacts
Jake De Wulf, Co-Founder
Barnnet Uchenna-Onuoha, Marketing Manager
partners@powershelter.com
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