NEW YORK (VINnews) — New York City officials launched a public portal inviting residents to help determine locations for a network of e-bike battery swapping stations aimed at improving safety and supporting delivery workers.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani and transportation officials said the city plans to install about 25 battery-swapping cabinets, allowing riders to exchange depleted batteries for fully charged ones. The initiative targets areas with high delivery activity, including parts of Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn and the Bronx.

Officials say the program is designed to reduce fire risks tied to lithium-ion batteries, which have been linked to unsafe charging practices and uncertified equipment. The cabinets will meet fire safety standards set by the Fire Department of the City of New York and include monitoring and fire suppression systems.

Transportation Commissioner Mike Flynn said the stations will make charging safer and more accessible for workers who often carry multiple batteries during long shifts.

The FDNY also announced an extension through September 2026 for applications related to outdoor charging installations, allowing more time for safety certifications.

The project builds on a pilot program that found battery-swapping stations to be safe and widely used. Officials expect final locations to be determined after public input, with the stations anticipated to be operational by 2028.

Online: https://nycdotprojects.info/project/1995/overview