"Addressing E-Bike Safety: Trade-In Program, Rotting Cargo, and NYC's Proposed Rules"
The New York City Council is set to create a trade-in program for electric bikes and lithium-ion batteries in an effort to prevent deadly fires. The program, expected to be approved on Thursday, would provide certified e-bikes and batteries for free or at a low cost. This initiative follows a series of lithium-ion battery fires that have resulted in 14 deaths and over 100 injuries in the city this year. The trade-in program aims to address the issue of uncertified e-bikes and batteries already owned by consumers. Additionally, a separate trade-in program for delivery workers, funded by donations from companies like Uber and DoorDash, has been slow due to high costs. The program will require approval from Mayor Eric Adams.