The New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) has finalised a set of key rules authorising property owners and tenants to install electric micromobility device battery swapping and charging cabinets on sidewalks in front of their properties.
The new rules, which will allow those seeking approval to install charging provisions on land within the public right-of-way of their properties, was announced by NYC DOT Commissioner YDanis Rodriguez and builds on a 2024 pilot programme to reduce e-battery charging in apartments.
As stated in the rules, property owners and tenants will now be authorised to install a battery swapping and charging cabinet outdoors and adjacent to any building with ground floor commercial and community facility uses, as well as residential buildings with a total of over five separate dwelling units.
Each unit will be required to meet with existing sitting specifications for revocable consents, such as including clear pathways for pedestrians, as well as minimum clearance requirements from existing infrastructure like subway entrances and bus stops.
NYC DOT Commissioner, Ydanis Rodriguez, said: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.
These new rules will expand access to safe e-bike charging options and are informed by our public pilot, which increased the use of safer certified e-bike batteries, reduced in-home charging, and gave delivery workers greater peace of mind.
As well as the DOT’s new parameters, each cabinet will also be assessed and approved by the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) as part of its Technology Management (TM) process, which tests for the suitability of fire suppression, ventilation, automatic shutoff and temperature control.
FDNY Fire Commissioner, Robert S. Tucker, said:Protecting the public from the dangers of lithium-ion batteries is critically important to the safety of our city. As we enter an increasingly green future with a continued focus on renewable energy, we know we must explore every option in making sure these devices are used properly, and safely.
The new rules will give New Yorkers another option for storing and charging these devices outside their homes, which we know will keep residents and firefighters safe.
Those looking to apply to install units will be able to do so from February 1 2025.
