Are you a food delivery worker in NYC with an uncertified e-bike or moped? Now’s your chance to trade it in for a brand-new, UL-certified e-bike—completely free! Don’t miss this opportunity to upgrade and ride safer with the NYC DOT’s limited time E-Bike Trade-in program.
What is the E-Bike trade-in program?
The New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT)‘s E-Bike Trade-In Program enhances public safety by replacing uncertified e-bikes and non-street-legal mopeds with UL-certified models for food delivery workers. Eligible participants receive the e-bike and battery at no cost, reducing fire hazards and improving overall street safety.
Who is eligible for the program?
To qualify for the program, applicants must be current residents of New York City and at least 18 years old. They must have earned a minimum of $1,500 in 2024 while working as a food delivery worker for a food service establishment, third-party food delivery service, or third-party courier service.
Additionally, applicants must own an eligible device in operable condition, which includes a non-UL-certified e-bike with its battery, spare batteries, and charger; a non-UL-certified e-moped with its battery, spare batteries, and charger; or a moped that cannot be registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and lacks a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Only devices and batteries that are not UL-certified are eligible for trade in.
What does UL-certified mean?
The term “UL-certified” indicates that an electric bicycle (e-bike), electric moped (e-moped), or battery has been tested and certified by an accredited testing laboratory. The certification standards vary by device type: UL 2849 for e-bikes, UL 2272 for e-mopeds, and UL 2271 for batteries. You can refer to graphics from DOT’s Before You Buy, Verify! campaign to learn how to verify if your mobility equipment is UL-certified.
What does the DOT-issued e-bike look like?
The DOT-issued e-bike is the new Fly 11 Pro E-Bike, which includes a spare UL 2271 battery. The Fly 11 Pro E-Bike features a top speed of 20 mph, a pedal-assist range of 50 miles, and weighs 75 lbs. It comes equipped with a fast charger that fully charges in 5-6 hours, a battery lock, a USB phone charging port, a waterproof speedometer and odometer with an LCD display, as well as a headlight and taillight for enhanced safety.
The Fly 11 Pro E-Bike.
How to apply for the program?
To apply for the E-Bike Trade-In Program, visit the application portal, complete the online form, and upload the necessary documents to verify your age, residence, employment and earnings, as well as your device and battery.
The application deadline is February 17, 2025, at 9:00 PM, and selection is not based on a first-come, first-served basis. NYC DOT anticipates distributing approximately 400 e-bikes during this pilot program. If the number of eligible applicants exceeds the available e-bikes, participants will be chosen through a lottery system, and those not selected will be placed on a waitlist. Note that submitting an application does not guarantee selection for the program.
What documents are acceptable as proof?
To prove your age, upload one valid, unexpired document. The same document can be used for both age and residence verification. Acceptable options include an IDNYC card, passport, NYS Benefit ID, or a U.S. government-issued ID like a driver’s license.
For proof of residence, upload one valid document showing your home address. The same document may also verify your age. Accepted documents include an IDNYC card, U.S. government-issued ID, a utility or telephone bill dated within the past 90 days, or an invoice from the billing company within the last 90 days.
To verify employment and earnings, upload one or more documents proving total earnings of at least $1,500 in 2024 as a food delivery worker. Accepted documents include tax returns or IRS forms (W-2, 1099-NEC, 1040), bank statements showing direct deposits, pay stubs, or a letter from an employer confirming employment and earnings.
For proof of an eligible device and battery, upload clear images of your device and, if applicable, its battery. The device must be shown from three angles: front, rear, and side. Any writings or markings must be visible, and blurry images will be rejected. If your device has a removable battery or a spare, upload a photo of it. If trading in an e-bike or electric moped, its battery must also be included.
Only PDF, PNG, JPG, GIF, and BMP files are accepted, with a maximum file size of 5 MB each. Photos must be clear, well-lit, and show the mobility equipment in full. Expired government-issued documents will not be accepted.
What if I need help with the application?
For questions regarding the application, you can contact NYC DOT online or call 212-839-7100. If you have a language preference, mention it in your email or during your call. NYC DOT staff will arrange for a language interpreter to assist in your preferred language.
From January 27 to February 17, 2025, the Worker’s Justice Project will offer free application support services to help applicants complete their forms. These technical assistance walk-in clinics will be available to eligible applicants Monday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM at 365 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY 11211, and on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM at 4112 4th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11232.
