Micro-Mobility: The New York City Battery Boom

Micro-mobility is booming in popularity in New York City. Problem is, something else is booming and that’s the lithium-ion batteries powering these devices. Last year, in NYC alone, there were 216 fires involving batteries, with 147 injuries and six deaths — up from 104 fires in 2021, accounting for 79 injuries and four deaths.

While NYC faces challenges from these fires, there are no plans to get rid of these electrified modes of transport as they are providing a way for many people to make a living. E-bikes and scooters can be seen buzzing around the busy streets of NYC en masse, which includes more than 60,000 app-based food delivery workers. This trend doesn’t seem to be slowing down, as the online grocery sector has a projected growth rate of $740.88 billion from 2022 to 2027.

While NYC faces challenges from these fires, there are no plans to get rid of these electrified modes of transport as they are providing a way for many people to make a living. E-bikes and scooters can be seen buzzing around the busy streets of NYC en masse, which includes more than 60,000 app-based food delivery workers. This trend doesn’t seem to be slowing down, as the online grocery sector has a projected growth rate of $740.88 billion from 2022 to 2027.

Micro-mobility is booming in popularity in New York City. Problem is, something else is booming and that’s the lithium-ion batteries powering these devices. Last year, in NYC alone, there were 216 fires involving batteries, with 147 injuries and six deaths — up from 104 fires in 2021, accounting for 79 injuries and four deaths.