As the demand for food delivery via apps like Grubhub, DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Relay increases, the use of electric bikes, scooters, and mopeds by delivery workers has become more popular and accessible. However, the downside is that fires caused by lithium-ion batteries are tearing through the city, putting the gig labor force, largely made up of immigrant men from Spanish-speaking countries, at risk of falling victim to such fires.
The Growing Risk of Lithium-ion Fires
In recent years, lithium-ion fires caused by micro-mobility vehicles have more than doubled each year in New York City, according to the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) data. In 2022, there were 220 fires that resulted in 147 injuries and six deaths. This year, there have already been 114 investigations into lithium-ion fires, 74 injuries, and 13 deaths, as of July 3, 2023.
Gig workers are low-income workers, which means they are more likely to buy cheap e-bikes and batteries that aren’t certified. They also spend hours a day riding bikes all over the city, which means more wear and tear and the possibility of damaging the batteries. And when it comes to range management, many deliverers don’t have safe places to charge and may end up charging them in their apartments, perhaps even overnight, which can lead to overheating.
The Impact on Gig Workers
Gig workers are self-employed. App companies must be careful not to cross into employer area when supporting their employees. William Medina, a member of Los Deliveristas Unidos, a New York City delivery workers’ union, feels these multimillion-dollar delivery corporations should help workers obtain safe batteries.
The average cost of a certified e-bike that’s used by delivery workers is around $1,500, according to workers. On top of that, the cost of maintenance, charging, insurance and battery replacements could set a worker back another $450 to $550 annually. A typical six-day work week in NYC might bring in $700 to $800, and that’s before expenses and taxes.
What are Delivery Companies Doing to Help?
DoorDash and Uber both separately donated $100,000 to the FDNY Foundation to support its efforts to increase fire safety messaging, education, and outreach. Both companies are also supporting the Equitable Commute Project (ECP), which offers an e-bike trade-in program. They each donated $200,000 to the ECP.
DoorDash also partners with e-bike companies Dirwin and Zoomo to help Dashers get access to safe bikes. Dirwin offers 30% off the purchase of an e-bike, helmet, and front basket, as well as a free accessory package that includes a cell phone mount, water bottle holder, tire pump, and sunglasses. That’s available for financing at around $33 per week or a total price of around $1,600 for everything.
Zoomo’s partnership with DoorDash gives Dashers in NYC $100 off its “Boost” plan, which costs $199 per month for an e-bike subscription. Included in that subscription is access to any of Zoomo’s e-bikes, servicing, theft protection, and a spare battery.
Grubhub is currently doing a six-month pilot with Joco, a docked, shared e-bike operator that services gig workers, to give at least 500 gig delivery workers per month free access to Joco’s bikes. Joco’s fleet of 1,000 bikes can be found at 55 stations across Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens.
What More Could Delivery Companies Do?
The city takes steps to ensure labor safety, but gig companies could provide more support. Delivery companies can establish an e-bike standard, similar to Uber and Lyft’s car standard.
Uber and Lyft contribute to the Black Car Fund, providing benefits. Delivery companies, the city, and restaurants can create a similar fund for affordable and safe batteries.
A battery buy-back program funded by companies and the government is suggested. NYC Council introduced a bill for reduced-cost or exchanged batteries for e-scooters and e-bikes.
Gig companies can also offer incentives for delivery workers who purchase UL-certified e-bikes and other micro-mobility devices. Apps could also potentially provide loans to delivery workers or subsidize leases and rent-to-own programs.
Finally, they can raise awareness. Companies should be leading the charge by informing deliverers of the risks, how to stay safe, where they can find good deals on certified bikes, and what laws or resources are in place.
The Role of Mayor Eric Adams
Mayor Eric Adams has announced an action plan to combat lithium-ion battery fires, which includes funding battery storage and charging hubs, pushing for incentives and rebates to buy better bikes, and raising awareness of the issue. The city has also passed two crucial laws. The first prohibits the assembly or reconditioning of lithium-ion batteries using cells removed from used storage batteries. The second involves banning the sale, lease, or rental of micromobility devices and batteries that fail to meet recognized safety standards.
The Future of Gig Work
The increasing risk of lithium-ion fires in NYC emphasizes the necessity for improved support for gig workers who rely on micro-mobility vehicles. Although app companies offer some assistance, additional measures are required to guarantee access to affordable and safe batteries for workers.
As the gig economy expands, it becomes evident that more efforts are necessary to ensure fair treatment and prioritize worker safety. By collaborating with the city, delivery companies, and advocacy groups, a safer and fairer future can be created for gig workers in NYC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What Causes Lithium-ion Battery Fires?
A: The primary causes of e-bike, e-scooter, and e-moped battery fires include the use of cheap vehicles and batteries produced through low-quality manufacturing processes with budget materials, overcharging, battery damage, and excessive usage.
Q: What Can Delivery Companies Do to Help?
A: Delivery companies can establish an e-bike standard for their workers. They can contribute to a fund for affordable and safe batteries. Incentives can be provided to delivery workers who buy UL-certified e-bikes and other micro-mobility devices. Additionally, efforts can be made to raise awareness of available resources and risks.
Q: What Is Mayor Eric Adams Doing to Combat Lithium-ion Battery Fires?
A: Mayor Eric Adams has announced an action plan to combat lithium-ion battery fires. The plan includes funding battery storage and charging hubs, pushing for incentives and rebates to buy better bikes, and raising awareness of the issue. Two crucial laws have also been passed by the city. One law prohibits the assembly or reconditioning of lithium-ion batteries using cells removed from used storage batteries. The other law involves banning the sale, lease, or rental of micro-mobility devices and batteries that fail to meet recognized safety standards.
First reported on: TechCrunch
