Few Are Trading In Dangerous E-Bikes for Safer Ones, Despite Fire Risk

Uber has also partnered with an electric vehicle company, Zoomo, on a separate discount program for food delivery workers. They can rent a certified e-bike from $99 a month, or more than half off the regular price of $199, with Uber subsidizing the rental costs for up to a total of $500,000. They have the option of trading in an uncertified e-bike for an additional $200 credit, which can be used toward the purchase of a Zoomo e-bike.

To apply for the trade-in program from the Equitable Commute Project, delivery workers fill out an online form and confirm that they will bring in their e-bikes. In return, they have a choice of three e-bikes, each of which comes with a spare battery: a Tern Quick Haul for $1,900 (nearly $3,800 retail cost); an Aventon Level.2 for $928 (about $2,500); and a Velotric Go 1 for $700 (about $2,300).

George Suazo, 30, a delivery worker for Uber Eats and Grubhub, said that he decided to trade in his folding Fly Wing e-bike, which he bought for $1,600 last year. After hearing about the fires, he has taken safety precautions with his e-bike, such as setting a timer on his phone to prevent overcharging the battery and unplugging the charger before going to bed.

Though he has not had any problems, Mr. Suazo, who lives with his family, said he would feel safer with a certified e-bike. After applying, he was invited to try out the e-bikes at a local bike store and picked the Aventon.

Mr. Suazo said it was an upgrade from his current e-bike, with larger tires and a longer battery range. He said he did not mind paying $928 for it, which he expected to make back in a couple weeks of making deliveries. “The trade-in, compared to what I have, I feel is a great deal,” he said.