GetCharged, Inc. (Charge), has unveiled its first docking station for e-scooters and e-bikes in New York City.
The docks are used as charging, storing and servicing stations, with the first docking station being opened at 200 5th Ave in Worth Square. This is the first of more than 400 stations at New York Metro locations expected to open, which will provide infrastructure for when electric scooters are deployed in the city later this year.
"Cities around the globe continue to embrace micromobility as an option to ease pressures on public transportation and congestion,” said Charge Co-Founder and CEO Andrew Fox. “However, significant pitfalls remain with the dockless model, such as cluttered streets and sidewalks and the risk of fire when charging multiple scooters in residential buildings. Charge provides vital infrastructure for riders and rideshare operators by offering a convenient place to charge and store e-vehicles, helping protect the integrity of city streets and keeping pedestrians and residents safe.”
To date, Charge has entered into numerous agreements with garage operators and property owners across North America. Charge's indoor, outdoor and pop-up mobile docking stations are designed to be compatible with most brands of e-scooters. The company has secured a growing network of over 3,000 locations ready to install its e-scooter and e-bike docking stations to address the shortcomings of the existing dockless micromobility rideshare platforms. Charge continues to pursue its business development efforts to grow its network of locations throughout North America and Europe.
"As New York City continues to grow, so must access to different modes of transportation, in all reaches of the five boroughs," said Council Member Paul Vallone. "These charging stations, compatible with e-bikes and e-scooters, would help ensure our city sidewalks and streets remain clear, organized and safe while encouraging the use of innovative transportation solutions."
"The pilot program will allow us to get feedback from New Yorkers who have embraced the benefits of micromobility. It will also allow us to see what kind of impact these stations will have in the surrounding communities," said Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez, chairman of the Transportation Committee. "I will continue to work alongside my colleagues at the council to ensure we embrace the many benefits micromobility brings to the city."
Fox testified in support of the legalization of electric scooters and bikes in New York on June 7th. The New York State Senate and Assembly have since passed Senate Bill S5294A, which will be delivered to the governor to sign later this year.
