Grubhub unveiled initiatives, Wednesday, aimed at creating a safer, sustainable environment for delivery workers that use ebikes in New York City, including a pilot program with Joco, an ebike rental platform. The company is also working with city leaders, the Fire Department of the City of New York, and industry partners to improve ebike safety.
The Joco partnership will provide at least 500 delivery partners free access to more than a thousand safety-certified ebikes, as well as more than 55 hubs for ebike storage, battery exchange, and distribution of delivery rider gear.
The platform uses fireproof battery charging cabinets that are equipped with a fire safety extinguisher.
“Delivery workers are essential to thousands of communities and businesses, including Grubhub’s, and helping to ensure their safety–and the safety of all New Yorkers–is a top priority,” said Amy Perlik Healy, VP of government relations at Grubhub, in a statement. “These new partnerships are an expansion of our ongoing work to address safe use of ebikes and handling of batteries by delivery partners, and we will explore any reasonable means to prevent tragic fires from occurring in the future.”
Beginning in June, select Grubhub delivery partners will receive Joco credits they may use for ebike rentals. The initial program will allow both companies to gather information that will advise their approach to creating a safer ebike ecosystem.
“We’re delighted to partner with Grubhub in extending our services to a wider delivery community while ensuring secure charging facilities. As we celebrate Earth Week, we’re thrilled to stay committed to our mission of reducing the number of cars and trucks on the road for last-mile delivery,” said Jonathan Cohen, Joco co-founder, in a statement.
Key initiatives with the industry partners include a $100,000 grant from the Grubhub Community Fund to the FDNY Foundation, an organization working to spread awareness and education about safe practices for using lithium-ion batteries.
“We know that micro-mobility devices are here to stay, and the FDNY is constantly exploring best practices for how to use them safely,” said FDNY Foundation Executive Director Jean O’Shea. “We are grateful for the support of industry partners like Grubhub for helping us spread the important messages of safety and prevention surrounding lithium-ion batteries.”
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