FAQ NYC Episode 462: A Vision for NYC’s Deliveristas and a Battery-Powered Future
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Dec 5, 2025 Baruch Herzfeld, Founder and CEO of Pop Wheels, is on a mission to revolutionize battery charging in NYC with shared battery-swap cabinets. He shares how personal experiences with battery fires led him to create a safer solution for delivery workers. The discussion delves into NYC's regulatory challenges and Baruch's clever strategies, including using AI to engage potential partners. He envisions a future where communal batteries power not just bikes but also food carts and more. Baruch’s entrepreneurial spirit shines through as he connects deeply with NYC’s delivery culture.
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Latent Demand Makes Battery Swaps Viable
- Baruch Herzfeld realized an existing delivery-bike ecosystem creates latent demand for a battery-swap network.
- He plans a citywide, multiuse battery network to reduce home charging and prevent fires.
E‑Bike For Kids Sparked The Idea
- Baruch bought an e-bike to move his triplets and noticed battery fire statistics and unsafe home charging.
- That personal experience motivated him to explore Taiwan-style battery-swap systems for NYC.
Build Officially, Not Just Quickly
- Work within regulations to build durable solutions rather than quick informal fixes.
- Engage the bureaucracy to create long-term infrastructure that survives scrutiny.