DC to Launch E-Bike Delivery Pilot

The District will fund low-cost e-bikes and provide charging and battery swap stations for delivery workers to encourage e-bikes as an alternative to driving for food deliveries.

1 minute read

July 7, 2025, 7:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Person in black clothing and helmet with red DoorDash box on back of electric bike on urban street.

A food delivery e-bike in Toronto, Canada. | SockaGPhoto / Adobe Stock

Washington, D.C.’s Department of Transportation is launching a pilot project to test the feasibility of using e-bikes for deliveries within the city, reports Matt Pusatory for WUSA 9.

According to DDOT Director Sharon Kershbaum, “This pilot is testing one of many strategies to achieve our climate goals while also improving street safety, reducing traffic congestion, and supporting the local workforce.”

The program will support two groups of participants over a six-month period, providing e-bikes suitable for food delivery and access to charging stations and battery swapping. “To encourage food delivery workers to participate in the pilot, battery charging cabinets will be installed at convenient locations for quick and easy swapping, and the e-bikes will be highly subsidized with the option to own the e-bike at the end of the pilot.”

After a year, DDOT will evaluate the potential for expanding the program and supporting more sustainable deliveries.

Tuesday, July 1, 2025 in WUSA 9

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 2, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

White and purple sign for Slow Street in San Francisco, California with people crossing crosswalk.

San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths

Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.

July 1, 2025 - KQED

Blue self-driving Ford Transit van shuttle in Jacksonville, Florida.

Jacksonville Launches First Autonomous Transit Shuttle in US

A fleet of 14 fully autonomous vehicles will serve a 3.5-mile downtown Jacksonville route with 12 stops.

6 seconds ago - Smart Cities Dive

Blue sign with white gas pump symbol with electric plug and "EV"

‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ Guts EV Tax Credits

The bill eliminates federal subsidies for electric vehicle buyers and charging stations.

1 hour ago - Engadget

Person in black clothing and helmet with red DoorDash box on back of electric bike on urban street.

DC to Launch E-Bike Delivery Pilot

The District will fund low-cost e-bikes and provide charging and battery swap stations for delivery workers to encourage e-bikes as an alternative to driving for food deliveries.

2 hours ago - WUSA 9