Popwheels is a Brooklyn-based company building a battery-swapping network for e-bike riders, with a stated mission to make riding safer for delivery workers and e-bike owners.14 Its service lets members exchange a depleted battery for a charged one at a station, rather than charging at home; the company says its cabinets support Arrow 9, Arrow 10 and Whizz e-bikes.31
The company’s current service is centred on New York City. Its membership terms describe a network of swap locations throughout the city, and its website lists a Brooklyn address at 19 Morris Avenue.31 LinkedIn describes a broader ambition to build a nationwide network serving small vehicles and food carts, with possible future use as backup power for buildings; that is a stated plan, not evidence of nationwide operations.2
Popwheels was founded by Baruch Herzfeld and David Hammer, according to reporting by Texas Public Radio.11 Sources differ on the founding year: LinkedIn lists 2023, while a company profile and a New York State Energy Research and Development Authority presentation give 2022; Herzfeld’s profile says he began leading the company in January 2022.21012 The company has also tested uses beyond e-bikes: a Brooklyn-based pilot used its batteries to power a Manhattan food cart, replacing a small generator.8