May 3, 2026 - On March 24, PopWheels, a New York-based e-bike battery swapping company addressing the growing lithium-ion battery fire crisis, launched Canada’s first-ever battery-swapping hub in downtown Toronto at 141 Queen Street East, near Jarvis St.

The new battery-swapping site provides e-bike riders and delivery workers with a safe, affordable and accessible alternative to charging batteries at home. Riders can exchange depleted batteries for fully-charged, UL- certified batteries at a secure outdoor station around the clock.

This reduces fire hazards both in homes and buildings, as well as on GO Transit and the TTC. The launch comes as lithium-ion battery fires have become an increasing concern in Toronto,
with recent incidents highlighting the dangers of charging uncertified batteries indoors.

PopWheels plans to install battery- swapping hubs in 10+ neighbourhoods in Toronto. With more than 50 locations in NYC and additional installations in Washington, D.C., the company plans to expand into a half a dozen or more U.S. cities in 2026