March 25, 2026 - PopWheels, the New York-based 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. on March 24.
The new battery-swapping site provides e-bike riders and delivery workers with a safe, affordable, and accessible alternative to charging batteries at home, by allowing riders to 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 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.
On hand for the launch were David Hammer, co-founder of PopWheels, Kevin McLaughlin owner of Ride Zygg and a PopWheels advisor, Councillor Dianne Saxe, University–Rosedale (Ward 11), Michael Longfield, Executive Director Cycle Toronto, along with officials from the TTC, the Toronto Fire Department, Toronto Community Housing, and the City of Toronto’s Corporate Real Estate Management.
“Toronto is facing a rising lithium-ion battery fire crisis and we know how to solve it,” said Hammer. “Battery-swapping moves charging out of homes and into safe, purpose-built environments, dramatically reducing risk while supporting our delivery communities. With Canada’s first hub, PopWheels is bringing that proven model to Toronto and building toward a safer future nationwide.”
PopWheels has spent the past two years proving this solution in New York City, where its Fire Department–approved, fire-suppressing battery swap cabinets are now deployed across more than 50 locations, with additional installations in Washington, D.C.
The Toronto hub represents the company’s first international expansion. It will serve as a pilot in a planned effort to scale safer micromobility infrastructure throughout Canada. According to PopWheels, their battery-swapping system is coming soon to Regent Park, The Annex, Distillery District, Leslieville, Scarborough Village, Parkdale and more locations.
“Make the next one in Ward 11,” quipped Councillor Saxe. “Lithium-ion battery fires are an urgent and growing safety issue in Toronto, particularly in dense urban neighborhoods where batteries are often charged indoors. PopWheels is bringing forward a practical, proven approach that addresses the root of the problem by moving charging out of homes and into safer, purpose-built environments. This is the kind of innovation Toronto needs as we continue to support both public safety and sustainable transportation.”
Saxe had the honour of performing the first battery swap at the new Toronto downtown hub to mark the occasion and kick off the new site. Fellow councillor, Chris Moise, from Toronto Centre (Ward 13) where the new battery-swapping hub is located, was not able to attend the launch but supported the initiative.
PopWheels recently opened another hub in lower Manhatten that will service more than 1,000 delivery workers, and plans to expand into a half a dozen or more US cities in 2026. The company also recently announced additional funding of $2.3 million from investors.
