Promoting Accessibility and Sustainability in New York City with The E-Mobility Project (TEMP)
Proud to be a Board Member of TEMP

We love New York, but we don’t love how difficult and unsustainable it is to commute throughout the city. Pollution is a problem, with 14% of the city’s PM2.5 particles, the most harmful air pollution for humans to breathe, coming from everyday car, bus, and truck traffic. While taking the subway is an alternative, it’s not the best fit for every New Yorker, which is why we are proud to be a founding member and board member of The E-Mobility Project (TEMP) (formerly known as The Equitable Commute Project) a nonprofit working to advance mobility options and sustainability in New York City.

How TEMP Advances Accessibility and Sustainability in New York City

TEMP works with the private and public sectors to implement pilot projects, advocate for policy, and conduct research to support electric mobility uptake. Spring Bank’s GoGreen Cycle Loan helps to facilitate usage.  And there is more to e-mobility than electric vehicles.

In our congested city, TEMP’s work is especially vital – micromobility vehicles have become a go-to transportation method for many, preferred for their cost-effectiveness, efficiency, sustainability, and accessibility. With widespread adoption of micromobility, we could see reductions in air pollution and traffic congestion, but the city isn’t quite there yet. Not everyone can afford micromobility vehicles and fire safety concerns have been raised, but TEMP actively works to combat both of these issues. They’ve deployed a variety of successful projects, including NYC’s first e-bike subsidy program, a fire-safe E-bike program, and most recently, The Charge Program.

New from TEMP: Access Grants in NYC with The Charge Program

Are you a New York City property owner interested in expanding access to safe and secure micromobility charging? TEMP has partnered with PopWheels to offer grants in NYC and technical assistance to eligible property owners for the installation of universal charging cabinets through The Charge Program.

With The Charge Program, property owners can apply for up to $10,000 in grant money for the purchase of a certified, fire-safe charging infrastructure. Any building owner in New York City can apply up until the August 15th deadline.

Why should property owners apply? As we work toward a more sustainable NYC, we need to develop the infrastructure to support micromobility users. By installing universal charging cabinets, property owners in NYC can benefit from:

  • Attracting and retaining tenants.
  • Reducing fire risk from uncertified lithium-ion batteries inside apartments.
  • Supporting NYC’s climate and transportation goals.
  • Boosting property value.
  • Offering enhanced amenities for delivery workers, residents, and e-bike users.

Apply before the deadline to be considered for this unique opportunity!

Our Work Together Over the Years

As a community bank in New York, we’re proud to partner with organizations that make sustainability in New York City a priority. Over the years, we’ve worked with TEMP on multiple e-bike projects:

  • E-bike subsidy program: In 2021, we proudly partnered with TEMP as they piloted NYC’s first e-bike subsidy program.
  • GoGreen Cycle Loan at Spring Bank: In 2023, we worked with TEMP to design and launch the first credit-building e-bike loan available regardless of credit history. Apply at any time to access safe and affordable financing for your next e-bike purchase.
  • The Sustainable Affordable Fire-Safe E-bike (SAFE) program: In 2024, we hosted an e-bike exchange program to support delivery workers trading hazardous e-bikes and mopeds for UL-2849-certified models.

We’re so thankful for our partnership with The E-Mobility Project – by coming together, we’ve transformed the micromobility landscape in NYC and delivered on our promise of using finance for a positive, environmental impact. With the GoGreen Cycle Loan, more New Yorkers can get their hands on safe and reliable e-bikes and contribute to a more sustainable NYC. We look forward to many more projects together and hope that this sets the precedent for more banks in NY to participate in similar initiatives.

New York Banking for a Better Tomorrow

If you’re looking for a New York banking partner that cares about more than just the dollar sign, we’re here for you. As a bank with branch locations in areas that are continuously affected by pollution and climate change, we go above and beyond in helping improve our local environment. This is reflected in the projects we fund and the organizations we partner with – every action we take is with the intention of benefitting the communities we serve. We regularly partner with organizations like The E-Mobility Project that advance sustainability in New York City and youth-focused organizations like Rocking the Boat that spread environmental awareness and help revitalize our local waterways.

Whether you need a business bank account, a personal checking account, or just want to explore your options, we’re happy to answer any questions and learn more about your financial goals. Let’s get in touch!