Revolutionizing Food Carts: The Power of PopWheels E-Bike Batteries

Revolutionizing New York City Food Carts with E-Bike Batteries

Food carts are an iconic part of the New York City dining scene, offering a variety of delicious cuisines at a moment’s notice. However, the noisy and smelly gas generators that power these carts can be a major turn-off for customers.

A startup based in Brooklyn, PopWheels, is aiming to change that. By harnessing the power of e-bike batteries, they are testing a new way to power food carts, starting with La Chona Mexican on the corner of 30^th and Broadway in Manhattan.

“This idea started as a passion project for me,” said David Hammer, co-founder and CEO of PopWheels. “As an ex-Googler, I saw the potential for using e-bike batteries to revolutionize the way food carts operate.”

PopWheels initially used their battery packs for food delivery bikes but soon saw the potential for powering food carts. According to Hammer, the key is not the type of energy used but rather the efficiency of distribution and charging.

Currently, PopWheels operates 30 charging cabinets around Manhattan, serving gig workers on e-bikes. This decentralized fleet allows them to provide battery packs to hundreds of customers efficiently.

Many delivery workers travel long distances to Manhattan, requiring multiple batteries to get through a full day. PopWheels offers a cost-effective solution, charging customers $75 per month for unlimited access to their network.

PopWheels has designed their charging cabinets to ensure safety, quickly extinguishing any battery fires during charging. The company raised a $2.3 million seed round in 2025 to support their growth.

As PopWheels expanded its e-bike service, they began exploring new opportunities. Hammer realized the potential for their battery swapping infrastructure to revolutionize other industries, leading them to consider powering food carts.

By using e-bike batteries, food cart owners could save money on gas for generators while enjoying a quieter and cleaner operation. PopWheels’ batteries can provide sufficient electricity for a typical cart’s needs, with the option to swap for more power if required.

After successful trials at events like New York Climate Week, PopWheels is working with organizations like the Street Vendor Project to implement their technology. The positive feedback from food cart owners has spurred plans for aggressive expansion starting this summer.

“We believe we can make food cart operations cost-neutral compared to gasoline, while also improving the quality of life for owners and customers,” Hammer stated.