E-Bikes: The Laws on Using them in New York
For many years now, electric bicycles and electric scooters have been widely used. In addition to being fun to use, they can also be a good alternative to more traditional forms of transportation. However, to use these devices safely in New York, you should familiarize yourself with the laws on the use of e-bikes and other types of alternative motorized devices.
E-Bikes and E-Scooters in General
An electric scooter, or e-scooter, is a device that has handlebars, a floorboard, and a motor. For propulsion, it is an “electric assist,” with the motor powered by electricity. A rider will stand on the floorboard while holding the handlebars. In some models, there may also be a seat for the rider.
For an electric bike, or e-bike, the bike will look much like a standard bicycle and have operable pedals. However, it will also have a motor powered by electricity to provide an electric assist. For electric bikes, there are three classes.
For Class One, the bicycle provides electric assistance only while the person is pedaling, and assistance ceases when the bicycle reaches a speed of 20 miles per hour.
If the bike is a Class Two, the bicycle may provide electric assistance exclusively to propel the bicycle, but it is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of 20 miles per hour.
For Class Three, the bicycle may provide electric assistance exclusively to propel the bicycle, but it is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of 25 miles per hour. These bikes are solely for use in a city having a population of one million or more.
When it comes to registration, note that an e-bike does not qualify for registration as a motorcycle, limited-use motorcycle, moped, or ATV.
New York’s Laws on E-Bikes and Other Types of Motorized Devices
With some limitations, electric bikes and scooters can be operated on streets and highways in New York. If the posted speed limit is 30 mph or less, the device is safe to use. Additionally, local jurisdictions can impose their own regulations on the time, place, and manner of operation of e-bikes. When on a sidewalk, the electric devices can’t be used unless specifically authorized by local law. Further, an e-scooter can never be operated in excess of 15 mph.
In New York, there are several other types of motorized devices that are regulated by law. For example, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), including snowmobiles, must be registered. Yet even though they must be registered, you cannot operate an ATV on a public highway unless the road has been designated and posted for ATV use.
Additionally, there are several other types of motorized devices that cannot be registered or operated in public areas. This includes:
- Golf carts
- Lawnmowers
- Off-road motorcycles, also called “dirt bikes”
- Mini-bikes
- Go-Karts
Finally, there are additional regulations relating to the registration and operation of agricultural vehicles, such as tractors and trailers.
References:
- NYS Department of Motor Vehicles, Electric Scooters and Bicycles and other Unregistered Vehicles. Available at: https://dmv.ny.gov/registration/electric-scooters-and-bicycles-and-other-unregistered-vehicles (last accessed Aug. 22, 2024).
- NYS Department of Motor Vehicles, ATVs. Available at: https://dmv.ny.gov/more-info/atvs-information-owners-and-operators (last accessed Aug. 22, 2024).
- New York Bicycling Coalition, NYS E-Bike Law. Available at: https://nybc.net/nys-e-bike-law (last accessed Aug. 22, 2024).
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