NEW YORK STATE (WETM) – New York State has released information on e-bike and e-scooter laws to remind residents of certain laws that are in place for riders’ safety.
According to New York State, there are many laws and guidelines in place to help ensure everyone’s safety on the road, including drivers, bikers and scooterists.
Minimum age requirement and helmet use
The minimum legal age to operate an e-bike or e-scooter is 16, with people between 16 and 17 being required to wear a helmet on e-scooters, whereas helmets are only required on class 3 e-bikes for all ages. Aside from requirements, New York State encourages all riders to use a helmet while riding, with it being required in some situations for all riders in New York City. It is illegal for any person under the age of 16 to operate an e-bike or e-scooter on a public road in New York State
What are the different classifications of e-bikes?
Class 1 e-bikes are pedal-assist only and have a maximum speed of 20 mph.
Class 2 e-bikes have a throttle and a maximum speed of 20 mph.
Class 3 e-bikes are pedal-assist only and have a maximum assisted speed of 25 mph.
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Where can e-bikes and e-scooters be ridden?
E-bikes and e-scooters are never allowed on sidewalks unless local law specifically allows for it. They are to be ridden in bike lanes when available and roads where the speed limit is 30 mph or less.
Other information to know
Riders do not need a driver’s license, registration or insurance to ride legal e-bikes and e-scooters.
More information about the safety of e-bikes and e-scooters can be found on the New York State DMV website.
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