New York E-Bike Law Safety Short

DEFINITION

Bicycle with Electric Assist: A bicycle that is no more than 36 inches wide, with an electric motor under 750 watts, equipped with operable pedals, meeting the equipment and manufacturing requirements for bicycles adopted by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and meeting the requirements of one of the three classes of E-Bikes below.

• Class 1 E-Bikes: have an electric motor that provides assistance only when the operator is pedaling, and ceases to provide assistance when the E-Bike reaches 20 mph.
• Class 2 E-Bikes: have an electric motor that may be used exclusively to propel the E-Bike, and are not capable of providing assistance when the E-Bike reaches 20 mph.
• Class 3 E-Bikes: For use in New York City only. Class three bicycles with electric assist have an electric motor that may be used exclusively to propel such bicycle, and is not capable of providing assistance when the E-Bike reaches 25 mph.

See NY Vehicle and Traffic Law §102-C (below NY Vehicle and Traffic Law = VTL)

NOTE:

Speed limit for Class 1 and Class 2 E-Bikes outside New York City is 20 mph. See VTL § 1242 (9)

Speed limit for all Classes of E-Bikes in New York City is 15 mph. See Rules of the City of NY § 4-06 (b)

CLASSIFICATION LABEL

All E-Bikes in New York State must have a manufacturer’s label prominently affixed stating the wattage of the motor, maximum speed with electric assist, and, whether it is class 1, 2, or 3.

See VTL § 1242 (11)

LAWFUL OPERATION

• E-Bikes and E-Scooters are generally granted all of the rights and are subject to all of the duties applicable to vehicle drivers and bicycle riders. Note the exceptions below.
  See VTL § 1231
• Operators of E-Bikes must be at least 16 years old.
  See VTL § 1242 (2)
• Laws for Operating an E-Bike are not uniform throughout New York State. Municipalities may have local laws, including laws that prohibit E-Bikes and require helmets. Learn the local laws and ordinances where you ride.
  See VTL § 1242 (3)
• Helmets are required for all operators of Class 3 E-Bikes. Helmets are always recommended.
  See VTL § 1238 (5-c)
• Class 3 E-Bikes may not be operated outside NYC.
  See VTL § 102-C (c)
• E-Bikes must use bike lanes wherever usable.
  See VTL § 1234 (a)
• Roads with speed limits over 30 mph cannot be used by E-Bikes, unless allowed by local law or ordinance.
  See VTL § 1242 (8)
  
  
• E-Bikes cannot be operated on sidewalks, unless allowed by local law or ordinance.
  See VTL § 1242 (5)
• E-Bikes cannot be operated on public lands (like parks and multi-use trails) unless allowed by local law or ordinance.
  See VTL § 1242 (4)(a)
• E-Bike operators must ride in single file on roadways and cannot double up as traditional bicycles can.
  See VTL § 1242 (7)
• E-Bike operation while impaired by drugs or alcohol is illegal.
  See VTL § 1242-A 
• When operating on trails or bike paths, learn the local trail, municipal or park regulations.
  
  

Not everything sold as an E-Bike is a legal E-Bike in NY! 

• Some devices marketed as E-Bikes can go faster or have higher wattage than allowed by law. 
• Those devices may not legally operate on NY roads.
• Check the definitions above, and make sure what you are purchasing is a legal device.