Electric Bicycles & More
The speed limit for e-bike, e-scooter, and pedal assist bicycle riders in New York City is 15MPH.
Not everything is an e-bike. Learn the difference between emerging micromobility options, including pedal assist, e-bikes, e-scooters, mopeds and more.
On this Page
- Types of Electric Bikes & Mopeds
- Safety Tips
- Additional Guidance
- E-Bike Safety Campaign
- Electric Scooters
Related Links
Types of Electric Bikes & Mopeds
Where you are allowed to ride and how you ride in NYC depends on the type of e-bike or vehicle you have. E-bikes and mopeds can look quite similar. Check the chart below to see what type you have.
English | Electric Bicycles & More Chart Spanish | Bicicletas eléctricas y más Traditional Chinese | 電動自行車及更多電動車輛類型 French | Vélos électriques et autres Bangla | ই-বাইক এবং আরও অনেক কিছু
E-Bike
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E-Bike
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E-Bike
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Moped
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Moped
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Moped |
E-Scooter |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pedal assist | Throttle with pedals | Pedal assist or Throttle with pedals | Limited use motorcycle | Limited use motorcycle | Limited use motorcycle | Under 100lbs | |
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| How fast can it go? | 20 MPH | 20 MPH | 25 MPH | 20 MPH | 30 MPH | 40 MPH | 20 MPH |
| How fast may I go?ᴼ | 15 MPH | 15 MPH | 15 MPH | As Posted | As Posted | As Posted | 15 MPH |
| Do I need a Driver's License? | No (must be 16) | No (must be 16) | No (must be 16) | Yes | Yes | Yes (plus M endorsement) | No |
| Does my bike need a license plate? | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Does my bike need a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)? | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Do I need to register my bike with the DMV? | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Can I ride in bike lanes? | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | Yes |
| Can I ride in vehicle lanes? | Yes* | Yes* | Yes* | Yes** | Yes** | Yes** | Yes* |
| Can I ride on bridges? | Yes (only in bike lanes) | Yes (only in bike lanes) | Yes (only in bike lanes) | Yes† (only in vehicle lanes) | Yes† (only in vehicle lanes) | Yes† (only in vehicle lanes) | Yes (only in bike lanes) |
| Can I ride in park drives and greenways? | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | Yes |
| Do I need to wear a helmet? | Recommended (Yes, if working) | Recommended (Yes, if working) | Yes | Recommended | Yes | Yes | Recommended |
Chart Notes
*Vehicle lanes with speed limits no greater than 30MPH.
**Right lane and/or shoulder, except when making a left turn.
†Except the Manhattan, Ed Koch Queensboro (upper level) and Williamsburg Bridges. No mopeds can be ridden on these bridges.
ᴼE-Bikes and e-scooters are prohibited from going above 15MPH on any city street.
Safety Tips
- Stay off the sidewalk
- Yield to pedestrians
- Watch for turning vehicles
- Wear a helmet
Additional Guidance
Cyclists have all the rights and are subject to all of the duties and regulations applicable to drivers of motor vehicles. E-bikes can park on areas of the sidewalk intended for bicycle parking E-bikes and stand-up scooters are allowed on all park drives and greenways as part of NYC Parks-led pilot program
Dangers of Lithium-ion Batteries
Safety Tips and Precautions
- Use approved batteries and chargers – only use devices that have a reputable testing agency mark such as UL. Use the charger that was made specifically for your device.
- Keep away from heat – keep batteries and devices at room temperature. Keep away from direct sunlight and any heat sources such as a radiator.
- No overnight charging – do not leave devices unattended while charging or charge them overnight.
- Make sure you can get out – never block your primary way in or out of a room or apartment.
- Call 911 for battery fires – water and fire extinguishers do not work on lithium-ion batteries fire. If a battery overheats or you notice an odor, change in shape/color, leaking, or odd noises, stop using immediately. If safe to do so, move the device away from anything that can catch fire and call 911.
English | Dangers of Lithium-ion Batteries Traditional Chinese | 锂离子电池 的危险 Bangla | লিথিয়াম-আয়ন ব্যাটারির বিপদ French | Les Dangers des Batteries Lithium-ion Spanish | El Peligro de las baterias de iones de litio
Buy Only Approved Batteries
Purchasing an e-bike, moped, or e-scooter that is certified by an Accredited Test Laboratory is one of the easiest ways to prevent battery fires. Look for a certification marker or sticker. English | Review the symbols that signify a device or battery has been tested by an accredited laboratory Traditional Chinese | 锂离子电池 的危险 Bangla | Balaa Ngay Jënd, Xoolal Bu Baax! French | Avant D'acheter, Vérifiez! Spanish | ¡Antes de Comprar, Verifique!
E-Bike Safety Campaign
NYC DOT’s e-bike “Get Smart Before You Start” public awareness campaign promotes the safe use of e-bikes, including educating newer e-bike riders on how to safely operate them.
Get Smart Before You Start video description: An animated video shows an icon of a person on an e-bike rides through various scenarios that a cyclist might encounter, such as needing to break. Text on screen reads: Get Smart Before You Start. n y c dot gov slash e bikes.
Watch in Spanish | Ponte Listo Antes de Partir
Electric Scooters
E-scooters are allowed in NYC. They have handlebars and a floorboard or seat, and may be powered by electric and/or human power.
You must not operate an e-scooter in excess of 15MPH.
E-scooters may be ridden in bike lanes and on streets with speed limits no greater than 30MPH. Do not ride e-scooters on sidewalks.
Helmets are recommended for all e-scooter riders, and required for 16 and 17 year olds.
