New York e-bike regulations
New York regulates e-bikes under VTL 102-c, classifying them into three classes based on speed and pedal assist. NYC has additional local laws on lithium battery safety, delivery worker e-bike use, and speed limits for e-bikes/e-scooters.
Overview
New York regulates electric bicycles under its state vehicle code. Statewide statutes below set the baseline for every county, city and school district in New York. Local governments may adopt stricter rules for trails, sidewalks, beaches and campus property.
What riders should know
- Confirm your bike's class (1, 2 or 3) — most rules key off class.
- Helmet and minimum age rules often differ by class and by locality.
- Trail, path and sidewalk access is frequently set at the county or city level.
New York statutes
Bicycle with electric assist - Class definitions
NY VTL § 102-c
Defines Class 1 (pedal-assist only, max 20 mph), Class 2 (throttle-assisted, max 20 mph), and Class 3 (pedal-assist, max 25 mph) electric bicycles; motor under 750 watts.
A bicycle which is no more than thirty-six inches wide and has an electric motor of less than seven hundred fifty watts, equipped with operable pedals, meeting the equipment and manufacturing requirements for bicycles adopted by the Consumer Product Safety Commission under 16 C.F.R. Part 1512.1 et seq. and meeting the requirements of one of three classes: Class one - motor provides assistance only when pedaling, ceases at 20 mph; Class two - throttle-actuated, ceases at 20 mph; Class three - motor provides assistance only when pedaling, ceases at 25 mph.New York State SenateOperation of electric bicycles and electric scooters
NY VTL § 1268
Governs where each class of e-bike may be operated, helmet and age requirements, and local authority to further regulate.
Sets forth operational rules for electric bicycles and electric scooters including permitted roadways, prohibition on sidewalk riding (except class 1/2 where locally authorized), age restrictions, and helmet requirements for riders of Class 3 bicycles and scooters.New York State SenateRechargeable Battery and Battery Charger Safety
NYC Local Law 39 of 2023
Requires lithium-ion battery-powered mobility devices (e-bikes, e-scooters) sold in NYC to meet UL/certified safety standards to reduce fire risk.
Amends the NYC Administrative Code to require that powered bicycles, powered mobility devices, and their storage batteries meet UL 2849, UL 2271, or equivalent safety certification standards; prohibits sale of uncertified batteries and used/reconditioned lithium-ion batteries.NYC Council / intro.nycSafe delivery device access for contracted delivery workers
NYC Local Law 95 of 2025
Requires third-party food delivery services to provide or facilitate access to safe, certified e-bikes and batteries for delivery workers.
Amends Section 20-1501 of the administrative code of the city of New York in relation to safe delivery device access for contracted delivery workers, requiring delivery apps to ensure workers have access to compliant, safety-certified electric bicycles and batteries.NYC Council / intro.nycBicycle safety course and delivery license suspension
NYC Local Law 133 of 2025
Requires bicycle safety course for delivery bicycle operators and provides for suspension/revocation of third-party food delivery service licenses for violations.
Amends the administrative code of the city of New York in relation to the bicycle safety course required for bicycle operators and suspension and revocation of a license issued to third-party food delivery services.NYC Council / intro.nycSpeed Limits for E-Bikes, E-Scooters, and Pedal-Assist Commercial Bicycles
NYC Traffic Rules §§ 4-01, 4-06
NYC DOT adopted rule setting 15 mph speed limit for e-bikes, e-scooters, and pedal-assist commercial bicycles operating on city streets.
The adopted rule amends Sections 4-01 and 4-06 of the Traffic Rules imposing a 15 mph speed limit for electric bicycles, electric scooters, and pedal-assist commercial bicycles operated on New York City streets.NYC Rules (DOT)
New York government links
Last verified 2026-09-07
New York meeting calendar (state, county & city)
September 2026
Showing Tue, Sep 15, 2026 — tap the day again for the whole month
General Meeting of the Legislature
Suffolk County Legislature · City council
Tue, Sep 15, 2026 · 11:00
William H. Rogers Building, Hauppauge, NY
General meeting per Resolution No. 4-2026 fixing 2026 meeting times.
New York meetings on e-bikes
No e-bike meetings recorded for this area yet.
Federal delegation
Chuck Schumer
United States Senator • Democratic
Kirsten Gillibrand
United States Senator • Democratic
478 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510
State officials
Kathy Hochul
Governor • Democratic
Marie Therese Dominguez
Commissioner, New York State Department of Transportation