Not everything is an e-bike. Learn the difference between emerging micromobility options, including pedal assist, e-bikes, e-scooters, mopeds and more.
Get There Safely by E-Bike
安全騎乘 E-Bike (Chinese)
Llegue en bicicleta eléctrica sin peligro (Spanish)
ই-বাইকে করে নিরাপদে যাতায়াত করুন (Bangla)
Audio described version of this video in English
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.
Electric Bicycles & More Chart (English pdf)
Bicicletas eléctricas y más (Spanish pdf)
電動自行車及更多電動車輛類型 (Chinese pdf)
E-Bike
Class 1
E-Bike
Class 2
E-Bike
Class 3*
Moped
Class C
Moped
Class B
Moped
Class A
Electric bike, pedal-assist
Electric bike, throttle up to 20 MPH, operable pedals
Electric bike, throttle up to 25 MPH, operable pedals
Limited use motorcycle, low-speed, 2-3 wheels
Limited use motorcycle, low-speed, 2-3 wheels
Limited use motorcycle, low-speed, 2-3 wheels
How fast can I go?
20 MPH
20 MPH
25 MPH
20 MPH
30 MPH
40 MPH
Do I need a license?
No
No
No
Driver's License
Driver's License
Driver's License +M
Do I need to register my bike?
No
No
No
Yes, must be registered with New York State DMV
Yes, must be registered with New York State DMV
Yes, must be registered with New York State DMV
Where can I ride?
Bike lanes & streets with speed limits no greater than 30 MPH
Bike lanes & streets with speed limits no greater than 30 MPH
Bike lanes & streets with speed limits no greater than 30 MPH
Right lane and/or shoulder (except when making a left turn)
Right lane and/or shoulder (except when making a left turn)
Vehicle lanes
Do I need to wear a helmet?
Recommended for all, required for 16-17 year olds & working cyclists
Recommended for all, required for 16-17 year olds & working cyclists
Yes, required by law
Recommended
Yes, required by law
Yes, required by law
Chart Notes
- Remember that other safety equipment is required by law or recommended for use with these vehicles
- Mini-bikes, off-road motorcycles (dirt bikes), go-carts, and golf carts cannot be registered as vehicles in New York State and may not operate on sidewalks, streets, or highways
- *Class 3 e-bikes are allowed only in New York City
- E-bikes and e-scooters in areas administered by NYC Parks need to comply with NYC Parks rules
Dangers of Lithium-ion Batteries
Safety Tips and Precautions
- Use approved batteries
- Use supplied charger
- Use the wall outlet
- Make sure you can get out
- Store in open space
- No overnight charging
- Keep away from heat
- Dispose of batteries safely
Dangers of Lithium-ion Batteries
El Peligro de las baterias de iones de litio
锂离子电池 的危险
লিথিয়াম-আয়ন ব্যাটারির বিপদ
Les Dangers des Batteries Lithium-ion
Law & Enforcement
Pedal-assist e-bikes (Class 1) are allowed in New York City. As of November 23, 2020, all e-bikes (Class 1-3) are allowed in NYC.
Cyclists have all the rights and are subject to all of the duties and regulations applicable to drivers of motor vehicles:
Review bike safety tips and NYC biking laws
Download a complete list of New York City bicycle rules
E-bikes can park on areas of the sidewalk intended for bicycle parking
Get There by E-Bike Postcard, Spanish & Chinese (pdfs)
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 15 MPH.
E-scooters may be ridden in bike lanes and on streets with speed limits no greater than 30 MPH. Do not ride e-scooters on sidewalks.
Helmets are recommended for all e-scooter riders, and required for 16 and 17 year olds.