Electric Bicycles & More
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
- “Get Smart Before You Start” Campaign
- Types of Electric Bikes & Mopeds
- Additional Guidance
- Electric Scooters
Related Links
"Get Smart Before You Start" Campaign
NYC DOT’s latest e-bike 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.
Ponte Listo Antes de Partir (Spanish)
What to know before you e-bike
Keep yourself and others safe by accelerating and braking carefully, staying off sidewalks, and following all traffic laws.
- Stay off the sidewalk
- Wear a helmet
- Yield to pedestrians
- Watch for turning vehicles
- Watch for pedestrians
As you shop, lease, or swap e-bikes, mopeds, or e-scooters and their batteries, look for a certification marker or sticker on both the device and its battery.
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 Bicicletas eléctricas y más 電動自行車及更多電動車輛類型 Vélos électriques et autres ই-বাইক এবং আরও অনেক কিছু
E-Bike |
E-Bike |
E-Bike |
Moped |
Moped |
Moped |
E-Scooter |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pedal assist | Throttle with pedals | Throttle with pedals | Limited use motorcycle | Limited use motorcycle | Limited use motorcycle | Under 100 pounds | ||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
||
| How fast can I go? | 20 MPH | 20 MPH | 25 MPH | 20 MPH | 30 MPH | 40 MPH | 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 it need a license plate? | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | |
| Does it need a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)? | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | |
| Do I need to register it 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 30 MPH **Right lane and/or shoulder, except when making a left turn †Except the Brooklyn, Manhattan, Ed Koch Queensboro and Williamsburg Bridges
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.
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
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. Review the symbols that signify a device or battery has been tested by an accredited laboratory ¡Antes de Comprar, Verifique! 購買前，請核實! Avant D'acheter, Vérifiez! Balaa Ngay Jënd, Xoolal Bu Baax!
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.
