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.
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 |
E-Bike |
E-Bike |
Moped |
Moped |
Moped |
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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 | ||
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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.
