NYC DOT - 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.

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“Get Smart Before You Start” Campaign

Types of Electric Bikes & Mopeds

Additional Guidance

Electric Scooters

Related Links

E-Bike Programs

"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

Class 1

E-Bike

Class 2

E-Bike

Class 3

Moped

Class C

Moped

Class B

Moped

Class A

E-Scooter

Pedal assist
Throttle with pedals
Limited use motorcycle
Under 100 pounds

How fast can I go?
20 MPH
25 MPH
20 MPH
30 MPH
40 MPH
15 MPH

Do I need a Driver's License?
No (must be 16)
Yes
Yes (plus M endorsement)
No

Does it need a license plate?
No
Yes
No

Does it need a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)?
No
Yes
No

Do I need to register it with the DMV?
No
Yes
No

Can I ride in bike lanes?
Yes
No
Yes

Can I ride in vehicle lanes?
Yes*
Yes**
Yes*

Can I ride on bridges?
Yes (only in bike lanes)
Yes† (only in vehicle lanes)
Yes (only in bike lanes)

Can I ride in park drives and greenways?
Yes
No
Yes

Do I need to wear a helmet?
Recommended (Yes, if working)
Yes
Recommended
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.