New York Will Finally Legalize E-Bikes And E-Scooters
After vetoing a bill that would legalize e-bikes and e-scooters late last year, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that he will legalize them this year if his budget is passed unscathed.
Cuomo made the announcement on Tuesday during his annual budget address.
The law divides e-bikes into three categories—Class 1 pedal-assist models with a top speed of 20 mph, Class 2 throttle models with a top speed of 20 mph, and Class 3 throttle bikes with a top speed of 25 mph. Electric bike and e-scooter ridership is restricted to New Yorkers 16 and older, but e-scooter operators under the age of 18 are required to use a helmet. While it is illegal to operate either kind of vehicle impaired, harsh DWI penalties are only triggered in the event of a collision. Transporting children on e-bikes is also permitted.
E-scooter speeds are capped at 15 mph, and the legislation contains a provision demanded by Manhattan State Senator Liz Krueger that bans e-scooter share companies from operating in Manhattan. Scooter share systems can operate anywhere else so long as the local authority permits it. Localities have the ability to restrict and even ban e-bikes and e-scooters under the legislation. Both e-bike and e-scooter riders will use bike lanes when possible.
The law would go into effect immediately upon passage of the budget, which generally happens by April 1st.
Read more at Gothamist
