Electric bike laws in New-york state 2024

As electric bikes become more popular and more of them are seen on the streets, the laws and regulations surrounding them are working quickly to catch up. Here is everything you need to know about electric bike laws in New York State so that you can be sure that you and your new bike won’t run into any issues. Don't live in New York? Try our guide to the Minnesota e-bike rebate program.

As electric bikes become more popular and more of them are seen on the streets, the laws and regulations surrounding them are working quickly to catch up. Here is everything you need to know about electric bike laws in New York State so that you can be sure that you and your new bike won’t run into any issues.

In recent years, and especially since the pandemic, electric bikes have greatly increased in popularity just about everywhere and New York State is no different. As a quick way of getting around cities, commuting to work, or simply being able to add a little bit of distance to your rides, it’s easy to understand the appeal of an e-bike. However, with the practicality and often fun that comes with an electric bike, there is always a risk.

If you own, or are planning to own, an electric bike, it is very important to understand the laws and regulations about e-bikes in your state in order to keep yourself and others safe while you’re out on the roads. Being both heavier and faster than a standard bicycle, riding an electric bike can be dangerous. Making sure that both you and your bike are following all of your state’s regulations will reduce the risks to yourself and your fellow road users.

If you are a first-time e-bike buyer, you’ll be happy to know that all classes of e-bikes are street legal in New York State and can be used on most New York State roads and highways with a posted speed limit of 30mph or less. E-bike riders must not use the sidewalks. You also must be at least 16 years old to ride any electric bicycle in New York State.

Before we go any further, what exactly is an electric bicycle? While we will get into the legal definition of what New York State defines as an electric bicycle, the basic definition of an e-bike is a bicycle that is equipped with an electric motor but that can still be ridden as a regular bicycle.

There are two main types of electric bikes: throttle and pedal assist. Throttle e-Bikes allow you to use the electric assist even when you aren’t pedaling, while pedal assist e-bikes require you to be pedaling for the electric assist to kick in.

In New York State, an electric bike is defined as a bicycle with an electric motor of less than 750 watts. They can be throttle powered or pedal assist, as long as they have operable pedals, something that we will discuss more later. In New York State, an electric bicycle must also be less than 36” wide in order to qualify.

Electric bikes differ from other electric or motorized vehicles mostly in the fact that they must have functional pedals to be classified as an electric bicycle. They also have some different regulations compared to other vehicles. In New York State, an electric scooter has a maximum speed of 15 miles per hour, while electric mopeds must be registered with the state and require a drivers license to operate, which e-Bikes do not.

In the United States, there are three distinct classes of electric bicycles. These three classes are used to distinguish between types of electric bikes and are useful to know not only when looking at e-bike regulations but can also be helpful if you are in the market for a new e-bike. These classes are labeled as class 1, class 2 and class 3. In the next section, we’ll break down the differences between each class.

So, what are the three different classes of electric bicycles?

Class 1 e-Bikes are pedal assist only, meaning that the electric motor will only help you while you are pedaling the bike. Class 1 e-bikes have a maximum speed of 20 miles per hour and the assist will stop when the bike reaches that speed.

Class 2 e-bikes can be either pedal assist, or have a throttle, so that the electric motor will work even when you aren’t pedaling. Class 2 e-bikes also have a maximum speed of 20 miles per hour and the assist, whether it is throttle or pedal assist, will stop working when the bike reaches 20 miles per hour.

Class 3 e-bikes can be throttle or pedal assist. The main difference with a class 3 is that they are capable of going faster than class 1 or 2, with a maximum speed of 28 miles per hour.

As we have mentioned, while class 1 and 2 e-bikes both have a top speed of 20 miles per hour, class 3 e-bikes are capable of going faster, with a top speed of 28 miles per hour. Because of their additional speed, class 3 e-bikes are more heavily regulated.In New York state, it is required to wear a helmet while you are on a class 3 e-bike. Additionally, class 3 e-bikes are limited within New York state and can only be ridden in New York city.

The maximum speed limit for any e-Bikes in New York state is 25 miles per hour, so on a class 1 or 2 electric bike, your electric motor will cut out well within the speed limit. Only class 3 electric bikes will be able to reach 25 miles per hour while still being assisted, and as most class 3 e-bikes have a top speed of 28 miles per hour, they are not permitted in New York state. Any class three e-bike that has a top speed of 25 miles per hour is only permitted in New York City. Any electric bike that has been modified to go above the maximum speed limit is not permitted.

In New York state, electric bikes are only permitted on roads with a speed limit of 30 miles per hour or less. As the maximum speed limit for electric bikes in New York state is 25 miles per hour, you will be well within the speed limit on these roads. However, if you are on a road with a lower speed limit, it is important to follow the posted speed limit, just as you would in a car.

As with the operation of any heavy machinery, the rules and speed limits are there for a reason: in order to keep everyone on the roads safe. Though zipping around on an electric bike can be fun, sticking to the speed limit is essential to prevent any accidents. On an electric bicycle specifically, not exceeding the speed limit is essential as electric bicycles are heavier than a standard bicycle and will not stop as quickly when faced with an obstacle.

Always use bike lanes and other shared spaces considerately. 

In New York state, you as a rider don’t require any additional license to ride an electric bike. They are also not required to be registered with the state. However, it is important for the electric bike that you are riding to meet the regulations of the state. If you are purchasing an electric bike from out of state, be sure to make sure that the bike meets all of your home state’s regulations before making your final decision.

Electric bicycles in New York state are required to have operational pedals in order to be classified as an electric bicycle. This means that the bicycle must be capable of being ridden as a regular bike when the electric assist is not in use.

When looking for an electric bike that you can trust, our collection of e-bikes and UL-certified e-bikes is your first stop to find your next trusty companion.