Electric Bike Laws in New York State: 2025 Update

Written by: Rémy Rossi | April 5, 2025 | Time to read 5 min

I’ve been keeping a close eye on the evolving e-Bike laws in New York State— here’s the latest news just in time for the spring riding season.

More about the Author: Remy Rossi

Rémy Rossi is a bike writer, mechanic, and educator who got his start in community-based bike shops and co-ops. With a decade in the industry, he still wrenches on bikes when he can and plays bike polo on a fixie.

Electric bike and rider on New York City bike lane

The Empire State is home to a growing number of electric bikes as well as Upway’s UpCenter in Brooklyn, so plenty is going on when it comes to boosted bikes. As electric bikes become more popular, the laws and regulations surrounding them are working quickly to catch up, including lots of new policies and heated debates in 2025. Here is everything you need to know about electric bike laws in New York State so that you can be sure that you’re riding within the rules.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Electric bike boom in New York State

E-Bike laws in New York State: an overview

What qualifies as an electric bike in New York State?

Class 1, 2, and 3 e-Bikes in New York State

Do I need a driver’s license to ride an e-Bike in New York State?

How fast can e-Bikes legally go?

Do road laws apply to e-Bikes in New York State?

Key Takeaways

Electric bike boom in New York State

Gazelle hybrid electric bike in front of New York City bridge

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, electric bikes have greatly increased in popularity across the entire country, and New York State is no different. E-Bikes are an efficient way of getting around cities, commuting to work, or simply riding farther, so it’s easy to understand the appeal of commuter e-Bikes and other models.

Another reason for the popularity boom is the surge in delivery services and food delivery by electric bike in New York City. To all the wonderful residents upstate and people in Albany, Buffalo, and more, I know NYC doesn’t represent the entire state, but a lot of the e-Bike legislation has been directed toward the Big Apple due to the really high number of e-Bikes there. And, unfortunately, some of these e-Bikes in the City are unregulated and pose a safety risk because of their low-quality batteries or high top speeds.

E-Bike laws in New York State: an overview

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 ridden on most roads with a posted speed limit of 30 mph or less. E-Bike users are allowed on bike paths, though some trails prohibit electric bikes, and riders can’t use the sidewalks. According to New York State law, you must be at least 16 years old to operate any electric bike.

What qualifies as an electric bike in New York State?

Rider on Cannondale Topstone gravel e-Bike

In New York State, an electric bike is defined as “a bicycle that is no more than 36” wide and has an electric motor of less than 750 watts, equipped with operable pedals”. This definition falls in line with nearly all standard e-Bikes on the market.

Class 1, 2, and 3 e-Bikes in New York State

Nearly all US states have adopted the three-class system in their legal definitions of electric bikes. These three classes are used to distinguish between electric bikes based on their type of assistance (pedal assist and throttle) and top speed. These categories 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.

So, what are the three different classes of electric bicycles? New York State uses the same definitions for Class 1 and Class 2 e-Bikes as other states, but altered the definition of Class 3 models.

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 are equipped with a throttle mode so that the electric motor will work even when you aren’t pedaling. Class 2 e-Bikes have a maximum speed of 20 miles per hour.

Class 3 e-Bikes have a maximum speed of 25 mph. In New York State, these faster e-Bikes are allowed solely within a city having a population of one million or more (meaning only New York City). Elsewhere in the US, Class 3 e-Bikes have a top speed of 28 mph.

Do I need a driver’s license to ride an e-Bike in New York State?

Cyclists and pedestrians in New York City streets

New York State doesn’t require a license or registration to operate an electric bike. Keep in mind, however, that nearby New Jersey does require a license for Class 3 e-Bikes— it’s one of the only states that requires a license to ride an e-Bike.

If you are purchasing an electric bike from out of state, be sure to make sure that the bike meets New York’s regulations. Though, admittedly, this is difficult due to the state’s odd Class 3 definition.

How fast can e-Bikes legally go?

As mentioned, while Class 1 and Class 2 e-Bikes both have a top speed of 20 mph, a Class 3 e-Bike is capable of going faster, with a top speed of 25 mph in New York State. Because of their additional pace, Class 3 e-Bikes are more heavily regulated. California recently tightened restrictions on Class 3 e-Bikes, and New York has been doing the same.

For example, Class 3 e-Bikes can only be ridden in New York City. Governor Kathy Hochul also recently hinted at plans to reclassify extra-heavy Class 3 e-Bikes weighing 100 pounds or more as mopeds, requiring a driver’s license and registration. However, very few models actually weigh that much, and it’s unclear why the rule won’t apply to throttle-powered Class 2 e-Bikes.

Class 1 e-Bikes are permitted in most areas where standard bikes are allowed, including some mountain bike trails. Upway stocks tons of electric mountain bike models (most are Class 1) from the top brands to boost your time in the bike park— sweet deals and a one-year warranty!

Do road laws apply to e-Bikes in New York State?

When riding an e-Bike in New York State, you’ll have to follow the same rules of the road as when riding a traditional bike— traffic lights, stop signs, yielding to pedestrians, no riding on sidewalks, you know the deal.

But e-Bikes are both heavier and faster than standard bicycles, so there’s inherently a higher risk for serious incidents. That’s why there are a few more rules when taking an e-Bike out for a spin. Sticking to New York State’s regulations will reduce the risks to yourself and your fellow New Yorkers with whom you share the road, bike path, and trails.

Rider on electric bike at New York City intersection

Staying safe on the roads

E-Bike rules and speed limits are there for a reason: to keep cyclists, pedestrians, and other road users safe. Though zipping around on an electric bike can be fun, sticking to the speed limit is essential to reduce the chances of any incidents. Stay under the posted speed limit and always use bike lanes and other shared spaces considerately, especially when riding past slower-moving cyclists and pedestrians.

Key Takeaways

E-Bikes Are Legal but Regulated: All classes are allowed, but Class 3 (25 mph) is only permitted in NYC. Riders must be 16+.
No License Needed (For Now): NY doesn’t require a license, but new regulations may be coming for heavier, fast e-Bikes.
Follow Road Rules & Stay Safe: Obey traffic laws, use bike lanes, and ride responsibly to avoid accidents and legal issues.

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