09/01/2026
OPERATING AN ELECTRIC SCOOTER OR BICYCLE WITH ELECTRIC ASSIST:
The law allows people to operate electric scooters (e-scooters) and bicycles with an electric assist (e-bikes) on some streets and highways in New York State.
• Electric scooter - a type of device with handlebars, a floorboard or a seat that can be stood or sat upon by the operator, and an electric motor that can be powered by the electric motor and/or human power. Electric scooters have a maximum speed of no more than twenty miles per hour on a paved level surface when powered solely by the electric motor. Note: It is illegal to operate an electric scooter (as defined in §114-e of NYS VTL) in excess of fifteen miles per hour.
• Bicycle with an electric assist - multiple classes of bicycles with an electric motor and operable pedals. It is defined as: A bicycle that is no more than thirty-six inches wide and has an electric motor of less than seven hundred fifty watts, equipped with operable pedals, meeting the equipment and manufacturing requirements for bicycles adopted by the Consumer Product Safety Commission under 16 C.F.R. Part 1512.1 et seq. and meeting the requirements of one of the following three classes:
(a) "Class one bicycle with electric assist." A bicycle with electric assist having an electric motor that provides assistance only when the person operating such bicycle is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when such bicycle reaches a speed of twenty miles per hour.
(b) "Class two bicycle with electric assist." A bicycle with electric assist having an electric motor that may be used exclusively to propel such bicycle, and that is not capable of providing assistance when such bicycle reaches a speed of twenty miles per hour.
(c) "Class three bicycle with electric assist." Solely within a city having a population of one million or more, a bicycle with electric assist having an electric motor that may be used exclusively to propel such bicycle, and that is not capable of providing assistance when such bicycle reaches a speed of twenty-five miles per hour.
• A bicycle with electric assist does not qualify for registration as a motorcycle, limited-use motorcycle, moped, or ATV and does not have the same equipment.
You can operate an electric scooter or bicycle with an electric assist on some streets and highways in New York State.
• You can operate these devices on highways with a posted speed limit of 30 MPH or less
• Municipalities can further regulate the time, place, and manner of operation of these devices
• You cannot operate these devices on a sidewalk except as authorized by local law or ordinance
Helmets. Helmets are mandatory in New York if you are riding a class 3 e-bike and also for 16- and 17-year- olds operating e-scooters. For class 1 and class 2 bikes, helmets are not mandatory, but the state strongly recommends all riders wear helmets.
Key Age Rules
Electric Bicycles: You must be at least 16 years old to ride any class of legal e-bike (Class 1, Class 2, or Class 3). No driver's license is required.
Electric Scooters: Under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law § 1282, no person under 16 years of age is allowed to operate—or even ride as a passenger on—an electric scooter.
Additionally, people aged 16 or older are legally prohibited from allowing anyone under 16 to operate or ride one.
Local Ordinances: Individual cities, towns, or villages (such as New York City) may enforce additional safety or helmet rules, but the statewide baseline minimum age remains 16 for both devices.
Chief Steven E. Dixon
