Recently, there have been several fatal accidents involving electric bicycles and electric scooters in New York City. New York State Attorney General Letitia James has issued a consumer alert, reminding businesses and the public to comply with state laws, and encouraging reporting of businesses that unlawfully sell or mislabel high-speed electric vehicles.
Attorney General James stated that some businesses are selling vehicles that exceed the legal speed or motor power limits as “e-bikes” or “e-scooters”, misleading consumers. According to the law, these types of vehicles may belong to categories such as electric motorcycles (e-motos), lightweight motorcycles (mopeds), or regular motorcycles, and must be registered, licensed, and insured with the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) as required by regulations, not to be sold under the guise of electric bicycles.
Under New York State law, the motor power of electric bicycles must not exceed 750 watts and are divided into three classes: Class 1 providing pedal-assist only, with a maximum assisted speed of 20 miles per hour; Class 2 with a throttle, allowing motor activation without pedaling, also with a top assisted speed of 20 miles per hour; and Class 3 with a maximum assisted speed of 25 miles per hour, the motor must cut off at that speed, and can only be legally ridden in New York City. All electric bicycles must have a permanent label indicating the vehicle classification, maximum assisted speed, and motor power, and riders must be at least 16 years old.
Electric scooters are designed with a maximum speed of 20 miles per hour, with an actual riding limit of 15 miles per hour. Similarly, they must have product labels, and both riders and passengers must be at least 16 years old.
The Attorney General’s office emphasizes that businesses are not allowed to promote vehicles that do not meet legal standards or can be modified to bypass speed limits as electric bicycles or scooters, nor can they sell products without the required labels.
Furthermore, individuals under 16 years old are not allowed to ride electric bicycles or drive/ride electric scooters. Riders aged 16 and 17, as well as all Class 3 electric bicycle riders, must wear a safety helmet. It is also officially recommended that all riders, regardless of age, wear safety helmets.
The Attorney General’s office urges the public to report businesses suspected of illegally selling or labeling electric bicycles and electric scooters to their office.