Some Electric Bikes Will Officially Be Legal In NYC Next Month

NEW YORK, NY — The wait will soon be over — some electric bikes will be officially legal in New York City starting next month. The Department of Transportation published a new rule Thursday clarifying the legality of so-called pedal-assist bikes, which give riders a motorized boost while still requiring them to use their legs.

City officials announced the planned rule change in April amid a police crackdown on electric bikes. Faster throttle-powered bikes are still illegal to use, and riding one can come with a fine of up to $500 and possible seizure of the bike.

"For now, we believe that this new rule will help us join other world cities opening the door to an increasingly popular, safe and low-emission mode of travel that helps cyclists climb hills and travel longer distances," Transportation Commissioner Polly Trottenberg said in a statement.

The new rule, which takes effect July 28, legalizes electric bikes, also known as e-bikes, with motors that turn on only when the cyclist is pedaling and turn off when the speed hits 20 MPH.

Pedal-assist bikes must bear a label showing their maximum speed for New Yorkers to legally ride them, the rule says. The rule also bans certain modifications to the bikes, including any change that lets the rider accelerate without pedaling.

Mayor Bill de Blasio and the NYPD started cracking down on e-bikes — which are frequently used by delivery workers — in January, arguing that they're illegal and dangerous to pedestrians.

But cycling and immigrant advocates objected, saying many low-income workers rely on the bikes and that safety concerns weren't supported by data.

In making the new rule, the Department of Transportation sought to strike a balance between embracing pedal-assist bikes and enforcing the state law barring the use of faster throttle-powered bikes.

The department said it plans to reach out again to delivery workers, businesses and manufacturers to figure out a "legal framework" for converting throttle-powered models to pedal-assist bikes.

"We appreciate the feedback we received from New Yorkers through the rule-making process these last few months – including from those looking to find solutions for delivery workers who often ride throttle e-bikes," Trottenberg said.

The city announced plans this week to add pedal-assist bikes to its Citi Bike fleet as part of an expansion of the bike-sharing service during next year's L train shutdown.

JUMP Bikes, a Brooklyn-based company that operates electric bike-share programs in Buffalo, San Francisco and other cities, praised the Department of Transportation's new rule.

"With today's announcement, we can’t wait to show New Yorkers how dockless pedal-assist e-bikes will create a more enjoyable and equitable transportation system that makes commuting in NYC actually fun," JUMP Bikes founder and CEO Ryan Rzepecki said in a statement.

(Lead image: People ride electric bikes in Torino, Italy. Photo by Marco Saroldi/Shutterstock)