NYC Council Proposes New E-Bike and Micromobility Safety Laws

Joint Committee Hearing Examines Citywide Safety Concerns

The legislative push comes as the city grapples with mounting safety concerns tied to the rapid growth of micromobility devices since 2020. City Council Speaker Julie Menin and Council Members convened the joint hearing—led by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, the Committee on Consumer and Worker Protection, and the Committee on Public Safety—to review sweeping changes for pedestrians, riders, passengers, and drivers.

“We have an unacceptable situation where too many New Yorkers are being killed or injured due to E-bikes and E-scooters without the proper safeguards and enforcement,” Speaker Menin said. “The Council will examine a record 23 legislative proposals to make our streets safer for all New Yorkers, and will also evaluate whether current laws are working and being properly enforced.”

Stricter Rules and Delivery Service Licensing

The proposed measures range from stronger enforcement mechanisms and delivery service licensing to phasing out the sale and use of Class III e-bikes—which have motors that have the capacity to exceed 25 miles per hour. Lawmakers heard testimony from city agencies, delivery workers, recreational riders, and pedestrians to shape the final package of bills.

Surge in Pandemic-Era Delivery and Collision Data

The surge in micromobility use stems largely from the pandemic-era delivery boom and the passage of Local Laws 72 and 73, which authorized e-bikes and e-scooters on city streets. Approximately 680,000 adult New Yorkers reported using a bicycle at least several times a month over the past year.

Data from the New York City Comptroller’s Office shows that e-bikes, e-scooters, and mopeds accounted for roughly 4.5% of all pedestrian injuries between 2020 and 2023. City figures indicate that the first six months of 2026 brought 738 injuries and 13 fatalities among e-bike riders, up from 601 injuries and 10 fatalities during the same period in 2025.

Commercial Delivery Operations and Equipment Mandates

Approximately 65,000 delivery workers utilize micromobility devices, representing about 40% of all micromobility traffic. Current laws require commercial operators to carry identification cards, wear helmets and reflective gear, and complete a Department of Transportation safety course. Businesses must issue unique ID cards and provide safety equipment, requirements that the NYPD and DOT are tasked with enforcing.

Speed Classifications and New Enforcement Priorities

New York City enforces a 15-mile-per-hour speed limit for e-bikes, e-scooters, and pedal-assist commercial bicycles. This limit operates independently of state-level motor classifications: Class II e-bikes provide motor assistance up to 20 mph, while Class III e-bikes reach up to 25 mph. Any device capable of exceeding 25 mph remains illegal for sale or operation in the city.

The Department of Consumer and Worker Protection and the New York City Fire Department regulate device sales, while the pending legislation aims to tighten rules on Class III rentals and purchases.

“Everyone deserves safer streets, whether they are walking or biking. With an increase in e-bike collisions of over 30% so far this year, we cannot wait to take action,” said Majority Leader Shaun Abreu, Chair of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. “That starts with holding delivery apps accountable, getting dangerous and illegal devices off our streets through new enforcement tools, and helping riders move to safer bikes with a rebate program.”