The New York City Council is reviewing a package of over 20 bills targeting micromobility. The proposed legislation covers e-bikes, electric scooters, mopeds, and delivery platforms. The Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure scheduled a meeting to discuss these measures, which include stricter enforcement against illegal vehicles and new requirements for delivery apps.
Current regulations in New York, established in 2020, define three classes of e-bikes. Class 1 and 2 are limited to 20 mph, while Class 3 is capped at 25 mph. New proposals aim to ban the sale, rental, and use of Class 3 e-bikes in public spaces. Violations for selling or renting these bikes could lead to penalties of up to $2,000.
Proposed measures include a trade-in program for owners of Class 3 bikes to exchange them for Class 1 or 2 models. Additionally, authorities may implement dynamometer testing to verify motor power and speed. Delivery apps could face new mandates, including requirements for liability insurance, annual safety reporting, and verification of moped registrations.
The legislative push follows previous efforts to limit speeds, such as the 2023 mandate for Citi Bike to reduce top speeds from 18 mph to 15 mph. The Workers Justice Project estimates that approximately 80,000 delivery workers currently operate e-bikes in the city. The committee is now gathering testimony to determine the future of these micromobility regulations.
