Crackdowns on e-bikes exceeding 15 miles per hour in New York City will begin on the 24th.
Mayor Eric Adams announced on the 15th, “Starting today, the speed limit for e-bikes, pedal-assist bicycles, and e-scooters will be lowered from the current 25 miles per hour to 15 miles per hour.” He added, “This speed limit is expected to significantly improve road safety.”
Anyone caught violating the e-bike speed limit will face a minimum fine of $100.
Repeat offenders can also have their e-bikes confiscated, be removed from delivery platforms, and receive criminal summons. However, regular bicycles that only pedal are exempt from the speed limit.
The city authorities explain that regular bicycles are lighter than e-bikes, which require motors and batteries, and thus are less likely to result in fatal accidents.
According to the MTA, between 2021 and 2024, six people died and 923 were injured in traffic accidents involving e-bikes and pedestrians. Meanwhile, in June, New York City agreed with Lyft, the operator of the shared bike service Citi Bike, to lower the speed limit for Citi Bike electric bikes to 15 miles per hour.