New 15 MPH Speed Limit for E-Bikes and Scooters

By Y.M. Lowy

Mayor Eric Adams announced that New York City’s new 15 mph speed limit for electric bikes and scooters will go into effect on October 24, the day before early voting begins for the mayoral election.

The proposed rule, first announced in June, aims to improve street safety and aligns with speed limits for e-bikes in bike lanes in some European countries. Adams said the change comes as the NYPD steps up enforcement against cyclists who break traffic laws.

Citi Bike lowered its e-bike speed from 18 mph to 15 mph in June after First Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro warned that e-bikes posed “an emergency threat to life and property.” Regular bicycles are not affected by the new limit and can continue traveling at 25 mph, since they are lighter and lack motors and batteries.

Adams has highlighted e-bike safety as a key issue during his re-election campaign. The use of e-bikes has become increasingly controversial as delivery workers across the city rely on battery-powered two-wheelers.

“As more New Yorkers turn to e-bikes and e-scooters to get around our city, New Yorkers have asked us to set clear, consistent rules to address this issue and protect everyone,” Adams said in a statement.