By vehicle
Rules for E-Bikes, Stand-Up E-Scooters and Mopeds in New York
| Vehicle | Definition | Minimum age | License | Registration | Insurance | Helmet | Sidewalks | Trails |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| E-bike, Class 1 and 2 | Class 1, 2: 20 mph, under 750 W | 16 | No | No | No | No state rule | No, unless local law allows | Local or park rules |
| E-bike, Class 3 | Class 3: 25 mph | 16 | No | No | No | Yes | No, unless local law allows | No in state parks |
| Stand-up e-scooter | E-scooter: under 100 lb, 20 mph max | 16 | No | No | No | 16-17 | No, unless local law allows | Local or park rules |
| Seated e-scooter (moped) | Limited use motorcycle Class A (to 40 mph), B (to 30), C (to 20) | 16 (license) | Yes; Class A needs M | Yes | Class A, B | Class A, B | No | No |
Where to ride
Where Each Vehicle May Ride
- E-bike, Class 1 and 2. Roads posted 30 mph or less; local bans allowed
- E-bike, Class 3. Legal only in cities of one million or more (NYC)
- Stand-up e-scooter. Roads posted 30 mph or less; NYC 15 mph
- Seated e-scooter (moped). Class B, C right lane or shoulder only
Equipment
Equipment Rules for E-Bikes
Motor under 750 W; no wider than 36 inches; operable pedals; white front light and red rear light after dark; Class 3 riders of any age must wear a helmet; e-bikes cannot be registered.
City rules
What Cities and Counties Can Change
Cities, towns and villages may regulate time, place and manner of operation, set lower speed limits, require helmets or ban e-bikes with posted signs; local laws in Nassau, Suffolk and Westchester counties need county approval. New York City set a 15 mph speed limit for e-bikes and e-scooters effective October 24, 2025.
Parks and trails
State Parks, Federal Lands and Rail Trails in New York
The Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation policy (updated June 4, 2026) allows Class 1 and 2 on park roads and paved trails, Class 1 only on natural-surface trails where bicycles are allowed, a 15 mph trail speed limit, and no Class 3 anywhere in state parks. All classes are barred from parkways.
- Rail trails in New York
- National parks in New York
- E-bike rules on federal lands: national parks, wildlife refuges, BLM land and national forests
Record
Sources
- E-bike, Class 1 and 2
- VTL 102-c, 1242
- E-bike, Class 3
- VTL 102-c, 1238(5-c), 1242(10)
- Stand-up e-scooter
- VTL 114-e; art. 34-D
- Seated e-scooter (moped)
- VTL 121-b; DMV moped rules
- Status
- Partly verified
- Open items
- E-scooter age and helmet rules confirmed from the state traffic safety committee and law-firm summaries, not statute text; budget bill part letter not confirmed; Assembly e-bike registration bills deferred to 2027
- Last verified
- Q4 2026