Early Regulations (Pre-2020)
Electric bikes were a gray area in New York’s transportation laws for many years, often treated as illegal or falling under outdated vehicle laws.
Prior to 2020, New York State did not officially permit e-bikes on streets, and their usage was frequently discouraged due to concerns about safety and lack of regulation. Local law enforcement varied in its treatment of e-bike riders, with some areas allowing informal use and others enforcing bans.
The state's Vehicle and Traffic Law categorized e-bikes alongside motor vehicles, meaning they required registration and insurance, which was not feasible as the DMV did not offer a category for e-bikes.
Legalization in 2020
The breakthrough came in April 2020 when New York State officially legalized e-bikes as part of a broader legislative effort to provide sustainable transportation options, particularly as micromobility solutions were becoming more popular.
The 2020 legislation distinguished between three classes of e-bikes based on their speed:
Class 1: Pedal-assist only, with a maximum speed of 20 mph.
Class 2: Throttle-powered bikes, also limited to 20 mph.
Class 3: Pedal-assist bikes with a maximum speed of 25 mph, intended for use in areas where local regulations permit higher-speed travel.
This legislation was particularly significant in New York City, where e-bikes were increasingly being used by delivery workers, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when food delivery services surged. However, this was also the point when safety concerns began to surface, particularly around the use of lithium-ion batteries powering e-bikes, which were linked to several accidents and fires(NYSenate.gov).
Emergence of Safety Concerns (2021-2023)
As the popularity of e-bikes grew, so did concerns about their safety.
In 2021 and 2022, New York City in particular saw a surge in accidents and fires related to lithium-ion batteries, which power many e-bikes and scooters.
According to the FDNY, by 2023, there had been a significant increase in fire incidents caused by malfunctioning or improperly charged e-bike batteries. Fires involving e-bikes injured over 150 people and claimed 18 lives in 2023 alone(Spectrum Local News)(WNY News Now).
The risks were exacerbated by the use of uncertified, substandard batteries, often purchased from unregulated markets, which did not meet necessary safety standards.
These incidents prompted calls for stricter regulations on the manufacturing, sale, and use of e-bikes and their batteries.
Legislative Changes in 2024
In response to the growing safety issues, New York State made substantial updates to its e-bike policy in 2024.
These changes were enacted through a series of laws aimed at mitigating the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries and ensuring safe e-bike usage across the state.
Banning Unsafe Batteries: Legislation passed in 2024 prohibits the sale of lithium-ion batteries that do not meet strict safety standards. The laws require that batteries used in e-bikes be certified by accredited testing laboratories, such as UL 2849 in the U.S. or EN 15194 in Europe. This ensures that only high-quality, tested batteries are sold to consumers(NYSenate.gov)(PeopleForBikes).
Consumer Education: To combat the lack of information that contributed to accidents, the new laws mandate that e-bike retailers provide customers with operating manuals that include detailed instructions on how to charge, store, and maintain the batteries properly.
These manuals must also inform users of the potential hazards associated with battery misuse, such as overheating or leaking(SGSCorp).
First Responder Training: Recognizing the dangers posed to emergency personnel, the state has implemented mandatory training programs for first responders, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to handle e-bike battery fires and related incidents safely(NYSenate.gov).
Red Tags and Safety Labeling: E-bikes and their chargers are now required to have red tags affixed to their charging cords, which serve as a reminder for users to unplug the devices when not in use to prevent overheating and fires.
Additionally, retailers must ensure that clear safety notices are attached to all e-bikes, advising riders to follow traffic laws and prioritize pedestrian safety(SGSCorp).
Registration and Accountability: To improve oversight, e-bikes, particularly mopeds and high-speed models, must be registered at the point of sale. This helps authorities track the devices and ensures that users comply with local traffic laws(WNY News Now).
Battery Rebate Program: A new battery exchange program was also introduced, allowing users to trade in unsafe or uncertified batteries for approved, safe ones.
This program is crucial for low-income delivery workers, who are among the most frequent users of e-bikes(PeopleForBikes).
Impact and Future Outlook
The 2024 legislation marks a significant shift in New York State’s approach to e-bikes. By setting stringent safety standards for batteries and requiring better consumer education, the state hopes to reduce accidents and fatalities linked to e-bike fires.
The laws also align with the broader "Buy Safe, Charge Safe" campaign, which was launched earlier in the year to promote safe battery usage practices(WNY News Now).
As New York continues to lead in e-bike legislation, other states are expected to follow its example, adopting similar safety measures.
The success of these laws will depend on enforcement and public compliance, but they represent a significant step toward making e-bikes a safer and more sustainable transportation option across the state.
In the coming years, New York will likely continue refining its e-bike policies as technology evolves, ensuring that both consumers and manufacturers adhere to the highest safety standards.