New York

Helmet Laws

• Bicycles:
  • Riders under 14 are required to wear helmets.
  • Working cyclists (e.g., food delivery riders) must also wear helmets regardless of age (NYC-specific).

• E-Bikes:
  • All riders of Class 3 e-bikes (28 mph) are required to wear helmets.
  • Delivery riders must wear helmets in NYC, even for slower e-bikes.
  • Helmet use is strongly encouraged statewide.

E-Bike Classification

New York recognizes 3 classes of e-bikes, defined as follows:

• Class 1: Pedal-assist only, max 20 mph

• Class 2: Throttle-assist, max 20 mph

• Class 3: Pedal-assist only, max 28 mph (authorized for NYC use only)

✔ No license or registration required for Class 1 & 2 e-bikes.
✔ Class 3 e-bikes must be used only in cities over 1 million people (e.g., NYC).
✔ Mopeds and faster electric vehicles fall under different regulations.

Where You Can Ride

• Sidewalks:
  • Not allowed unless specifically permitted by local law.
  • Enforced strictly in New York City.

• Bike Lanes:
  • Allowed for Class 1 and 2 e-bikes.
  • Class 3 e-bikes allowed only in NYC bike lanes.

• Shared-Use Paths / Trails:
  • Class 1 & 2 are permitted unless signs prohibit them.
  • Class 3 may be prohibited in parks or on off-road trails.

• Roadways:
  • E-bikes are allowed on most roads with a speed limit of 30 mph or lower.
  • Not allowed on highways or limited-access roads.

Age Restrictions

• Riders must be at least 16 years old to operate any class of e-bike.

• No exceptions, including for pedal-assist-only models.

Lights & Equipment

• Night riding requires:
  • A white headlight visible from 500 feet
  • A red rear light or reflector visible from 300 feet

• Bells/horns, brakes, and reflective materials are required.

• NYC has additional equipment rules for delivery riders.

Source:

New York State DMV – Electric Bicycle Information