"Starting October 24, 2025, a new rule caps e-bikes, e-scooters and pedal-assist commercial bicycles at 15 miles per hour across the five boroughs. The change was published this week in the City Record and comes after months of debate about how to rein in the city's fastest growing (and sometimes most controversial) mode of transport. Mayor Eric Adams previewed the move in June, framing it as a way to set "clear, consistent rules" after a surge in complaints about speeding riders in crowded streets."
"The numbers paint a complicated picture. So far this year, the NYPD has logged 623 collisions involving e-bikes, up from 455 in the same period last year. Still, cars remain the far bigger problem: More than 12,000 car crashes were reported citywide this year, compared with just over 3,200 involving traditional bicycles. The Department of Transportation held a public hearing in July that drew nearly 900 comments. Some residents recounted near-misses and injuries involving fast-moving e-bikes; others warned the rules could unfairly hit delivery workers, who depend on speed to make a living."
New York City will impose a 15 mph top speed for e-bikes, e-scooters and pedal-assist commercial bicycles across all five boroughs effective October 24, 2025. The rule replaces previous legal top speeds that varied by class, typically 20–25 mph. Officials cited rising complaints about speeding riders and an increase in e-bike collisions—623 so far this year, up from 455 last year—while noting cars still account for far more crashes. A July Department of Transportation hearing drew nearly 900 comments, with residents reporting near-misses and concerns that the cap could hurt delivery workers who rely on speed. Officials said they are studying international best practices to implement the limit.
Read at Time Out New York
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