BIKE ACCIDENTS
Bicycles, electronic bicycles, scooters and mopeds are on the rise throughout New York. These popular alternative methods to automobile transportation present challenges to your safety navigating the busy streets. It should go without saying that at all times you should be wearing the proper safety equipment when you are on the move, especially when you are on a bike. Helmets, pads, braces, and proper clothing should always be worn in order to prevent yourself from serious injury.
RULES AND REGULATIONS
The New York City Department of Transportation (NYC-DOT) has rules and regulations for eletronic bicycles, scooters and mopeds. These rules and regulations fall into different categories known as “classes.” Each class has it’s own set of guidelines that you should familiarize yourself with depending on what type of equipment you own.
E-BIKE CLASS 1: These e-bikes have “pedal assist” and can go a maximum of twenty (20) miles per hour. A driver’s license is not required. You can ride in the bike line or in a lane of traffic occupied by vehicles with a maximum speed limit of thirty (30) miles per hour.
E-BIKE CLASS 2: These e-bikes have a “throttle with pedals” and can go a maximum of twenty (20) miles per hour. Similar to CLASS 1, a driver’s license is not required, and you can ride in the bike line or in a lane of traffic occupied by vehicles with a maximum speed limit of thirty (30) miles per hour.
E-BIKE CLASS 3: These e-bikes also have a “throttle with pedals” and can go a maximum of twenty-five (25) miles per hour, slightly higher than CLASS 2. Similar to CLASS 1 and CLASS 2, a driver’s license is also not required, and you can also ride in the bike line or in a lane of traffic occupied by vehicles with a maximum speed limit of thirty (30) miles per hour.
MOPED CLASS C: These are “limited use motorcycles” that can go a top speed of twenty (20) miles per hour. These require a driver’s license, license plate, Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), and need to be registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You cannot ride in the bike lane with a CLASS C Moped.
MOPED CLASS B: These are also “limited use motorcycles” that can go a faster top speed of thirty (30) miles per hour. These also require a driver’s license, license plate, Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), and need to be registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Like CLASS C, you cannot ride in the bike lane with this type of Moped.
MOPED CLASS A: Once again, these are defined under the “limited use motorcycles” title, however, these are allowed to go even faster with a top speed of forty (40) miles per hour. These too require a driver’s license, license plate, Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), and need to be registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Like CLASS C and B, you cannot ride in the bike lane with this type of Moped.
E-SCOOTER: if you are operating an e-scooter, you can go a top speed of fifteen (15) miles per hour. These follow similar rules to the e-bike, where there is no requirement for a driver’s license, license plate, or registration necessary. You can also ride an e-scooter in the bike lane.
For a complete list of all the rules and regulations for e-bikes, mopeds, and e-scooters, visit the NYC DOT website: Electric Bikes & More NYC-DOT.
