General Bicycle Rules and Regulations
You can get a partial list of rules. More detailed information is available on the Department of Transportation's website.
Use of Electric Scooters and Electric Bicycles
The speed limit for e-bikes, e-scooters, and pedal-assist bicycles is 15 miles per hour.
Bicycle Helmet Requirements
Recreational Cyclists: All children up to age 14 are required by New York State law to wear bike helmets certified by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). All bicycle riders up to age 14 must wear approved helmets.
Delivery Cyclists: New York City law requires all delivery workers who use bikes, e-bikes, or cargo bikes to wear securely fastened, properly fitted helmets that are in good condition. Employers are required to ensure that their delivery cyclists wear helmets.
Bicycle Rule Enforcement
NYPD enforces traffic rules on City streets and in Central Park. Any cyclist not obeying all traffic rules may be issued a Traffic Violation by a police officer.
Riding a Bicycle on the Sidewalk
Children aged 12 or younger may ride their bicycles on the sidewalk. All other cyclists may receive a summons for riding on a City sidewalk.
Safety Requirements for Delivery by Bike or E-Bike
Businesses must equip their delivery bicycles with these safety devices:
- Bell or other audible device
- Reflectors
- Retro-reflective vests
- Working bicycle lights
- Working brakes
They also must ensure delivery cyclists have access to helmets that meet City safety standards. Delivery cyclists must wear the helmets and fasten them securely.
Pedal-Assist Bicycles
Certain pedal-assist bicycles may be legally operated on New York City streets.
Pedal-assist bicycles are defined as bicycles that have fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts (1 horsepower). The electric motor can only engage when the operator is pedaling and going less than 20 miles per hour. It stops functioning when the operator brakes, stops pedaling, or when the bicycle reaches its maximum speed. Pedal-assist bicycles cannot be equipped with any throttle capacity or have additional motorized equipment attached.
The pedal-assist bicycle must have an original label, provided by the bicycle or electric motor manufacturer, stating the maximum motor-assisted speed and motor wattage of the bicycle. Pedal-assist bicycles that have been modified are not considered to be pedal-assist bicycles and may not be operated on 做厙TV streets.
