The law allows people to operate electric scooters (e-scooters) and bicycles with an electric assist (e-bikes) on some streets and highways in New York State.

• Electric scooter - a type of device with handlebars, a floorboard or a seat that can be stood or sat upon by the operator, and an electric motor that can be powered by the electric motor and/or human power. Electric scooters have a maximum speed of no more than twenty miles per hour on a paved level surface when powered solely by the electric motor. Note: It is illegal to operate an electric scooter (as defined in §114-e of NYS VTL) in excess of fifteen miles per hour.
• Bicycle with an electric assist - multiple classes of bicycles with an electric motor and operable pedals. It is defined as: A bicycle that is no more than thirty-six inches wide and has an electric motor of less than seven hundred fifty watts, equipped with operable pedals, meeting the equipment and manufacturing requirements for bicycles adopted by the Consumer Product Safety Commission under 16 C.F.R. Part 1512.1 et seq. and meeting the requirements of one of the following three classes:
  • (a) "Class one bicycle with electric assist." A bicycle with electric assist having an electric motor that provides assistance only when the person operating such bicycle is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when such bicycle reaches a speed of twenty miles per hour.
  • (b) "Class two bicycle with electric assist." A bicycle with electric assist having an electric motor that may be used exclusively to propel such bicycle, and that is not capable of providing assistance when such bicycle reaches a speed of twenty miles per hour.
  • (c) "Class three bicycle with electric assist." Solely within a city having a population of one million or more, a bicycle with electric assist having an electric motor that may be used exclusively to propel such bicycle, and that is not capable of providing assistance when such bicycle reaches a speed of twenty-five miles per hour.
• A bicycle with electric assist does not qualify for registration as a motorcycle, limited-use motorcycle, moped, or ATV and does not have the same equipment.

You can operate an electric scooter or bicycle with an electric assist on some streets and highways in New York State.

• You can operate these devices on highways with a posted speed limit of 30 MPH or less
• Municipalities can further regulate the time, place, and manner of operation of these devices
• You cannot operate these devices on a sidewalk except as authorized by local law or ordinance

You cannot operate an ATV on a public highway unless the highway has been designated and posted for ATV use (usually a short distance between off-road trails).

You cannot register or operate any of the motorized devices from the list below on any street, highway, parking lot, sidewalk, or another area in New York State that allows public motor vehicle traffic. You may be arrested if you do.

• Mini-bike - a small, motorized device with two wheels and created for off-road use. A mini-bike doesn’t qualify as a moped, a motorcycle, or an ATV.
• Off-road Motorcycle (Dirt Bike) - A motorcycle designed for use on off-road trails or in off-road competitions. Unless exempt, these vehicles must be registered as ATVs. See register an ATV for more information.
• Go-Kart - a small, motorized device with four wheels, created for off-road use. You can’t register a go-kart as a motor vehicle or ATV because a go-kart doesn’t have the same equipment.
• Golf Cart (also referred to as Golf Car or Neighborhood Electric Vehicle) - is a small motorized device with three or four wheels designed to carry people. You cannot register a golf cart as an ATV. Many low-speed vehicles are similar in appearance to a golf cart and can be registered and driven on New York State highways. For a low-speed vehicle to be registered in New York: 
  • it must meet federal motor vehicle safety standard 500 (49 CFR 571.500)
  • its maximum performance speed must be certified by the manufacturer
  • it must appear on the list of approved limited use vehicles
  • You can contact NYS DMV Technical Services (518-474-5282, select option #4) to determine if a particular LSV or LSVT is certified and approved.
• KEI-Class Vehicles - A class of lightweight vehicles, originally manufactured for the Japanese domestic market. A KEI-Class vehicle cannot be registered or titled in New York State. (Authority: Section 400-a of NYS VTL)
• Lawnmower - a self-propelled machine operated by a person in a seated or standing position originally or primarily designed for cutting grass on a lawn

Unplug When Not in Use

Many micromobility devices, mopeds, and bicycles with electric assist are equipped with a chargeable lithium ion battery, which can cause fires if left to charge too long. To inform users of how to prevent fires caused by overcharging, these devices must include a red tag connected to the charging cord stating "UNPLUG WHEN NOT IN USE". The tag will include additional consumer safety information regarding safe usage of the product and its charging equipment.