Electric Bicycles & More

Not everything is an e-bike. Know the differences – and always ride legally and safely.

Know the E-Bike E-Bike E-Bike Moped Moped Moped E-Scooters Not Legal
difference Class 1 Class 2 Class 3 Class C Class B Class A E-mobility Devices

Type Electric Bike Electric Bike, Electric Bike, Limited Use Limited Use Limited Use Device with The following
with Pedal Assist Throttle up to 20 Throttle up to 25 Motorcycle, Motorcycle, Motorcycle, handlebars, a are examples of
MPH, Operable MPH, Operable Low-speed, Low-speed, Low-speed, floorboard or seat, illegal e-mobility
Pedals weighing less than
Pedals 2-3 Wheels 2-3 Wheels 2-3 Wheels 100 lbs, Can be devices
powered by elec-
tric and/or human Moped (without
power license plate or
VIN)

How fast
can I go? 20 MPH 20 MPH 25 MPH 20 MPH 30 MPH 40 MPH 15 MPH
Electric
Yes, Skateboard
Do I need Yes, Yes,
a license? No No No Driver’s License Driver’s License
Driver’s License No
Endorsement
Yes, Must be Yes, Must be Yes, Must be
Do I need to registered with registered with registered with
Segway
register my No No No NYS DMV, must NYS DMV, must NYS DMV, must No
bike? have license have license have license
plates & VINs plates & VINs plates & VINs
Bike Lanes* Bike Lanes* Bike Lanes* Right lane Right lane Bike Lanes*
and streets with and streets with and streets with and/or shoulder** and/or shoulder** and streets
Where can speed limits no speed limits no speed limits no (except when (except when Vehicular with speed
Hoverboards
I ride? greater than greater than greater than making a left making a left Lanes ** limits no greater
30 MPH 30 MPH 30 MPH turn) turn) than 30 MPH
Electric
unicycle
Recommended Recommended
Do I need for all, Required for all, Required Yes,
Recommended (two types)
Recommended Yes, Yes, for all, Required
to wear a for 16-17 year for 16-17 year Required by
Required by law Required by law for 16-17 year
helmet? olds and working olds and working law
olds
cyclists cyclists

*Including on bridges
** Including vehicle lanes on bridges