Mayor Adams Announces New Speed Limit for E-Bike Riders Amid Safety Concerns
In a recent announcement, New York City Mayor Eric Adams declared a new speed limit for electric bikes, electric scooters, and pedal-assist bicycles. The newly proposed limit will cap speeds at 15 miles per hour. However, many New Yorkers are skeptical that this change will make the streets safer for pedestrians.
As e-bikes have surged in popularity, they have also become a common sight weaving through city streets, forcing pedestrians to dodge delivery riders racing past at alarming speeds. Mayor Adams reflected on the growing unease among residents. “I have heard, over and over again, from New Yorkers about how their safety — and the safety of their children — has been put at risk due to speeding e-bikes and e-scooters,” he stated. “Today, our administration is saying enough is enough.”
Previously, New York City did not enforce a specific speed limit for e-bikes. Instead, it followed New York State rules that allowed certain e-bikes to reach speeds as high as 25 mph. In contrast, traditional Citibikes were limited to 18 mph. The new 15 mph limit aligns with existing regulations for stand-up e-scooters and aims to reduce collisions among cyclists and pedestrians in the city’s bike lane network.
Despite this announcement, critics question how authorities will enforce this new speed limit. Many e-bike riders already disregard traffic laws, frequently running red lights or riding against one-way signs. Republican mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa criticized Adams’ decision, calling it the “bare minimum” and asserting that it isn’t practical to enforce.
“E-bikes are not registered, don’t have license plates, and don’t face mandatory inspections,” Sliwa pointed out. This lack of oversight poses a challenge for law enforcement, making it difficult to track miscreant riders or collect fines.
Queens Councilmember Bob Holden expressed similar concerns, stating that a new limit is “nowhere near enough.” He emphasized the need for more rigorous enforcement and suggested implementing a system requiring license plates for e-bikes. "Without visible identification, enforcing traffic laws and speed limits will remain practically impossible," he argued. Holden wrote to the mayor, advocating for this significant change to improve public safety.
While some welcomed the new limit, others were doubtful about its impact. One New Yorker, commenting on the news, remarked, “But my DoorDash,” highlighting a reminder of the tension between delivery needs and public safety concerns.
A near-miss experience with a speeding e-biker left 29-year-old Madeleine S. unsettled. “At least he took accountability,” she said, recalling how a swift e-biker almost collided with her. “My lack of awareness probably contributed, but he was going fast.”
Earlier this year, in his State of the City address, Mayor Adams discussed the pressing need for reforms in the largely unregulated commercial delivery sector. However, follow-up actions have been minimal. He proposed the creation of a Department of Sustainable Delivery and a commercial delivery license system for e-bike drivers, but those ideas have not progressed much in the past 18 months.
Adams has openly blamed the City Council for delaying his legislative proposals, claiming they avoid engaging with his administration. However, the Department of Transportation recently communicated to the council, asserting their right under city charter to impose the new speed limit.
In response, a spokesperson for the City Council argued against the mayor’s approach and criticized him for trying to push legislation through press releases rather than proper channels. “The mayor has failed to demonstrate an understanding of the city’s lawmaking process, which has made him ineffective,” Council spokesperson Julia Agos remarked.
In another development, Councilmember Keith Powers introduced a bill that also seeks to lower the speed limit for e-bikes to 15 mph. He emphasized the need to balance bike usage as a transportation option while addressing public safety concerns.
“As e-bikes play a crucial role in tackling the climate crisis and helping New Yorkers get around the city, we must also address the reckless behavior witnessed by e-bike operators,” he stated.
With debates about safety regulations for e-bikes heating up, many New Yorkers will be watching closely to see how the city will implement these changes. Adapting to new transportation technologies is essential, but making sure that streets remain safe is of the utmost importance.
