This week, we asked readers for their opinion on the new law that decreases the speed limit for e-bikes and e-scooters to 15 miles per hour, as announced by New York City Mayor Eric Adams Sept. 24, with an effective date of Oct. 24.

 

City officials said on Sept. 24 that the mayor delivered on a commitment made earlier this summer by announcing the 15 mph limit for e-bikes on city streets, and following the publication of the final rule in the City Record.

 

They said the 15 mph speed limit for e-bikes, e-scooters, and pedal-assist commercial bicycles matches the same speed limit that currently applies to stand-up e-scooters. They added that the new rule mirrors best practices for e-bike speeds in many other areas of the world, including the European Union, which has implemented speed restrictions for e-bikes of 25 kilometers-per-hour (approximately 15 mph) in bike lanes.

“This new 15 miles-per-hour speed limit for e-bikes is about keeping New Yorkers safe while continuing to keep our city moving,” said Adams. “As more New Yorkers turn to e-bikes and e-scooters to get around our city, New Yorkers have asked us to set clear, consistent rules to address this issue and protect everyone.

 

He added, “Starting Oct. 24, whether you’re riding, walking, or driving, we know that everyone will be safe and protected on our streets. We’re proud of the work we’ve done to expand biking across the five boroughs while setting clear rules of the road that will improve public safety and New Yorkers’ quality of life.”

 

Meanwhile, draft bill S2599A , otherwise known as “Priscilla’s Law,” is sponsored by Democratic State Sen. Joseph Addabbo Jr. (S.D. 15), and is reportedly named in honor of Priscilla Loke, who was hit by an e-bike rider in Chinatown on her way to work, according to reporting by AM New York. The outlet reported that the rider of the bike “blew through a red light before hitting Loke, who succumbed to injuries from the collision two days later.” The law, if passed, which would require e-bikes to be registered, is pending in the New York State Senate.

“Yes, I’m in favor of the speed limit. The kids on the scooters are a problem, yes. Sometimes, I see them go faster than 25 miles per hour. They also ride on the sidewalks and travel in the wrong direction of traffic.”

Nidgi Imine,

Long Island resident visiting Kingsbridge Heights

 

“As a deaf person walking around New York City, the e-bike and e-scooters have created more problems for my safety. I have to dodge cars and bikes and now e-bikes and e-scooters. I have encountered them not stopping at the red lights, going in the wrong direction, and riding on the sidewalk. As a deaf person, I fear walking around the city. The new speed limit is not going to calm my fears. I believe that no thought was given to the deaf community on this subject when they brainstormed this idea.”

Lyssy Pastrana,

Pelham Bay

 

“The speed limit on e-bikes and e-scooters is a welcomed change, but more needs to be done to ensure their legitimacy to protect public safety. As more and more people are turning to e-bikes as a way to get around, the increased traffic caused by e-bikes / e-scooters is a recipe for increased pedestrian accidents. The New York City Council must address this in real-time before we have yet another fatality.”

Sam Esposito,

Queens

“Electric bikes should be regulated and registered with the (Department of) Motor Vehicles. The ones that use gas are required to be registered and licensed. The e-scooters run on electricity but then again, you have Teslas and other things that run on electricity, so to limit them to 15 miles per hour, they should have their own lane.

 

But the new bike lanes aren’t working right now; look at the street right now. Where’s the bike lane? A license plate would be a good idea because a lot of them get stolen, so if it gets stolen, you have it registered, and the thief could be charged with grand theft auto.”

Julian Etwaroo,

Parkchester

“I think it’s good because it protects the people crossing the street, especially the older and younger people because I’ve seen a lot of people get hit crossing the street because of flying bikes going 30 to 40 miles per hour. I’ve seen people get hit and the rider keeps going and they have no insurance, no license, no nothing and they just zoom away. The gas scooters are supposed to have insurance. If you have a gas powered one, [the police] are going to take it away.

 

Now, they have found a way that they can take your bike. If you go more than 15 miles per hour, they have the right to take your bike now; that’s the reason why they’re doing it. They have gas scooters that don’t have plates and a lot of e-bikes that don’t have plates. I don’t think you can get insurance on e-bikes, and it would be impossible to get all of the illegal scooters off the road. There’s too many of them.”

Charles Carrillo,

Belmont