By Forum Staff
Mayor Eric Adams on Wednesday announced a citywide 15 mile-per-hour speed limit for electric bikes effective Oct. 24.
Once implemented, the 15 mph speed limit for e-bikes, e-scooters, and pedal-assist commercial bicycles will match the same speed limit that currently applies to stand-up e-scooters. According to the administration, 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.
“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, and today, our administration is saying enough is enough: We are implementing a new 15-mile-per-hour speed limit for e-bikes and e-scooters that will make our streets safer,” Adams said when he first proposed the speed limit in June. “We’re proud of the work we’ve done to expand biking across the five boroughs, but we have an obligation to keep everyone safe. We are also calling on our partners in the City Council to pass our long-proposed legislation that will strengthen delivery worker safety — it’s time to protect delivery workers and all New Yorkers, once and for all.”
Recently, Adams announced the launch of the Department of Sustainable Delivery. The agency will consist of a team of data analysts, policy analysts, and peace officers who will focus on methods to improve traffic and vehicle safety and work to hold delivery app companies accountable for public safety. Funded as part of Fiscal Year 2026 Adopted Budget, Adams said the DSD will bring order to NYC streets as the number of app-based deliveries and delivery workers have soared with little accountability in place for app-based companies.
“This new 15 miles-per-hour speed limit for e-bikes is about keeping New Yorkers safe while continuing to keep our city moving,” Adams said on Wednesday. “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. 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.”
“With record bike ridership and a historic expansion of our protected bike lane network, we’re making it safer and easier than ever for the record number of New Yorkers choosing cycling by building infrastructure and providing education to meet the moment,” added City Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. “We are using every tool and studying worldwide best practices, to ensure every New Yorker is traveling at safe speeds on our streets.”
Hizzoner noted that he continues to call on the City Council to take up the administration’s legislation to crack down on the root cause of reckless e-bike riding by regulating the app companies that incentivize dangerous behavior.
