Types of Electric Bikes & Mopeds
Where you are allowed to ride in NYC depends on the type of e-bike or vehicle you have. How you ride also depends on this type. E-bikes and mopeds can look quite similar. Check the chart below to see what type you have.
English | Electric Bicycles & More
| E-Bike Class 1 | E-Bike Class 2 | E-Bike Class 3 | Moped Class C | Moped Class B | Moped Class A | E-Scooter | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pedal assist | Throttle with pedals | Pedal assist or Throttle with pedals | Limited use motorcycle | Limited use motorcycle | Limited use motorcycle | Under 100lbs | |
 |  |  |  |  |  |  | |
| How fast can it go? | 20 MPH | 20 MPH | 25 MPH | 20 MPH | 30 MPH | 40 MPH | 20 MPH |
| How fast may I go?ᴼ | 15 MPH | 15 MPH | 15 MPH | As Posted | As Posted | As Posted | 15 MPH |
| Do I need a Driver’s License? | No (must be 16) | No (must be 16) | No (must be 16) | Yes | Yes | Yes (plus M endorsement) | No |
| Does my bike need a license plate? | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Does my bike need a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)? | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Do I need to register my bike with the DMV? | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Can I ride in bike lanes? | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | Yes |
| Can I ride in vehicle lanes? | Yes* | Yes* | Yes* | Yes** | Yes** | Yes** | Yes* |
| Can I ride on bridges? | Yes (only in bike lanes) | Yes (only in bike lanes) | Yes (only in bike lanes) | Yes† (only in vehicle lanes) | Yes† (only in vehicle lanes) | Yes† (only in vehicle lanes) | Yes (only in bike lanes) |
| Can I ride in park drives and greenways? | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | Yes |
| Do I need to wear a helmet? | Recommended (Yes, if working) | Recommended (Yes, if working) | Yes | Recommended | Yes | Yes | Recommended |
Chart Notes
*Vehicle lanes with speed limits no greater than 30MPH.
**Right lane and/or shoulder, except when making a left turn.
†Except the Manhattan, Ed Koch Queensboro (upper level) and Williamsburg Bridges. No mopeds can be ridden on these bridges.
ᴼE-Bikes and e-scooters are prohibited from going above 15MPH on any city street.
