New York City’s ‘war’ on e-bikes

Unlike New Zealand where electric bikes are encouraged for transportation, New York City is increasing enforcement against their use and the businesses involved.

Police there have been cracking down on “illegal” e-bikes since March, as city authorities have categorised them alongside more traditional motorised scooters.

“E-bikes are illegal to operate in New York City and the NYPD is stepping up enforcement,” mayor Bill de Blasio says in announcing an increased campaign against their use, citing public safety concerns and complaints.

It’s part of a city Vision Zero initiative to avoid traffic related deaths.

The campaign’s focus is on the hazardous operation of e-bikes and businesses who use them or permit employees to ride them.

“Those at the top of the food chain need to be held accountable,” de Blasio says. “That’s why instead of merely targeting riders, we’re going after businesses that look the other way and leave their workers to shoulder the fine,” Bicycling.com

reports.

It says the city has “declared war” on e-bikes.
E-bike riders in New York City may face a fine of up to US$500. Starting next year, businesses caught using e-bikes could face a US$100 penalty for the first offence, and US$200 for each subsequent offence.

Bicycling.com says e-bikes are legal to own in New York, but illegal to ride on city streets.

Cycling advocacy group People for Bikes, says elsewhere the trend has been to integrate e-bikes into existing transportation laws.

It suggests e-bikes have their own classification.

People for Bikes proposes three classes of e-bike, based on top speed and what accounts for the electrical boost. Some e-bikes have only a pedal assist, while others have throttles – making them more scooter-like.

Another suggestion is that lower-speed e-bikes which reach 32km/h should be treated like ordinary bicycles.

E-bikes have to be registered in the state of New York, but People for Bikes says the process is unclear.

In New Zealand, e-bikes are treated like bicycles on the road, cycleways and shared pathways.

The NZ Transport Agency’s low-powered vehicles category states e-bikes here must not exceed 300 watts.