Riding an electric scooter through the vibrant streets of New York City offers convenience and efficiency, but it comes with a set of responsibilities and regulations. In Navigating NYC: A Guide to E-Scooter Laws & Safety, we will delve into the laws governing electric scooters in the United States, with a particular focus on New York City. We’ll explore everything from speed limits and riding locations to helmet requirements and the consequences of violating these laws. By following the best practices outlined in this guide, you can navigate the city streets confidently and responsibly while enjoying the benefits of electric scooter transportation.

Laws Governing Electric Scooters In The United States 

In New York City, electric scooters, known as e-scooters, are precisely defined. As per V.A.T. Law 114-E, they are described as two-wheeled vehicles weighing less than 100 pounds and equipped with handlebars, a floorboard or seat, and an electric motor. Crucially, these e-scooters must not exceed a maximum speed of 20 miles per hour on level pavement when solely powered by the electric motor.

Speed Limit and Rider Safety

NYC’s regulations underscore the importance of rider safety. It is explicitly stated that operating e-scooters at speeds exceeding 15 miles per hour is unlawful. This emphasizes the city’s commitment to safer riding practices within its urban environment.

Riding Locations 

In terms of where e-scooters can be ridden, NYC’s regulations allow them in designated bike lanes and on streets with speed limits no greater than 30 miles per hour. However, there is an unambiguous prohibition against e-scooter use on sidewalks. This measure is critical to ensuring pedestrian safety in the city.

Insurance

Understanding the rules for electric scooters in New York City is essential for worry-free riding. Electric scooters are not considered regular vehicles, so you don’t need to register them or get a license plate. Unlike cars, you also don’t need a special license to ride electric scooters.

Now, when it comes to insurance, it’s a bit tricky. In NYC, if you drive a car, you need personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. This covers you if you’re hurt in an accident, whether you’re a pedestrian, bicyclist, driver, or passenger. But here’s the catch: PIP usually doesn’t cover other modes of transport like scooters. So, if you get into a scooter accident, your PIP insurance may not help with your expenses. Plus, you’re not required to get insurance specifically for your scooter. That’s why it’s essential to ride safely and be prepared, just in case.

Wider Applicability

New York State regulations encompass not only NYC but the entire state. Here, electric scooters, as well as electric bicycles, are subject to specific laws designed to balance mobility and safety.

Operating Conditions and Municipal Authority

E-scooters and e-bikes are permitted on highways with posted speed limits of 30 miles per hour or less. However, municipalities within the state have the authority to further regulate the time, place, and manner of operation of these devices. This grants local authorities the flexibility to adapt regulations to their specific needs and conditions.

Sidewalk Usage

Certainly, if you’ve got an electric scooter and want to know where you can ride it in busy New York City, here’s the deal: riding on the sidewalk is a no-go. Even though the streets can be crowded with cars and trucks, you can’t take your scooter onto the sidewalk. Why? Well, sidewalks in the city are often just as crowded as the streets, and scooters go faster than people walking. So, it’s not safe for pedestrians or scooter riders.

But don’t worry, you’ve got some options. You can use bike lanes in the city. These lanes are meant for bicycles, but scooters are allowed too. Just keep an eye out for bicyclists.

You can also ride your electric scooter on any city road with a speed limit of 30 mph or less. If you’re sharing the road with cars and trucks, make sure to keep a safe distance. And if you can’t keep up with the traffic, stick to the bike lane. That way, you can zip around the city without breaking any rules. 

Helmet Requirements

When you’re riding an electric scooter in New York City, it’s really important to be careful around cars and other vehicles and to protect yourself. Even though the law only says that riders under 18 have to wear helmets, it’s a good idea for everyone to wear one.

The law in V.A.T. Law 1286(1) says that only riders under 18 must wear helmets when they ride electric scooters in New York City. But that doesn’t mean that if you’re over 18, you shouldn’t wear a helmet. Getting hurt, especially hitting your head, is a big risk when riding scooters around cars. These kinds of injuries can be expensive to treat and can change your life in a bad way. Our lawyers who work with electric scooters in New York City know that wearing a helmet can help protect you from these serious injuries if you have an accident with a car while riding your scooter.

So, even though the law only makes some people wear helmets when they ride electric scooters in New York City, it’s a good idea for everyone to wear one. It’s also smart to wear other protective stuff like goggles, jackets, pants, and good shoes. These things can help you stay safe and lower the chance of getting hurt if a driver who’s not paying attention hits you while you’re on your scooter.

Sue For Getting Hit

If you get hurt while riding an electric scooter in New York City, you can usually sue for compensation. Normally, in New York, you have to meet certain conditions to file a lawsuit, like having a really serious injury or big financial losses. But when it comes to electric scooter accidents, it’s a bit different. The usual rules might not apply because the insurance you have for regular vehicles usually doesn’t cover electric scooters.

So, if your insurance doesn’t cover scooter accidents, you don’t need to worry about meeting those special conditions to sue. No matter how bad your injuries are, our electric scooter lawyers in New York City can help you take legal action against someone who caused the accident. Just remember, you have up to three years after the accident to file a lawsuit if you decide to do so.

Legislation to Promote Responsible Riding

Enactment of 2020 Legislation

In a bid to address various mobility and environmental concerns, New York City enacted legislation in 2020 to allow the operation of e-bikes and e-scooters on select city streets and highways. This legislation aimed to integrate these alternative modes of transportation into the city’s mobility landscape responsibly.

Transit Equity and Safety

The legislation reflects the city’s commitment to transit equity, accessibility, and environmental sustainability. It recognizes the importance of offering diverse transportation options while ensuring the well-being of all road users. As Council Member Fernando Cabrera expressed, “Today we passed legislation that made great strides toward achieving transit equity, social justice, accessibility, and environmental protection. By legalizing e-scooters and e-bikes while mandating adherence to state and local safety laws, we met the needs of people in transit deserts, people not served by bikeshare programs, and those who needed e-bikes and scooters for work, thereby reducing the number of cars on our streets.”

Most Common Laws That Electric Scooter Riders Violate

There are some most common laws that electric scooter riders violate in New York City. Here is an overview of these laws,

Speed Limit Violation

One of the most frequently violated laws pertains to speed limits for electric scooters. In New York City, riders are explicitly prohibited from operating e-scooters at speeds exceeding 15 miles per hour. This regulation is in place to prioritize safety within the densely populated urban environment. Riders who disregard this speed limit may be subject to fines or penalties.

Sidewalk Riding

A common violation that poses a significant safety risk is riding electric scooters on sidewalks. Both New York City and New York State have unambiguous regulations against sidewalk riding. This prohibition is crucial for pedestrian safety, as the narrow confines of sidewalks are not designed for motorized vehicles. Violating this rule can lead to legal consequences, including fines.

Underage Riding

In New York City, riding an electric scooter is subject to specific age restrictions. To legally operate an electric scooter on the streets of New York City and across the state, riders must be at least 16 years old, as outlined in V.A.T. Law 1282(4).

Individuals under the age of 16 are not permitted to use these devices. This age requirement primarily exists due to the inherent risks associated with electric scooters, their limited safety features, and the fact that they typically share the road with motor vehicles like cars, trucks, and motorcycles.

It’s important to note that while a driver’s license or any special permission is not required for electric scooter riders over the age of 16 in New York City, responsible and cautious riding is crucial. Unlike some similar devices such as mopeds, New York City does not impose specific licensing requirements for electric scooter operation.

Regardless of whether riders possess a driver’s license, all electric scooter users must exercise caution. Electric scooters offer minimal protection to riders, akin to motorcycles and bicycles. Even though they have a maximum speed limit of 15 mph, electric scooters do not shield riders from potential hazards, including negligent drivers and other road-related dangers. Therefore, riders of all ages should prioritize safety while using electric scooters.

Equipment Violations

Compliance with equipment regulations is crucial for rider safety. Riding electric scooters with damaged components, such as brakes, lights, tires, or other critical parts, is a violation that can compromise the safety of the rider and other road users. Regular maintenance and ensuring that the scooter is in good working condition are essential responsibilities for riders to avoid equipment-related violations.

It is essential to emphasize that these common violations are not merely rules but are implemented to prioritize rider safety, and responsible riding practices, and minimize risks to pedestrians and other road users. The enforcement of these regulations contributes to creating a safer urban transportation environment for all. Riders who violate these laws may face fines, penalties, or other legal consequences, reflecting the seriousness of these safety measures.

Electric Scooter Laws Violation Consequences

Violating electric scooters is not only bad for your safety but can also result in serious economic repercussions for you. In January 2023, a Local Law amended the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to the operation of motorized scooters. Also, it has repealed subdivision e of section 19-176.2 of such code, relating to operators of electric scooters and bicycles with electric assist. This bill has repealed recently enacted provisions of the Administrative Code that allow for the operation of certain e-bikes and e-scooters in New York City. The bill also restored the fines for e-bike and e-scooter violations from the current civil penalty of $250 to the original amount of $500. 

Local Law 39, which took effect on September 16, prohibited the sale, lease, or rental of e-bikes and e-scooters, along with their batteries, that failed to meet recognized industry safety standards. Inspectors for the city’s Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, which enforced the law, began issuing violations to stores and retailers on Amazon and other online sites that sold, leased, or rented uncertified devices, as well as to manufacturers that sold directly in the city.

Violations were also issued to resellers of used e-bikes and other e-mobility devices in marketplaces like Craigslist. Individuals using uncertified devices did not receive violations. Violations could result in fines of up to $1,000 for each type of uncertified device found. However, the law did not cover uncertified personal devices that were already in homes. It also did not apply to devices that were bought or leased outside the city, such as in New Jersey or Connecticut, and then used in the city.

Best Practices For Riding An Electric Scooter Safely And Legally

Here are the best practices for riding an electric scooter safely and legally in New York City.

Adhere to Speed Limits

The speed limit for electric scooters in NYC is capped at 15 miles per hour. It’s essential to not exceed this limit, as doing so is unlawful. Riding at a moderate speed allows you to react quickly to unexpected situations and increases safety for both the rider and others on the road.

Avoid Sidewalk Riding

Riding electric scooters on sidewalks is strictly prohibited in NYC to ensure pedestrian safety. Sidewalks in the city can be as congested as streets, and scooters moving at higher speeds pose a danger to pedestrians. Instead, utilize designated bike lanes and roads with speed limits of 30 mph or less.

Helmet Usage

While only riders under 18 are legally required to wear helmets, it’s highly recommended for all riders, regardless of age. Helmets significantly reduce the risk of head injuries in case of accidents, offering crucial protection.

Follow Equipment Regulations

Routinely inspect your electric scooter for any signs of damage or malfunction, including brakes, lights, tires, and other essential components. Riding with damaged equipment not only violates the law but also poses a significant safety hazard. Proper maintenance ensures your scooter is in optimal working condition.

Abide by Age Restrictions

 Ensure that riders are at least 16 years old, as those under 16 are not permitted to operate electric scooters in NYC. Age restrictions exist due to safety concerns, as electric scooters share the road with motor vehicles. So, no riders under the age of 16 are permitted by law. 

Stay Informed

Stay updated on local and state regulations regarding electric scooters. Laws and fines related to electric scooter use may change over time. Awareness of current regulations is essential to remain compliant and avoid legal issues.

Use Bike Lanes and Roads

When riding in NYC, prioritize designated bike lanes whenever available. They are designed for bicycles but also permit scooters. On city roads with speed limits of 30 mph or less, share the road with cars and trucks while maintaining a safe distance and following traffic rules. Using appropriate lanes and roads ensures smooth and legal navigation.

Be Prepared for Legal Action

Understand that if you are injured while riding an electric scooter, you may have the option to seek compensation through legal action. Electric scooter accidents may not be covered by standard vehicle insurance, so being aware of your legal rights is essential.

Prioritize Safety

 Always prioritize safety when riding an electric scooter. These vehicles offer minimal protection, similar to bicycles and motorcycles. Cautious and responsible riding practices, such as obeying traffic signals and being aware of your surroundings, are paramount for your safety and the safety of others on the road.

By following these detailed best practices, electric scooter riders in New York City can ensure safer and more legally compliant riding. 

Conclusion

In the ever-evolving landscape of urban mobility, electric scooters have become a valuable and sustainable mode of transportation in New York City. However, their legality and safe operation depend on adherence to a comprehensive set of rules and regulations. As highlighted in this article, these rules cover aspects such as speed limits, riding locations, helmet usage, and equipment maintenance. By prioritizing safety and compliance with these laws, riders can not only avoid legal consequences but also contribute to the creation of a safer environment for all road users. Whether you’re a daily commuter or an occasional rider, remember that responsible and informed scooter operation is key to enjoying the bustling streets of the city safely and legally.