FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 5th, 2025
CONTACT: Emma Johnson
ejohnson@council.nyc.gov
347-864-4925
City Council Member Keith Powers Introduces New Legislation to Lower Speed Limits on E-Bikes & Scooters in New York City
Powers also calls for comprehensive street safety measures
NEW YORK – Today, Council Member Keith Powers announced new legislation to lower the speed limit on e-bikes and scooters to 15 miles an hour. E-bikes have been a major safety concern for New Yorkers, making the streets feel chaotic for pedestrians, drivers, and bikers alike. The new limits will ensure that e-bikes slow down on the road, preventing crashes and keeping all New Yorkers safe.
Council Member Powers has been hearing from constituents for years about the issue of e-bikes, and began planning a push for a lower speed limit earlier this year. The bill he is proposing will implement a civil penalty of no more than $50 per violation. As part of lowering the speed limit, the Department of Transportation will post signage informing e-bike users of the limit and will communicate the change to New Yorkers.
Council Member Keith Powers said, “Biking is a crucial tool to tackle the climate crisis and help New Yorkers get around the city, but we also must address the well-documented concerns about safety. Many New Yorkers are concerned about the reckless behavior we’ve seen from e-bike operators that haven’t been properly regulated, and it’s time to ensure that e-bikes can’t speed down the street, causing chaos.”
Council Member Powers looks forward to engaging stakeholders as the bill moves ahead. It is crucial that this change is made through the City Council, to ensure that it is ironclad with the possibility of new leadership in City Hall in the near future.
As part of today’s announcement, Council Member Powers is also calling on Albany to pass the “Super Speeders” bill to prevent dangerous drivers from staying on the road and calling on the Mayor to utilize Sammy’s Law to slow down more blocks of New York City from vehicles. Together, these measures will help protect pedestrians and keep city streets safe.
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