New York Rolls Out New E-Bike Safety Law as Summer Traffic Grows

As electric bikes and scooters become increasingly common on New York streets, the state is stepping up its safety and reporting measures.

Starting this month, a new law mandates that any crash involving an e-bike or e-scooter that results in injury or death must be officially reported to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

This new requirement is part of New York’s growing focus on regulating the use of electric-powered personal transportation and enhancing public safety.

New Crash Reporting Requirements

The New York State DMV now requires all drivers, including those operating e-bikes and e-scooters, to submit an MV-104 crash report under specific conditions:

(1) If a person is injured or killed

(2) If there is property damage over $1,000

(3) If an e-bike or e-scooter is involved

This requirement applies regardless of who caused the accident. The DMV has issued detailed guidance on how to properly complete the MV-104 form for e-bike and scooter crashes, including how to document vehicle type, brand, and a narrative of the incident.

Failing to file this report can lead to suspension of your driver’s license until the report is submitted.

What to Do After a Crash

If the crash involves only property damage, drivers must exchange license, insurance, and registration details. However, if damages exceed $1,000, filing the MV-104 report is still mandatory.

Do You Need a License to Ride an E-Bike in New York?

As of 2025, no license is required to operate an e-bike in New York State, provided the vehicle meets the legal definition:

-Maximum motor output of 750 watts

-Must have operable pedals

-Must fall into one of the three recognized classes:

Class 1: Pedal-assist only, no throttle, max speed of 20 mph

Class 2: Throttle-assisted, max speed of 20 mph

Class 3 (NYC only): Throttle or pedal assist, max speed of 25 mph

Age Restrictions for E-Bike Riders

State law requires that riders must be at least 16 years old to operate any type of electric bicycle.

Is Insurance Required?

Currently, e-bike riders are not required to carry insurance in New York State. However, optional insurance policies are available.

Riders are encouraged to stay informed of evolving regulations to ensure they stay safe and legal while enjoying the ride.

New York Rolls Out New E-Bike Safety Law as Summer Traffic Grows