Laws by state and city
New York City electric scooter laws
New York City uses the legal term "e-scooter". The definition covers scooters with a top speed of no more than 20 mph. The scooter must weigh less than 100 lb. The riding speed limit is 15 mph. Each rule below is a summary of the official text.
New York City quick facts
- Legal term
- E-scooter
- Riding speed limit
- 15 mph
- Top speed in the definition
- No more than 20 mph
- Motor power in the definition
- No limit in the definition
- Scooter weight in the definition
- Under 100 lb
- Wheel size in the definition
- No limit in the definition
City rules apply on top of state law. The state rules are on the New York State page.
Rules by topic
| Topic | Rule |
|---|---|
| Legal definition | The DOT chart lists e-scooters as under 100 lb with a top speed of 20 mph, the same numbers as state law. |
| Speed | 15 mph maximum on any city street. |
| License and age | No driver license is required. The minimum age is 16. |
| Where riding is allowed | Bike lanes are allowed. Vehicle lanes are allowed on streets posted 30 mph or less. Bridges are allowed in bike lanes only. Park drives and greenways are allowed under a Parks pilot program. |
| Helmet | The DOT chart lists helmets as recommended. |
| Sales | Vendors may not sell, lease or rent a stand-up scooter that exceeds 20 mph. |
| Sidewalks | The DOT safety tips say to stay off the sidewalk. |
The sources for these rules are linked at the bottom of this page.
Scooters over the limits in this definition
15 of the 18 scooters in the scooter table have a listed top speed or weight over a number in this definition. The table compares published numbers and is not a legal finding.
| Scooter | Spec over the definition |
|---|---|
| Apollo Phantom 2.0 (52V) | Top speed 44 mph is above 20 mph and scooter weight 102 lb is not under 100 lb |
| Apollo City 2.0 | Top speed 32 mph is above 20 mph |
| Apollo Explore 2.0 | Top speed 25 mph is above 20 mph |
| Varla Eagle One V3.0 | Top speed 35 mph is above 20 mph |
| Varla Eagle One Pro | Top speed 45 mph is above 20 mph |
| Varla Pegasus | Top speed 28 mph is above 20 mph |
| Varla Falcon | Top speed 22 mph is above 20 mph |
| Kaabo Mantis King Pro | Top speed 37 mph is above 20 mph |
| Kaabo Warrior 11 Max | Top speed 50 mph is above 20 mph and scooter weight 123 lb is not under 100 lb |
| Kaabo King GTR Max | Top speed 65 mph is above 20 mph and scooter weight 148 lb is not under 100 lb |
| Ausom DT2 Pro | Top speed 42 mph is above 20 mph |
| Ausom L2 Max | Top speed 31 mph is above 20 mph |
| EMOVE Cruiser S 52V | Top speed 33 mph is above 20 mph |
| INMOTION S1F | Top speed 25 mph is above 20 mph |
| Teewing Z4 (5600W) | Scooter weight 118 lb is not under 100 lb |
Sources
- NYC Department of Transportation: Electric Bicycles and More page
- New York State Senate: Vehicle and Traffic Law section 114-e
This page is a summary of published rules and is not legal advice. Laws change and local ordinances can add rules. The official text at the linked source governs.