New York City is reviewing more than 20 micromobility-related bills, including a plan to ban the sale, rental and operation of currently legal Class 3 electric bicycles.

Electrek reported on Sept. 28, local time, that the New York City Council’s Transportation and Infrastructure Committee will review bills on Sept. 30 covering electric bicycles and e-scooters, mopeds, food delivery platforms and enforcement systems. A key issue is whether the city will regulate legal Class 3 e-bikes while tightening crackdowns on illegal high-power, high-speed vehicles.

New York state law classifies electric bicycles into three categories. Class 1 provides motor assist up to 20 miles per hour, about 32 km per hour, only when the rider pedals, and Class 2 supports up to 20 miles per hour using a throttle. Class 3 allows motor support up to 25 miles per hour, about 40 km per hour, via throttle or pedal assist and is legal only in New York City within New York state. A driver’s licence or vehicle registration is not required, but riders must be 16 or older.

A bill introduced by Council member Crystal Hudson (크리스털 허드슨) would ban the sale and rental of Class 3 e-bikes. There is no fine for a first violation, but subsequent violations can face civil penalties of up to $2,000. A separate bill would ban Class 3 operation itself in public places such as roads and parks. The bills are still under review.

An enforcement plan targeting illegally modified vehicles is also being pursued. Under the plan, police and the Department of Transportation would use a dynamometer to measure a suspected vehicle’s motor output and maximum assisted speed to check whether it is 750 watts or more or exceeds legal speed standards. The inspection is designed to be carried out only when there are substantial grounds to believe a vehicle is illegal.

Proposals for delivery platforms include requiring them to verify whether workers’ mopeds are registered and to carry liability insurance for accidents. At the same time, officials are discussing a trade-in programme that would allow Class 3 or over-limit vehicles to be exchanged for Class 1 or 2 e-bikes or purchase vouchers.

The discussions are expected to serve as a test of how far New York City will expand enforcement against illegal high-performance vehicles and the scope of regulation on legal e-bikes as it strengthens micromobility safety.