New York Bill Would Ban Sales of Some High-Speed E-Motos

Last Updated on September 27, 2026 by Kristina

New York lawmakers are considering a new proposal that would restrict retail sales of certain high-speed electric two-wheelers while targeting misleading marketing that presents them as legal e-bikes. Senate Bill S.10700 was introduced on September 14, 2026, and referred to the New York Senate Rules Committee. It has not passed the Legislature and is not current New York law.

For riders trying to understand what already applies, my New York e-bike laws guide covers the state’s current rules. This proposal comes amid broader scrutiny of high-powered devices sold as e-bikes, including New York City’s action involving 42 online sellers.

Current Status of New York S.10700

S.10700 was introduced by Sen. Kristen Gonzalez on September 14, 2026 and referred to the Senate Rules Committee. The sponsors announced the proposal publicly on September 16.

As of September 27, 2026, the bill remains a proposal. It has not passed the Senate or Assembly and has not been signed into law. That distinction is important because the sales restrictions, warnings, and penalties discussed below are proposed requirements, not rules currently in effect because of S.10700.

What Does the Bill Mean by an E-Moto?

S.10700 creates a specific definition of an “e-moto” for purposes of the proposed sales restrictions. The bill generally describes an e-moto as a device with a motor capable of propelling it at a speed greater than 20 mph, but the definition also contains statutory exclusions.

Those exclusions matter. The proposal does not simply say that every electric two-wheeler capable of exceeding 20 mph is an e-moto covered by the sales ban. Devices expressly excluded from New York’s statutory definition of a motor vehicle and devices eligible for registration are excluded from the bill’s e-moto definition.

This is one reason riders and sellers should not rely on marketing labels alone. A vehicle advertised as an “e-bike” may fall into a different legal category depending on its speed, equipment, and how state law defines the vehicle. The same classification problem is part of the federal debate covered in my Safe SPEEDS Act e-bike and e-moto report.

What Sales Would S.10700 Restrict?

For devices that meet the proposal’s e-moto definition, S.10700 would prohibit online and physical retailers in New York from selling or offering those covered e-motos for retail sale.

The proposal treats electric off-highway motorcycles differently. Online retail sales of those motorcycles would be prohibited, while qualifying sales could take place through a registered all-terrain vehicle dealer physically located in New York, with Department of Motor Vehicles registration required before delivery to the buyer.

That distinction is important because the proposal is more detailed than a simple blanket ban on every high-speed electric motorcycle or electric two-wheeler.

Required Warning Before a Sale

The bill would also require sellers of covered devices to display a conspicuous warning before purchase. The proposed warning is intended to tell buyers that the vehicle may not be legally operated on public roads, streets, highways, sidewalks, or bicycle lanes unless it satisfies applicable legal requirements.

The practical goal is to make the legal status of these vehicles harder to overlook at the point of sale, particularly when a product resembles a conventional electric bicycle.

Marketing an E-Moto as an E-Bike

S.10700 also addresses how these vehicles are advertised. The proposal would prohibit false or misleading representations that an e-moto or electric off-highway motorcycle is an e-bike or electric scooter when the device does not satisfy the applicable legal definition.

This is a significant part of the proposal because the difference between a legal e-bike and a higher-powered motor vehicle can affect where the vehicle may be ridden and what registration or other requirements apply. My state-by-state e-bike law guide shows how much those definitions and operating rules can vary around the country.

What Penalties Does the Bill Propose?

The bill includes civil penalties, but these are proposed penalties only.

• Violations of the principal retail-sales restriction could carry a civil penalty of up to $1,000 per violation.
• Failure to provide the required warning could carry a penalty of up to $250 for a first offense and up to $1,000 for subsequent offenses.
• Deceptive-marketing violations could carry a penalty of up to $500 per violation, or up to $1,000 for a knowing violation.

These penalties would not apply merely because S.10700 has been introduced. The bill would first have to complete the legislative process and become law.

Would S.10700 Ban Ordinary Legal E-Bikes?

The bill is aimed at covered e-motos and electric off-highway motorcycles rather than creating a general ban on ordinary legal e-bikes. Its definitions and exclusions are therefore central to understanding which vehicles would actually be affected.

That distinction also explains why I would not describe S.10700 as a ban on all high-speed electric two-wheelers. The proposal contains specific definitions, exclusions, and separate treatment for electric off-highway motorcycles.

How This Fits With New York City’s E-Moto Enforcement

The state proposal follows enforcement activity in New York City involving high-powered electric vehicles marketed or sold as e-bikes. In August, city officials ordered 42 online sellers to stop selling devices officials said were illegal e-bikes or unregistered motor vehicles.

S.10700 is separate from that city enforcement action. The city action does not mean the state bill has passed, and the state bill should not be presented as the legal basis for enforcement that occurred before it was introduced.

When Would the Bill Take Effect?

The bill text says S.10700 would take effect immediately if enacted. There is no effective date to apply now because the measure remains pending in the Legislature.

The next meaningful status change would be legislative action moving the bill beyond the Senate Rules Committee, amendment of the bill, passage by the Legislature, or other official action. I will update this story if its status materially changes.

My Take

The most useful part of this proposal for e-bike riders is the attention it puts on vehicle classification and marketing. A product being advertised as an e-bike does not necessarily mean it meets New York’s legal definition of one.

At the same time, S.10700 needs to be described precisely. It is a pending bill with definitions and exceptions, not an enacted statewide ban on every fast electric two-wheeler.

📰 How This Story Was Verified

This report is based on available official documents, agency statements, meeting records, court filings, or other primary sources, with reliable reporting used for additional context. I clearly distinguish proposals from rules that have been finally approved or taken effect.

Sources

• New York State Senate – S.10700 bill record and text
• New York State Senate – sponsors’ September 16 announcement

For more developing stories about electric-bike laws, safety, businesses, and government actions, visit the Electric Bike News archive.