NYC Council Moves to Ban Sale of Fast Class 3 E-Bikes in New Legislation
Last Updated on September 13, 2025 by Kristina
New York City lawmakers are targeting the fastest e-bikes on the street.
A new bill would ban the sale of Class 3 e-bikes. These bikes use a throttle and can hit 25 miles per hour. Right now, they’re only legal in NYC. If the bill passes, no street-legal e-bike could go over 20 mph.
Why This Bill?
The sponsor, Council Member Crystal Hudson of Crown Heights, says she’s responding to complaints. Seniors in her district worry about bikes moving too fast.
“I’ve heard fears, I’ve heard about injuries. People want safer streets,” Hudson said. “But I didn’t want to criminalize riders.”
Her bill only bans future sales. Current owners can keep riding their Class 3 bikes. Police won’t stop them.
Who Supports It
The proposal has broad support. Pro-bike groups like Transportation Alternatives back it. So do conservative voices like Council Member Joann Ariola.
“Phasing out the fastest e-bikes will protect pedestrians and cyclists,” Ariola said. “And it won’t add to the NYPD’s workload.”
Other cycling advocates say 20 mph is fast enough. Melinda Hanson, co-founder of the E-Mobility Project, explained: “This standard keeps riders safe. It also makes pedestrians feel more comfortable sharing streets.”
Twenty Council members have signed on, from progressives to moderates.
The Backstory
E-bikes became legal in New York State in 2020. At first, Governor Cuomo resisted, but he changed course.
Three classes of bikes were created:
- Class 1: Pedal assist only, capped at 20 mph. (Think Citi Bike.)
- Class 2: Throttle-controlled, capped at 20 mph.
- Class 3: Same as Class 2, but can reach 25 mph. Only legal in NYC.
Class 3 bikes became popular with delivery workers. Many bought cheaper imports like the Arrow-10. Reports later showed thousands of low-quality bikes and unsafe batteries being sold to vulnerable workers.
The Mayor’s Push
Earlier this year, Mayor Adams tried to crack down on e-bikes. His office pushed a 15 mph citywide limit. Citi Bike speeds were cut from 18 to 15 mph.
Critics called the move confusing and unfair. They questioned how police would enforce it. And they noted cars—not bikes—cause the overwhelming majority of injuries.
Are Class 3 Bikes Really Unsafe?
The city’s press release for the bill mentioned “safety” over and over. Its official title: Ride Safe, Ride Right.
But the numbers tell a different story.
- Last year, e-bikes caused just 1.2% of injuries and 2.7% of fatalities.
- Cars and trucks caused 99.96% of pedestrian injuries in early 2025.
Advocates argue the Council could do more good by lowering car speed limits, something it already has the power to do.
Impact on Delivery Workers
Delivery workers often choose faster bikes to meet app demands. More speed means more orders.
Worker advocates support the bill but stress it’s not enough. They want tougher rules for delivery apps, like protection against unfair deactivations and unsafe speed pressures.
“Regulating bikes is one step,” said Ligia Guallpa of Worker’s Justice Project. “But real safety means fixing the delivery system too.”
Politics Behind the Bill
Hudson is also running for Council Speaker, a powerful role. E-bikes have become a hot-button issue at City Hall.
Progressives face pressure from moderates who want stricter registration rules. The bill may help Hudson show she’s doing “something” on e-bikes without targeting riders directly.
What It Means for Riders
For most New Yorkers, not much changes. Class 1 and 2 bikes are still fine. Cargo bikes, school runs, commuting—no problem.
If you already own a Class 3, you can keep it. The ban only stops future sales.
But delivery workers may shift to gas mopeds if Class 3 bikes disappear. That could mean more danger, more emissions, and more conflict on the roads.
The Bottom Line
The bill won’t remove existing bikes. It may calm some complaints. It may also reshape how delivery workers get around.
What’s clear: the fight over e-bikes in New York isn’t slowing down.
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Kristina is not just an enthusiast but a true authority on electric bikes. Nestled in the coastal beauty of Virginia, Kristina has found the perfect backdrop for her passion for electric biking. As a dedicated wife and homeschooling mom, her life revolves around family, faith, and the thrill of adventure.
Originally hailing from Ohio, Kristina's journey with electric bikes began as a curiosity and quickly evolved into a deep expertise. Her blog is a testament to her love for electric biking, combining her fascination for eco-friendly transportation with her coastal lifestyle.
When she's not cruising the beach on her electric bike, you'll find Kristina indulging in her other loves: long walks along the shore, getting lost in a good book, and cherishing moments with her loved ones. With a heart as big as her love for animals, especially cats, Kristina brings a unique perspective to the electric bike world, grounded in her strong faith in God and her dedication to a sustainable lifestyle.
Through her blog, Kristina shares her extensive knowledge of electric bikes, offering valuable insights, tips, and recommendations to fellow enthusiasts. Whether you're a seasoned rider or a newcomer to the electric bike scene, Kristina's blog is your go-to source for all things electric biking, fueled by her passion, expertise, and the scenic beauty of coastal Virginia.
