NYC Urges Lyft to Add ID Checks for Citi Bike E-Bikes to Stop Underage Riding
New York City wants stricter rules for who can ride Citi Bike’s electric bicycles. The goal? Stop underage riders from using them.
On Tuesday, First Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro sent a letter to Lyft CEO David Risher. He urged the company to add real age checks — like requiring a driver’s license or learner’s permit — to prove riders are at least 16. That’s already the minimum age in Lyft’s own terms of service.
Mastro pointed to safety concerns. He also referenced a recent opinion piece by Bradley Tusk that raised the alarm about minors using e-bikes. “The dangers of underage use are compounded by these riders’ frequent failure to use proper safety equipment,” Mastro wrote.
Citigroup, which partners with Citi Bike, supports the age limit. The city warned it could take action if Lyft doesn’t move quickly. Sources say Citigroup’s public affairs chief, Ed Skyler, met with Lyft back in June about this issue, and talks have been ongoing.
A Lyft spokesperson said the company is reviewing the letter. The push follows a similar request last month from Brooklyn Council Member Justin Brannan. In late July, he called the current self-reported age system “a disaster waiting to happen,” citing a spike in e-bike crashes involving minors.
Mastro’s letter comes shortly after Lyft agreed to slow Citi Bike e-bikes to 15 mph. That change followed his June emergency order to cut speeds from 18 mph after repeated requests went unanswered. The city says it can act in a public safety emergency — even locking or removing bikes if needed.
Citi Bike has more than 20,000 bikes, including 4,000-plus electrics. In June alone, riders took nearly 4.86 million trips — an average of 161,879 rides a day. Members accounted for about 3.87 million of those rides, while casual users logged 982,000.
E-bike pricing varies. Annual members pay 25¢ per minute, capped at $5 for trips under 45 minutes that start or end in Manhattan. Non-members pay 38¢ per minute, while Reduced Fare riders pay 13¢ per minute.
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Photo credit via NYC DOT
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.
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