Electric Bike Laws in

New York State and Connecticut

Follow the rules of the road for electric bikes and pedal-assist bikes in New York State and Connecticut. They’ve recently been expanded to accommodate electric bike and pedal-assist riders, opening up more roads to travelers.

Below are the most current rules on the books:

New York State

Operating an electric scooter or bicycle with electric assist

Effective April 2020 – the law allows people to operate bicycles with electric assist (e-bikes) on some streets and highways in New York State.

Effective August 2, 2020 – the law allows people to operate electric scooters (e-scooters) and bicycles with electric assist (e-bikes) on some streets and highways in New York State.

• Electric scooter – a type of device with handlebars, a floorboard or a seat, and an electric motor that can be powered by the electric motor and/or human power. 1
• Bicycle with electric assist – multiple classes of bicycle with an electric motor and operable pedals. 2 A bicycle with electric assist doesn’t qualify for a registration as a motorcycle, limited use motorcycle, moped or ATV and doesn’t have the same equipment.

You can operate an electric scooter or bicycle with electric assist on some streets and highways in New York State:

• you can operate these devices on highways with a posted speed limit of 30 MPH or less
• municipalities can further regulate the time, place and manner of operation of these devices
• you cannot operate these devices on a sidewalk except as authorized by local law or ordinance

Note: An electric scooter or bicycle with electric assist cannot be registered but still may be operated on some streets and highways in New York State.

Another note: pay particular attention to the rules when riding in New York State parks. Minnewaska State Park, for example, limits electric bike travel in the park to Class 1 e-bikes only. These are defined as a bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour. It’s your basic pedal-assist bike.

Connecticut

E-bikes are regulated like bicycles. The same rules of the road apply to both e-bikes and human-powered bicycles. They are not subject to the registration, licensing, or insurance requirements that apply to motor vehicles.

Like New York, Connecticut designates three classes of e-bikes:

Class 1: Bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the e-bike reaches 20 mph.

Class2: Bicycle equipped with a throttle-actuated motor that ceases to provide assistance when the e-bike reaches 20 mph.

Class 3: Bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the e-bike reaches 28 mph.

Helmets are required for riders of all classes of e-bikes. Persons under 16 years of age may not ride a Class 3 e-bike, unless as a passenger.

Class 3 e-bikes are not allowed on a bicycle trail or path or multi-use trail or path.