NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- A new 15 mph speed limit takes effect Friday for e-bikes, e-scooters and pedal-assist commercial bicycles in New York City.
Mayor Eric Adams first announced over the summer that a 15-mph speed limit was coming for the vehicles, which many New Yorkers say have become a bane on NYC.
“We’ve all had this experience,” the mayor said. “You know what it’s like trying to cross the street and an e-bike or e-scooter runs you or your family member over.”
But people who spoke with 1010 WINS were concerned the speed limit is unenforceable on its own, with one saying, “There’s got to be a better plan.”
Queens Council Member Robert Holden agrees. He wants to pass legislation requiring e-bikes to have license plates.
“If you were to go on the sidewalk and hit someone, there’s some accountability,” Holden said.
He called it “ludicrous” to have a speed limit on the vehicles without license plates that can red light cameras can trace back to riders.
“How do you identify them if you don’t catch up to them?” he said. “And the cops are not going to chase them. They’re not going to chase down an e-bike that just blows a red light and almost hits pedestrians.”