New York City’s e-bike riders will have to slow down in October when a new citywide speed limit goes into effect.

Mayor Eric Adams will announce later Wednesday that enforcement of the new 15 mph speed limit for e-bikes, e-scooters, and pedal-assist commercial bicycles will begin on Oct. 24.

Adams first signaled the plan back in June, promising “clear, consistent rules” for riders and pedestrians after complaints about speeding e-bikes in crowded city streets, saying the change would align with the current legal speed limit for e-scooters.

Currently, e-bikes can legally travel between 20 and 25 mph, depending on the class of the bike. So far this year, there have been 623 reported collisions involving e-bikes across the five boroughs, up from 455 during the same period last year. Despite the increase, e-bikes account for a minority of citywide crashes reported this year, compared with 12,727 collisions involving cars and 3,245 involving traditional bicycles.

An aim to regulate micromobility

The speed limit change, finalized Tuesday in the City Record, is part of the administration’s broader effort to regulate micromobility, particularly for commercial delivery riders.

Critics, including some transit advocates, have previously argued that the policy could disproportionately affect delivery workers, many of whom rely on e-bikes for their livelihood, while others say it may confuse riders used to faster speeds. Still, the city says the rule mirrors international norms, like the European Union’s roughly 15 MPH e-bike limit in bike lanes.

Riders have just over a month to get used to the new limit before enforcement begins. The limit already applies to electric Citi Bikes, which the Adams Administration pushed Lyft to implement in June. You can read more here.

As New Yorkers, we have learned to watch for bikes when crossing the street. We hope everyone rides safely!