New York State Legalizes E-Bikes & E-Scooters

New York State's legalization of e-bikes and e-scooters comes at a critical time in which more and more people depend on food deliveries by the mostly-immigrant workers.

“Many e-bike delivery workers in NYC are immigrants, from mostly Asian and Latinx communities and all they’ve ever wanted was to earn a living. Not only has the COVID crisis revealed how much New Yorkers depend on their services–it also shows how the e-bike is essential for these workers to meet the growing demand. Since the initial crackdown on e-bike delivery workers in New York City in 2017, the Asian American Federation has been working tirelessly to get these delivery workers the justice they deserve. We thank the Governor and the State Legislature for delivering it to them and their families in this budget, ” said Jo-Ann Yoo, executive director of the Asian American Federation.

Many of these immigrant delivery workers rely on the speed and cost-efficiency of e-bikes to make as many deliveries as possible. With an increased reliance on take-out and delivery services and to reduce density on mass transit, the legalization of e-bikes and e-scooters comes at a crucial time for New York as business communities and commercial districts slowly begin to recover from the economic devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We applaud New York State for legalizing e-bikes and e-scooters,” stated John Choe, executive director of the Greater Flushing Chamber of Commerce. “Our business community needs all the help we can get in revitalizing our local economy. Innovative solutions like micro-mobility must be part of a fundamental restructuring of commercial districts towards a sustainable, resilient, and decentralized economy that supports local communities.”

The legalization of e-bikes is also integral to New York’s environmental goals. New York City streets are often choked with traffic, contributing to climate change and poor air quality for vulnerable communities.

“To tackle our climate goals, we must focus on reducing transportation emissions and reducing the total number of vehicle miles traveled must be part of the solution. We applaud the State Legislature and Governor Cuomo for including the legalization of e-bikes and e-scooters in the State Budget. With more green transportation options, New Yorkers will be able to displace private vehicle trips and do their part to address climate change,” said Julie Tighe, President of the New York League of Conservation Voters.

With a new congestion pricing system planned for automobiles and trucks, e-bikes and e-scooters can provide options for people to commute and connect with mass transit. Transportation options provided by e-bikes and e-scooters can bridge the gap in cities’ public transportation networks, connecting residents to their closest public transportation option rather than using personal vehicles or for-hire services.

“Transportation Alternatives applauds Governor Cuomo and the state legislature for legalizing e-bikes and e-scooters in the state budget. This move is especially important today, as working cyclists who rely on e-bikes have been on the front lines of the pandemic by keeping New Yorkers fed and making it possible for restaurants to stay in business,” said Danny Harris, executive director of Transportation Alternatives. “E-bikes and e-scooters are transportation alternatives that can help us address congestion, reduce emissions and improve access to opportunity for all New Yorkers. We thank the governor and those who have championed this legislation over the years for their leadership in delivering justice for working cyclists, and for creating a safe and sustainable transportation future.”

The coalition supporting the legalization of e-bikes and e-scooters includes: New York League of Conservation Voters, Transportation Alternatives, Asian American Federation, Environmental Advocates of New York, Greater Flushing Chamber of Commerce, The Legal Aid Society, Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, New York Building Congress, Queens Chamber of Commerce, Parks & Trails NY, Partnership for New York City, Regional Plan Association, Tech:NYC, Tri-State Transportation Campaign, and Waterfront Alliance.

“During this public health crisis delivery workers are on the frontline, making sure warm food is delivered to homes throughout the city. Now more than ever, it is clear how much we all depend on delivery workers and the essential service they provide. The legalization of e-bikes is long overdue. We must step up and support the rights of delivery workers and decriminalize the use of e-bikes,” said Deborah Axt, Co-Executive Director of Make the Road NY.