New York City Mayor Eric Adams has announced a proposed rule that would cap the speed of e-bikes, scooters, and other pedal-assisted vehicles at 15 miles per hour. The measure, introduced on Wednesday, June 4th, aims to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety across the city. Officials said the new speed cap aligns with existing limits for stand-up scooters already in effect.
The proposal would apply to e-bikes, delivery vehicles, and app-based transport options that operate on bike lanes and city streets. According to the mayor’s office, the change aligns with policies implemented across the European Union, where similar vehicles are subject to speed limits for public safety. “We are implementing a new 15-mile-per-hour speed limit for e-bikes and e-scooters that will make our streets safer,” Adams said in a public statement.
City Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez noted that most riders already comply with safe practices. However, officials cited an increase in incidents in shared spaces, such as parks and bike lanes. Adams also used the occasion to renew support for pending legislation that would create a Department of Sustainable Delivery. That office would regulate delivery companies, monitor vehicle speeds, and enforce safety rules throughout the city.
The proposal was presented alongside new plans to upgrade urban infrastructure, including protected bike lanes and safety barriers in public parks. Adams emphasized that speed regulation alone would not suffice. He urged the City Council to act on the legislative proposal, which has not advanced despite being introduced over nine months ago. The mayor stated that the new agency would operate similarly to the Taxi and Limousine Commission, granting enforcement authority over delivery platforms and rider behavior.
Critics of the plan argue that current enforcement disproportionately affects immigrant delivery workers. Groups like the New York City-based Workers Justice Project have advocated for alternatives that target the policies of app-based companies rather than their riders. Adams and Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch maintain that safety enforcement must be uniform to be effective. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, regulated speeds significantly reduce the risk of collisions and the severity of injuries.
The city has built nearly 90 miles of protected bike lanes in recent years and is evaluating new safety designs in Central and Prospect Parks. If approved, the 15 mph cap will apply to all users of motor-assisted vehicles operating on public roads and greenways. Implementation details are expected to be finalized in coordination with the City Council.
