With the arrival of the fresh air in November, New York has decided to start a new traffic rule for electric bikes (e-bikes) and electric scooters (e-scooters). So, from now on, these vehicles will have a 15 mph speed limit, but why is New York doing this? The main goal is to make the streets safer for everybody: pedestrians, drivers, and e-bikes and e-scooters users.
However, this change also has some consequences people are wondering about, so let’s learn more about this new traffic rule.
New York is going 15mph
The idea of lowering the speed comes from a program called Vision Zero, a New York initiative that aims to eliminate deaths and serious injuries by traffic accidents. In the last couple of years, the use of electric bikes and scooters has increased in the city since they are faster, more comfortable, and an eco-friendly alternative to cars. I mean, many delivery drivers, workers, and even tourists use them every single day.
But, this increment has led to more accidents, mostly in areas with many people walking. Some people have been hit by these vehicles or felt unsafe when sharing the space with them. This is why New York authorities decided to establish a 15 mph limit, to try reduce both the amount and the seriousness of accidents.
What’s more, since this limit is also applied to electric bikes and scooters it will make officers’ jobs much easier, and everybody will clearly understand the rules.
Challenges
Even though this measure seems simple, making people follow it is not. Most electric bike and scooter users in New York are not registered nor have a license plate, which makes it difficult for the police officers to identify drivers who exceed the speed limit. Also, there are thousands of vehicles on the road every day, so controlling all of them is almost impossible.
The new speed limit started on October 24 and it’s based on the previous rule that already affected electric scooters’ speed.
Delivery drivers and companies
This new traffic rule affects sectors that have grown so much in New York: deliveries. Many companies, like DoorDash, UberEats, and City Bike, depend on the use of electric bikes and scooters to deliver the orders faster. However, with the new speed limit, deliveries could be delayed and the service would become less efficient. Therefore, delivery drivers’ earnings could be reduced.
Some drivers say this measure will make their daily job more difficult whereas others think there will be more benefits in the long term. When the streets are safer, there are fewer accidents, less time lost on insurance claims, and fewer injuries.
In the long run, safer roads can help businesses by creating a better working environment and keeping riders healthy and active for longer.
A safer future in New York
This measure is not thought to have a solution right away, it’s actually part of a long term strategy to make New York roads safer, more sustainable, and more organized. Then, authorities are also thinking about teaching e-bike and e-scooter riders about the new rule through public announcements, signs, and safety campaigns. The goal is not only to slow people down but also to build awareness and responsibility among all road users. This change is about finding balance, between convenience and safety, between speed and control, and between individual freedom and community protection.
Time will show whether this rule truly makes New York both safe and efficient, but for now, it represents a clear commitment to protecting everyone who walks, rides, or drives in the city that never sleeps. What do you think about this new measure?