There are many discrepancies across the Atlantic Ocean against the use of e-bikes. New York banned e-bikes a couple of years ago due to many reasons, pointing the safety concerns. This mode of transportation faced bitter opposition. Let’s find out why are e-bikes banned in New York.
Mayor Bill de Blasio considered and called these e-bikes as “a serious part of the problem” or “a real danger.” It brought e-bikes into the limelight due to the safety concerns of the city streets of this borough, New York. He celebrated the confiscation of the e-bikes of many people last year.
But, the City Council Bills expected to bring little change in the bill to legalize the usage of most kinds of e-bikes in the streets of New York once again.
Reasons Behind the Ban of E bikes – Why are e-bikes banned in New York
The decision came up due to many reasons. After the pandemic hit the world, there was a dire need for deliveries and traveling on the e-bikes. So, with proper safety precautions, many kinds of e-bikes under certain conditions were allowed by the State to use them once again. Moreover, the people of New York used e-bikes for food deliveries too. This law helped them to come back again for the deliveries.
The legislation that legalized electric scooters allowed for electric bicycles, to provide additional support for pedaling riders. It was also for the bikes that are operated with the handlebar throttle without pedaling. It was an indication for the e-bikes.
The Mayor, Mr. Bill De Blasio, insisted on banning the e-bikes, which are operated explicitly with the throttles. The delivery men used these e-bikes primarily. According to him, riding the e-bikes, particularly with the throttles, was not less than a heinous crime.
Fine for e-bikes
The State advised for tickets for such people. Police officers confiscate bikes and issued the tickets to the business that were promoting the delivery men with the e-bikes. That was not just this much. Police further charged a subsequently fine of $100 and $200.
The Mayor was confident enough with his ban on e-bikes to reduce the fatalities on the streets of New York. He counted it as part of his administration’s goal to initiate and implement the crackdown for controlling the traffic fatalities. Also, he intended to create Vision Zero with safe streets of Newyork for everyone and safe for every resident irrespective of any threat ahead.
He addressed that fatalities were not merely the results of e-bikes. But there were frequent complaints regarding the reckless behavior and handling of the e-bikes. As a result, the matter of e-bikes gained substantial importance to be banned on New York streets.
Do e-bikes owners have a future ahead? – Why are e-bikes banned in New York
E-bike owners can own e-bikes in the State, but they could not use e-bikes in New York streets. Yet, after arguments and strong resentment from the delivery boys, State brought a ramp in the legislation. It was thought of as a blow against the poor people, mostly immigrants paying off their debts by completing several deliveries in a day.
The changes in the order declared that e-bikes with the pedals are allowed to ride. But the e-bikes without the pedals are prohibited in the State. Lobbyists behind the services like Lime and Bird support the usage of e-bikes in their services.
Bearing this in mind, the City Council is preparing to bring two bills. One bill was passed for the legalizing of e scooters, and the other bill was passed to legalize two kinds of e-bikes.
Conclusion
However, the legislation of the e-bikes bills remains complicated. A user of bikes with fully operating pedals and an electric motor are allowed for propelling it. In contrast to the bicycles without pedals, these cannot be used. The State permitted pedal-assisted bicycles to ride at 20 miles per hour. However, the bill brought the limitation of the speed of e scooters to 15 mph.
