New York considering 20+ new e-bike laws including outlawing Class 3 electric bikes

This one's about transportation policy, not home energy upgrades, but here's what's happening for anyone following e-bike rules.

New York City lawmakers are reviewing more than 20 proposed bills covering e-bikes, scooters, mopeds, and delivery apps. Some target illegally modified bikes, including a plan to let police use a device called a dynamometer to test a bike's motor power and top speed at the roadside, which could help identify illegal or altered vehicles without affecting bikes that follow the rules.

The more disruptive proposals target Class 3 e-bikes, the fastest legal category, which can assist riders up to 25 mph. New York created three e-bike classes in 2020: Class 1 (pedal assist to 20 mph), Class 2 (also has a throttle, up to 20 mph), and Class 3 (up to 25 mph). One bill would ban shops from selling or renting Class 3 bikes, with fines up to $2,000 for repeat violations. Another would ban riding them on streets, in parks, or other public spaces entirely. A third would set up a trade-in program letting owners swap a Class 3 bike for a Class 1 or 2 model, or get a voucher toward one.

Other bills would require food delivery apps to verify that workers' mopeds are registered, submit annual safety reports, and carry liability insurance for crash-related claims.

None of this is final. A City Council committee meets this week to discuss the bills, and residents can weigh in before anything is voted on. If you own a Class 3 e-bike in New York City, this is worth watching, since it could change whether you can legally ride or replace it.