On Friday Night a Chinese Food delivery man, Yongshun Bu, rode his electric bicycle into oncoming traffic in the Holland Tunnel. He was lost. Police waived him down and told him to stop but he continued on. Fortunately no one was hurt and he was arrested fro trespass. This got me thinking about what kinds of vehicles are street legal.

Recently I wrote a blog about bicycle laws on the road but are electric bicycles legal? NO ! Why is it that a regular bike and an electric bike differ so much? In a word REGISTRATION. According to the DMV website:

“You cannot register or operate any of the motorized devices from the list below on any street, highway, parking lot, sidewalk or other area in New York State that allows public motor vehicle traffic. You may be arrested if you do.

Motorized Scooter – a device with a motor attached and a handlebar for a standing rider. An example of a motorized scooter is the device called the Go-ped®.

Mini-bike – a small, motorized device with two wheels and created for off-road use. A mini-bike doesn’t qualify as a moped, a motorcycle or an ATV.

Off-road Motorcycle (Dirt Bike) – A motorcycle designed for use on off-road trails or in off-road competitions. Unless exempt, these vehicles must be registered as an ATV. See register an ATV for more information.

Go-Kart – a small, motorized device with four wheels, created for off-road use. You can’t register a go-kart as a motor vehicle or ATV because a go-kart doesn’t have the same equipment.

Golf Cart (also referred to as Golf Car or Neighborhood Electric Vehicle) – a small motorized device with four wheels designed to carry people. You can’t register a golf cart as an ATV. Many low speed vehicles are similar in appearance to a golf cart, and can be registered and driven on New York State highways.

Motor-assisted Bicycle – a bicycle to which a small motor is attached. A motor-assisted bicycle doesn’t qualify for a registration as a motorcycle, moped or ATV and doesn’t have the same equipment.”

So feel free to ride your bicycle on roadways that are safe following the flow of traffic NEVER INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC! And as always, DRIVE SAFE!