Electric Bikes and Scooters Legalized in New York City

The City Council has legalized electric scooters and bikes. A citywide shared electric scooter pilot program is expected by early 2021.

1 minute read

June 29, 2020, 5:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Bike Share Electric Scooters

Sundry Photography / Shutterstock

The New York City Council voted last week to legalize the use of electric scooters and bikes all over the city. 

"The move is being hailed as win [sic] for delivery workers who have relied on electric vehicles to do their jobs for years, often risking big fines in the process," according to an article published by PIX 11. "But transportation and technology experts agree that right now all New Yorkers will benefit from allowing these vehicles on the streets."

A separate article by Kirsten Korosec reports on some of the changes the vote will precipitate, like a share electric scooter sharing program. "The proposed legislation would require the DOT to issue by October 15, 2020 a request for proposals to participate in a shared e-scooter pilot program," writes Korosec. "The pilot program would need to launch by March 1, 2021."

Representatives from Lime and Bird are quoted in the article offering insight into the expectations for the effect of adding New York City to the micromobility market at a troubled time for the industry.

In legalizing these electric micromobility modes, the City Council effectively rebukes Mayor de Blasio, who has fought to limit the use of electric modes, especially for delivery workers, throughout his tenure.


Thursday, June 25, 2020 in PIX 11

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

June 11, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Metrorail train pulling into newly opened subterranean station in Washington, D.C. with crowd on platform taking photos.

Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”

The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).

June 2, 2025 - The Hill

Large crowd on street in San Francisco, California during Oktoberfest festival.

The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns

In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.

June 2, 2025 - Robbie Silver

Bird's eye view of studio apartment design.

In These Cities, Most New Housing is Under 441 Square Feet

With loosened restrictions on “micro-housing,” tiny units now make up as much as 66% of newly constructed housing.

6 seconds ago - Smart Cities Dive

Man in teal shirt opening door to white microtransit shuttle with cactus graphics and making inviting gesture toward the camera.

Albuquerque’s Microtransit: A Planner’s Answer to Food Access Gaps

New microtransit vans in Albuquerque aim to close food access gaps by linking low-income areas to grocery stores, cutting travel times by 30 percent and offering planners a scalable model for equity-focused transit.

June 13 - U.S. Department Of Transportation

Group of people at table set ouf with picnic food on street during a neighborhood block party.

This City Will Pay You to Meet Your Neighbors

A North Kansas City grant program offers up to $400 for residents to throw neighborhood block parties.

June 13 - The Kansas City Star