Safety Analysis
E-Bike Crashes in NYC: Data Behind the Headlines
E-bikes accounted for 77% of NYC cyclist deaths in 2023. Crash data analysis, who's getting hurt, and legal options for injured riders and pedestrians.
Key Finding
E-bikes accounted for 23 of 30 cyclist deaths in NYC in 2023, a 24-year high. Crashes declined to 782 in 2024, but serious e-bike injuries climbed to 79 in 2023 from 29 the year before as ridership explodes.
In 2023, 23 of 30 cyclist deaths in New York City involved e-bikes. That’s 77% of all cycling fatalities, and it marked a 24-year high in bicycle deaths overall, The New York Times reported from NYPD fatality data.
E-bike ridership is exploding, and the NYC DOT 2023 Bicycle Crash Data Report tracks the broader collision counts. Crash hot spots include the Manhattan Bridge bike path, Queens Boulevard, and Flatbush Avenue.
Note
Update, July 2026: we assembled the full NYC e-bike injury ledger from 2.27 million NYPD collision records: 17,434 people injured in e-bike-involved crashes since 2019, month by month through May 2026, with the March 2026 enforcement change tracked against the observed counts.
77%
of all NYC cycling fatalities in 2023 involved e-bikes, 23 of 30 deaths and a 24-year high.
New York City accounts for a disproportionate share of the national problem. Between 2017 and 2022, 47% of all reported U.S. e-bike fatalities occurred in NYC, despite the city representing just 2.5% of the U.S. population.
The Numbers
E-bike crash data has improved as NYPD collision reports now separate e-bikes from traditional bicycles. Here’s what the recent data shows:
- 23 e-bike rider deaths in 2023, a 24-year high for cycling fatalities( NYT analysis of NYPD fatality data)
- 79 serious e-bike injuries in 2023, up from 29 the year before, a jump of 50. They made up 79 of the 395 severe cycling injuries the city logged that year ( NYT analysis of NYPD data)
- 933 e-bike crashes in the 2023 year-to-date count, declining to 782 in the same 2024 window
- Six e-bike rider deaths in the first half of 2025, down from nine in the same period of 2024
The decline in crashes from 2023 to 2024 is encouraging. But the jump in serious injuries shows that the overall risk is growing as more riders hit the streets.
Who’s Getting Hurt
E-Bike Riders
Delivery workers face the highest risk. They ride in traffic eight to 12 hours a day, often in rush hour. App algorithms push speed: slow deliveries mean low ratings and fewer orders. Many ride at night with bad lighting. Most ride e-bikes that hit 25 to 30 mph.
At 25 mph, a rider who hits an open car door, a pothole, or gets cut off by a turning car gets hurt badly. Broken bones, brain injuries, internal bleeding, and spinal damage are common.
Commuter and casual e-bike riders face different risks. They tend to ride in daylight on set routes, often with helmets. Their crashes usually involve cars making turns at intersections.
Pedestrians
People hit by e-bikes are a growing share of traffic injuries. A 60-pound e-bike with a 170-pound rider at 20 mph hits hard. For older people, these crashes cause hip fractures, head trauma, and internal injuries.
The most common scenarios:
- Sidewalk riding. It’s illegal, but e-bikes on sidewalks are common among delivery riders dodging traffic. Walkers get no warning.
- Wrong-way riding in bike lanes. E-bikes going against traffic surprise people crossing at corners.
- Red-light running. E-bikes blowing red lights hit walkers who have the right of way.
- Shared path conflicts. On greenways, the speed gap between a 20 mph e-bike and a walking person creates crash risk.
The Legal Landscape
E-bike regulation in New York has shifted rapidly.
2020: New York State legalized e-bikes and e-scooters, establishing three classes based on speed and throttle capability. Class 3 riders must wear helmets under Vehicle and Traffic Law § 1238.
- Class 1(pedal-assist, 20 mph max): Legal on streets and bike lanes.
- Class 2(throttle-assist, 20 mph max): Legal on streets and bike lanes.
- Class 3(pedal-assist, 25 mph max): Legal on streets and bike lanes. Helmet required.
These class definitions set how fast each device can be built to go. They no longer set how fast you can ride one in NYC.
Note
On October 24, 2025, NYC capped e-bikes and e-scooters at 15 mph citywide, below the 20 to 25 mph class limits. The cap covers every class and applies on streets, in bike lanes, and on greenways.
Standard non-electric pedal bikes are not covered, though the rule does reach pedal-assist commercial bikes. So a Class 3 e-bike can be capable of 25 mph and still be limited to 15 mph on a NYC street.
Sidewalk riding remains illegal for all classes. Riders on sidewalks who strike pedestrians face potential liability and traffic citations.
2023 to 2024: NYC enacted lithium-ion battery safety regulations after a series of e-bike battery fires killed delivery workers in their apartments. While fire safety is a separate issue from crash safety, the legislative attention brought broader e-bike regulation into focus.
Who’s Liable When Crashes Happen
The liability picture depends on the specifics.
E-Bike Rider Hit by a Motor Vehicle
This is the most common serious injury scenario. The rider has the same legal rights as a traditional cyclist:
- Serious injury threshold. When a car strikes an e-bike rider, the rider must meet the no-fault serious injury threshold under Insurance Law § 5102(d) to recover for pain and suffering. The same rule applies to traditional cyclists and pedestrians hit by a car. A fracture, a permanent loss of use, or a permanent consequential or significant limitation all clear that bar. A former 90/180-day category applies only to lawsuits filed before May 26, 2026, when Bill A10008 (Chapter 58 of 2026) repealed it.
- Driver negligence covers failure to yield, distracted driving, dooring, and turning without checking for bikes.
- Vehicle owner liability applies under Vehicle and Traffic Law § 388.
Pedestrian Struck by an E-Bike
If an e-bike strikes a pedestrian, the rider may be personally liable. But there are often additional parties:
- Delivery app companies may bear liability if the rider was making a delivery. Courts have increasingly held app companies responsible for the actions of their delivery workers.
- The e-bike manufacturer may be liable if a defect like brake failure or throttle malfunction contributed to the crash.
- A motor vehicle may be the indirect cause if a car forced the e-bike rider onto the sidewalk or into a pedestrian.
Solo E-Bike Crashes
Solo crashes happen when a rider hits a pothole, raised manhole cover, or construction plate. In these cases, the City of New York may be liable for the road condition. These claims require a Notice of Claim within 90 days under General Municipal Law § 50-e.
E-bike product defects, including battery failures, brake malfunctions, and frame breakage, may support a product liability claim against the manufacturer or retailer.
Infrastructure Gaps
NYC’s bike lanes were built for bikes going 10 to 15 mph. E-bikes go 20 to 30 mph. The streets have not caught up.
Bike Lanes Are Too Narrow
A fast e-bike passing a regular cyclist in a five-foot lane leaves inches of room.
Signals Don’t Account for E-Bike Speed
Light timing is set for slower bikes. E-bikes get to the intersection before the signal expects them.
No Place for Delivery Riders to Stage
They cluster near restaurants, double-park their e-bikes, and block traffic.
What to Do After an E-Bike Crash
If you’re an e-bike rider hit by a car:
- Call 911 and get medical treatment. Don’t move the e-bike until police arrive.
- Photograph the scene, including the bike lane or lack thereof, traffic signals, and damage.
- Get the driver’s insurance information and license plate.
- Note whether the driver was turning, changing lanes, or opening a door.
If you’re a pedestrian hit by an e-bike:
- Call 911. E-bike crashes are reportable accidents.
- Identify the rider and photograph the e-bike (brand, battery, license plate if applicable).
- If the rider was making a delivery, note the app or restaurant involved.
- Get witness contact information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sue a delivery company if their rider hits me on an e-bike?
Yes. If the rider was making a delivery for an app-based company, the company may share liability. NYC regulations require commercial e-bike operators to carry insurance. Your attorney can investigate the employment relationship and insurance coverage.
Are e-bike riders required to have insurance in NYC?
Individual e-bike riders are not required to carry liability insurance. Businesses that use e-bikes for commercial deliveries are required to have coverage. This creates a gap for crashes involving recreational or commuting riders, where the rider’s personal assets may be the only source of recovery.
What if I was injured by an e-bike rider who fled the scene?
Hit-and-run e-bike crashes are unfortunately common. If you can’t identify the rider, your own auto insurance policy’s uninsured motorist coverage may apply. Your attorney can also investigate whether surveillance cameras captured the incident.
Sources
- The New York Times. (2024). Why Bicycle Deaths in New York City Are at a 24-Year High. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/05/nyregion/nyc-cyclist-deaths-ebike.html
- FOX 5 New York. (2024). Driven by E-Bikes, NYC Cyclist Deaths Hit Historic High in 2023. https://www.fox5ny.com/news/nyc-cyclist-deaths-hit-record-high-in-2023
- NYC DOT. (2023). Bicycle Crash Data Report 2023. https://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/downloads/pdf/bicycle-crash-data-report-2023.pdf
- NY Senate. (2026). Bill A10008 (Chapter 58 of 2026): Repeal of the 90/180-Day Serious Injury Category. https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A10008
- PeopleForBikes. (2024). NYC E-Mobility Risks. https://www.peopleforbikes.org/news/nyc-emobility-risks
- NYC Council Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. (December 2024). Crash Statistics for Micromobility Devices in 2023 and 2024. https://citymeetings.nyc/meetings/new-york-city-council/2024-12-11-1000-am-committee-on-transportation-and-infrastructure/chapter/crash-statistics-for-micromobility-devices-in-2023-and-2024/
- NYC DOT. (2025). Traffic Deaths Reached Lowest Level in Recorded History During the First Six Months of 2025. https://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/pr2025/vision-zero.shtml
- amNewYork. (2025). Traffic Deaths Hit Record Low in NYC, E-Bike Rider Deaths Down to Six. https://www.amny.com/nyc-transit/traffic-deaths-low-nyc-june-2025/
- NYC Mayor's Office. (2025). Mayor Adams Encourages E-Bike Users to Slow Down as New 15 mph E-Bike Speed Limit Goes Into Effect Citywide. https://www.nyc.gov/mayors-office/news/2025/10/mayor-adams-encourages-e-bike-users-to-slow-down-as-new-15-mph-e
Updated July 11, 2026
Frequently asked questions
- Can I sue a delivery company if their rider hits me on an e-bike?
Yes. If the rider was making a delivery for an app-based company, the company may share liability. NYC regulations require commercial e-bike operators to carry insurance. Your attorney can investigate the employment relationship and insurance coverage.
- Are e-bike riders required to have insurance in NYC?
Individual e-bike riders are not required to carry liability insurance. Businesses that use e-bikes for commercial deliveries are required to have coverage. This creates a gap for crashes involving recreational or commuting riders, where the rider's personal assets may be the only source of recovery.
- What if I was injured by an e-bike rider who fled the scene?
Hit-and-run e-bike crashes are unfortunately common. If you can't identify the rider, your own auto insurance policy's uninsured motorist coverage may apply. Your attorney can also investigate whether surveillance cameras captured the incident.
- How many e-bike accidents are there per year?
Reporting is still catching up to ridership. NYPD now separates e-bikes from traditional bicycles in collision reports. NYC DOT recorded 933 e-bike crashes in its 2023 year-to-date count, falling to 782 in the same 2024 window. NYPD fatality data, reported by The New York Times, shows 23 e-bike rider deaths in 2023, a 24-year high for cycling fatalities, and 79 serious e-bike injuries that year, up from 29 the year before. The first half of 2025 saw six e-bike rider deaths, down from nine in the same period of 2024. Federal CPSC data shows tens of thousands of e-bike injuries treated nationally each year, and NYC's share is outsized.
- Why are electric bikes being banned?
E-bikes aren't broadly banned in NYC, but specific classes and uses are restricted. Sidewalk riding is illegal for all classes. NYC has cracked down on illegally modified e-bikes that exceed the 25 mph Class 3 limit, particularly in delivery fleets. A separate driver of regulation is lithium-ion battery fires: FDNY data tied a string of fatal apartment fires to improperly charged or counterfeit e-bike batteries, which prompted new battery-safety rules in 2023 and 2024. Crash injuries and battery fires are different problems, but both have shaped how the city regulates e-bikes.
- Are e-bikes allowed in bike lanes in NYC?
Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are permitted in NYC bike lanes under NYC DOT rules. Class 3 e-bikes, which must carry a helmet under New York's Vehicle and Traffic Law § 1238, are legal on city streets. As of October 24, 2025, NYC caps every class of e-bike at 15 mph citywide, below the 20 to 25 mph built-in class limits, and that cap applies in bike lanes too. Sidewalk riding is illegal for every class. If an e-bike rider is hit by a car in a bike lane, the same negligence rules that apply to traditional cyclists apply to the claim. To recover for pain and suffering, the rider must meet the serious injury threshold under Insurance Law § 5102(d), and owner liability runs under VTL § 388.
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Antin, J. S. (2026, February 17). E-Bike Crashes in NYC: Data Behind the Headlines. AEE Law Insights. https://aeelaw.com/insights/e-bike-crashes-nyc/
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