Delivery workers who use bikes, e-bikes, or cargo bikes must ride lawfully and respectfully and comply with Commercial Bicycling Laws.
Businesses are required to:
- Provide delivery cyclists with:
- Physical or digital work ID card that includes business’s name, the worker’s name, a unique work ID number, and worker’s photo.
- Retro-reflective safety vest with the business' name and unique worker ID number.
- Bicycle helmet and working bicycle lights, bells, reflectors and brakes, if a cyclist does not have these materials.
- Ensure all delivery cyclists complete Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Do You Deliver? Bicycle Safety Course for Delivery Workers.
- Display Commercial Bicyclist Safety posters at brick-and-mortar locations visible to both employed cyclists and customers in multiple languages as needed.
Businesses that dispatch delivery workers on bikes, e-bikes, or cargo bikes in New York City and whose primary site of operation is either located outside New York City or not open and accessible to the public are also required to register with the DOT.
Learn more about commercial bicycling rules and requirements.
Register your business with Department of Transportation.
Electric Scooters, Electric Bicycles, or Pedal-Assist Bicycles
Electric scooters, electric bicycles, and pedal-assist bicycles are allowed on New York City bike lanes and streets, but must not exceed a speed of 15 miles per hour.
Pedal-assist bicycles are defined as bicycles that have fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts (1 horsepower). The electric motor can only engage when the operator is pedaling and going less than 20 miles per hour and stops functioning when the operator brakes, stops pedaling, or when the bicycle reaches its maximum speed. Pedal-assist bicycles cannot be equipped with any throttle capacity or have additional motorized equipment attached.
The pedal-assist bicycle must have an original label, provided by the bicycle or electric motor manufacturer, stating the maximum motor-assisted speed and motor wattage of the bicycle. Pedal-assist bicycles that have been modified are not considered to be pedal-assist bicycles and may not be operated on NYC streets.
Learn more about electric scooters, electric bikes, and pedal-assist bicycles.
