New York Lawmakers Proposed E-Moto Sales Restrictions
New legislation aims to limit the sale of high-speed electric motorcycles following recent fatal accidents.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
Live Poll
Should New York state prohibit the sale of high-speed e-motos to improve public street safety?
New York state legislators have introduced bill S.10700 to regulate e-motos, which are defined as motor-powered devices capable of exceeding 20 mph. The proposed law seeks to curb the number of high-speed, noncompliant vehicles appearing on public streets.
Why it matters
The bill was drafted in response to a May 28 crash on the Queensboro Bridge involving a high-speed electric scooter, which resulted in the deaths of both riders. Lawmakers hope these regulations will improve road safety by addressing vehicle performance and deceptive marketing.
Legislative bill S.10700 defines e-motos as any device with a motor capable of reaching speeds over 20 mph. The proposal mandates that electric off-highway motorcycles be sold exclusively by New York-registered ATV dealers.
The players
Kristen Gonzalez
A New York State Senator who introduced legislation to regulate high-speed electric motor-powered devices.
Diana Moreno
A New York State Assemblymember who co-introduced the bill aimed at improving road safety for cyclists and riders.
The details
The legislation mandates that retailers prominently display warnings informing customers that these devices are prohibited from use on public roads. It further aims to eliminate deceptive marketing practices by holding sellers accountable for the capabilities of the vehicles they distribute. By restricting sales channels to registered ATV dealers, the state intends to ensure that only compliant, identifiable products reach local consumers.
Timeline
May 28, 2026: A fatal crash occurred on the Queensboro Bridge.
September 2026: Bill S.10700 was introduced by state legislators.
September 14, 2026: The bill was referred to the Senate Rules Committee.
September 23, 2026: The bill remained in the legislative process.
The Home Front
The proposal marks a shift in how New York addresses micro-mobility safety on public infrastructure. It updates the state's regulatory approach to vehicle classifications to match the increasing speeds of modern electric motor-powered devices.
If you are considering purchasing an electric two-wheeled device, check for clear speed-limit labels and confirm the retailer is a registered dealer. Always verify local municipal codes before using any electric vehicle on public thoroughfares, bridges, or pathways.
The takeaway
Legislators are attempting to prevent future accidents by tightening the rules surrounding the sale of high-performance electric devices. Consider researching the specific speed capabilities of any personal vehicle you operate and verify its legal status for road use in your area.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest Electric Vehicles regulations impacting New York roads.
Live Poll
Should New York state prohibit the sale of high-speed e-motos to improve public street safety?
