New York City Comptroller Brad Lander on Wednesday published Street Safety in the Era of Micromobility, a report outlining regulations for e-bikes, mopeds and e-scooters aimed at enhancing safety and accountability on the city’s increasingly crowded streets.
The legalization of micromobility vehicles in New York State in 2020 and the growth of app-based food delivery services seen scores of New Yorkers use them as affordable and environmentally friendly alternative transportation options. The report, however, highlights challenges attributed to the lack of provision of infrastructure for mopeds, according to a press release.
“Every day I hear a common concern from New Yorkers across communities: the proliferation of mopeds and e-bikes has fueled a sense of disorder and lawlessness in our city and heightened anxiety about street safety,” Lander said.
Among the proposed recommendations are the establishment of a city-administered licensing program for app-based delivery services, which would include accountability protocols for safe operations and penalties for the use of illegal vehicles. Lander also calls for better infrastructure, such as protected bike lanes and additional charging stations for e-bikes to support the safe integration of micromobility into the city.
In recent years, incidents involving e-bikes and mopeds have raised alarms, prompting concerns about pedestrian safety. The report notes that while these vehicles account for a small percentage of pedestrian fatalities—just 1.8% from 2020 to 2023—they have contributed to a rise in injuries, with significant increases since the legalization of e-bikes.
Elizabeth Valdez, a systems advocate from the Brooklyn Center for Independence of the Disabled, said Lander's proposal would help address the challenges faced by New Yorkers living with disabilities.
“Disabled New Yorkers – and everyone else – deserve safe sidewalks and crosswalks, but e-bikes, e-scooters and mopeds make the streets a dangerous, unpredictable obstacle course,” she said. “Comptroller Lander’s proposals would allow the city to finally confront these challenges head-on and make our streets safer for all.”
