Will this law be enforced?

Mayor Adams has proposed a new 15mph speed limit for all ebikes in New York City. Lyft received direction from the Mayor’s office to reduce the maximum pedal assist speed of Citi Bike ebikes from 18mph to 15mph in anticipation of the rule taking effect. Our technical team worked hard to respond to this directive and the change is in effect across our ebike fleet as of June 20, 2025.

Although the pedal assist speed on Citi Bikes has been adjusted, here’s what hasn’t changed: You’ll still get that smooth, electric boost that makes tackling hills and longer distances a breeze. Our ebikes will continue to provide the same reliable and fun way to get around the city. Since Citi Bike first launched ebikes, riders have taken over 85 million ebike rides, traveling more than 190 million miles. In other words, you all have circled the globe 7,700 times on ebikes.

Here is the link.  I am personally happy with a libertarian approach to ebikes, namely let people take their chances and limit the ability to sue the cars that bump into you.  Nonetheless I am amazed that a world with a Consumer Product Safety Commission, and an FDA, allows small, unprotected vehicles to travel on our roads, more or less unhindered.  All the more so for motorcycles.  Paris has banned e-scooters, though not ebikes.  o3 recommends a 20 mph speed limit (write in your vote for mayor!).

Here are some complaints on Reddit about the new lower speed limit.  What I in fact observe is that, at least in NYC, there are few penalties for running red lights with your bicycle or ebike.

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