Albany Seeing an Increase In E Bike Use

You all probably remember when you learned to ride a bike for the first time. You remember that sense of freedom that you had when it came to being able to just jump on that thing and go for a ride. That next sense of freedom likely came when you finally got the drive a car. It's something that you'll never forget or take for granted.

I think that in 2025 people have changed how they think and instead of taking to cars they've instead opted for e bikes to get around the Capital Region. They can start as low as $500 and can get going pretty fast. The issues is that people are now using them as actual vehicles and putting themselves in dangerous positions. I have had on multiple occasions e bikes come very close to causing accidents with my car and also with my children while we walk or ride regular bikes/scooters. I think these pose a major problem around the Capital Region.

Are E Bikes Road Legal?

The short answer is yes. You can ride these on the road just like you would any other type of bike or scooter. According to the DMV you can operate these types of vehicles on most roads and streets with speed limits of 30mph or lower. However you will have to consult your local municipality for confirmation on if you can where you live. There are places around New York that have specific ordinances.

What about the sidewalk? This is where my main issue is when it comes to e bikes. I have been walking around Albany with my kids and almost gotten run over multiple times. I have had e bikes drive right in front of my car at intersections and almost hit them because they aren't paying attention. I am happy to inform you that riding e bikes on the side walk is not permitted unless the local city, town, or neighborhood has specifically said that you can.

You cannot operate these devices on a sidewalk except as authorized by local law or ordinance

That's directly from the NYS DMV, so send your complaints to them. I think these things should never be allowed on the sidewalks. They can go up to 30 MPH in same cases and people are just cruising down the sidewalks with them. 30 MPH is a road speed. This is dangerous.

According to this document, riding any type of bike or scooter on the sidewalk is not allowed in the City of Albany unless it is going 8mph or under. So why am I seeing so many people just cruising down Western Ave or Washington Ave on these things and where is law enforcement? People are using these things like small motorcycles and using them unsafely.

Do I think they need to be banned? No. I do think there needs to be more regulation of them so that we keep those riding them safe and everyone around them safe as well. Also if you're going to use one on the road to ride with traffic, register them. Someone needs to be held accountable if there is an accident.