New York City is currently grappling with a significant rise in the presence of illegally operated scooters, e-bikes, and mopeds on its streets and sidewalks, prompting advocates to call for stricter regulations to hold operators accountable.
The increasing popularity of micromobility vehicles in NYC is viewed positively by many, as these low-cost and eco-friendly alternatives to traditional cars have become an essential mode of transportation for numerous residents.
However, along with this surge comes growing anxiety regarding the number of these vehicles operating without the necessary licensing.
Illegal parking and reckless driving on sidewalks have become commonplace, with moped operators often violating state traffic law.
During a recent observational walk across various neighborhoods in May, amNewYork reported spotting over 50 mopeds — also categorized as limited-use motorcycles — engaging in illegal activities, primarily lacking license plates, a requirement in New York State.
Among the striking incidents documented:
– **Woodside, Queens:** 10 mopeds parked on sidewalks along Queens Boulevard, specifically between 62nd and 69th Streets.
– **Woodside Avenue, Queens:** A staggering 26 mopeds found illegally parked in front of shops and restaurants between 61st and 68th Streets.
– **Prospect Park Intersection:** Five unregistered mopeds observed weaving through pedestrians on a sidewalk at the bustling intersection of Empire Boulevard and Flatbush Avenue.
– **Staten Island’s Hylan Boulevard:** Seven mopeds spotted operating illegally on sidewalks, along with another five parked there.
According to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), mopeds must be registered and are prohibited from being ridden on sidewalks. E-bikes, while not needing registration, are similarly restricted from sidewalk use.
Despite new city legislation implemented in January that mandates retailers register both gas and electric mopeds at the point of sale, a considerable number still appear to evade legal regulations.
City Hall spokesperson Allison Maser emphasized Mayor Eric Adams’ commitment to combating illegal vehicular operations, stating that over 98,000 “ghost cars,” scooters, mopeds, and ATVs have been removed from the streets of New York City.
In 2024 alone, the collaboration between the NYPD and the city’s Sanitation Department led to the removal of an alarming 27,000 illegal motorized vehicles from the city, in addition to 7,500 full-sized ghost cars with counterfeit plates.
Public safety experts underline the importance of moped registration, arguing that unregistered vehicles pose a substantial risk as they become difficult to trace.
Michael Matos, the founder of Personal Protective Concepts, points out the complexities that arise when a driver flees the scene of an accident.
He notes that without registration, it becomes increasingly challenging to hold violators accountable.
“If there’s a crash and the driver takes off, there’s often no way to identify or locate them,” he explained.
Matos further stressed that the issue extends beyond minor incidents, revealing that injuries can be severe, sometimes leading to fatalities.
The NYC E-Vehicle Safety Alliance (NYC EVSA) also highlighted concerns, noting that e-bike and moped riders who do not adhere to registration standards frequently evade the aftermath of accidents. Out of 101 incidents involving their members, nearly all but four fled the scene.
“Registration is a foundational layer of public safety. It helps ensure there’s some level of accountability on the road, and that matters for everyone,” Matos expressed.
The New York Police Department (NYPD) has initiated efforts to enforce stricter accountability measures, which now includes the potential for criminal summonses for traffic violations committed by reckless cyclists, e-bikers, and moped riders through the new Quality of Life division.
Officials outline this division as data-driven and responsive to prevalent 311 complaints from constituents.
“Every New Yorker knows the fear of having to jump aside as an e-bike charges down the sidewalk or restraining their children from a reckless ride through a busy crosswalk,” NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch stated in a statement to amNewYork, which was also published in an opinion piece by the New York Post.
However, many advocates contest the fairness of the NYPD’s intensified enforcement, arguing that these micromobility vehicles are vital for workers who rely on them for their livelihoods.
Luis Cortes, director of Los Deliveristas Unido Campaign of the Worker’s Justice Project, referred to the enforcement policy as an “assault” on immigrant workers who predominantly utilize these vehicles.
“As a sanctuary city, we cannot allow this appalling assault on our city’s most vulnerable immigrant workers to happen,” he stated.
Similarly, NYC Council Member Carlina Rivera expressed her deep concern regarding the potential ramifications for cyclists and e-bike riders who receive criminal court summonses.
She articulated unease over what she sees as a troubling escalation, especially since traffic violations typically fall under the jurisdiction of traffic court, not criminal court, echoing that such policies could disproportionately affect immigrants and delivery workers already facing precarious work conditions.
Rivera emphasized the need to refocus efforts on proven solutions such as better street redesigns, fair regulations for micromobility users, improved delivery loading zones, and holding app companies accountable for unsafe working conditions.
Addressing the enforcement policies, Tisch clarified that safety, rather than immigration status issues, is the primary concern behind NYPD actions.
She reiterated, “The NYPD does not inquire about a person’s immigration status and does not cooperate with ICE on civil immigration matters.”
Janet Schroader, director of NYC EVSA, remarked that the issuance of criminal summonses indicates a lack of sensible legislation aimed at ensuring safety on the streets.
She cited Priscilla’s Law, which, if passed, would require all e-bikes and other legal motorized vehicles to be licensed and registered.
“If Priscilla’s Law was enacted, identifiable plates captured on traffic enforcement cameras would help hold riders accountable, particularly those who flee the scene of crashes,” she noted.
Personal accounts from individuals who have suffered due to unregulated e-vehicles further assert the urgent need for reforms.
A cyclist named Lyn recounted her harrowing experience of being hit by an e-vehicle rider while attempting to park her bike in Manhattan.
The impact resulted in serious injuries, including three fractured vertebrae, and left her advocating for more stringent regulations on e-vehicles.
“I think it’s very necessary to regulate, to license anyone on an electric vehicle,” Lyn emphasized, focusing on the implications for public safety and accountability.
As New York City seeks ways to manage the surge of unregulated e-vehicles, the ongoing debate between safety accountability and the livelihoods of workers who depend on these vehicles remains a pivotal discussion.
image source from：https://www.amny.com/news/unregistered-mopeds-nyc-streets/
