MEDIA RELEASE: Tioga County Public Health Warns Tioga County Residents of Risks Associated with Electric Bicycles

Last Updated: 8/24/2026

Tioga County Public Health Warns Tioga County Residents of Risks Associated with Electric Bicycles

As electric bicycles (e-bikes) become increasingly popular for transportation and recreation, local healthcare providers and emergency responders in Tioga County have seen an alarming increase in crashes and injuries. Many of these incidents involve young riders, unsafe riding behaviors, or using motorized devices that do not meet New York State’s (NYS) legal definition of an e-bike. Tioga County Public Health (TCPH) encourages residents to research and understand NYS safety laws before riding or purchasing an e-bike.

Under NYS law, e-bikes are treated like bicycles and are allowed on streets with posted speed limits of 30 mph or less and in bike lanes where available. Sidewalk riding is prohibited statewide. Additionally, state law requires riders to be 16 years of age or older to operate an e-bike. Legal e-bikes must have operable pedals, a motor no greater than 750 watts, and motor assistance is limited to 20 mph. Devices that exceed these limits or lack pedals are not considered legal e-bikes and are not permitted for use on public roads.

Children, teens, or unexperienced riders are particularly vulnerable. Limited experience navigating traffic combined with the high speeds of these devices increases the likelihood of crashes. Many incidents occur on roadways and involve passenger vehicles, highlighting the dangers of mixing e-bikes with complex traffic environments. 

Tioga County Public Health is encouraging those who choose to ride an e-bike to:

• Purchase e-bikes from trusted retailers that clearly describe motor power, maximum speed, and device classification
• Wear a properly fit helmet every time they ride
• Never use your phone, earbuds, or engage in other distractions while riding
• No riding at night without lights or reflective gear
• Slow down near people, driveways, and cars
• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for device charging and use only the manufacturer’s original equipment to charge the device

Tioga County Public Health strongly recommends that parents and guardians ensure e-bikes are legal, limit riding to youth 16 years old and older, require that helmets are worn every ride, and safe storing and riding practices are followed. As e-bike use continues to grow in New York and the United States, Tioga County Public Health reminds all residents to share the road responsibly and prioritize safety through legal compliance of e-bikes, proper equipment and storage procedures, and safe riding practices.

For more information on NYS e-bike laws, please visit https://dmv.ny.gov/registration/electric-scooters-and-bicycles-and-other-unregistered-vehicles. For additional information on injury prevention and bicycle safety, contact Tioga County Public Health at 607-687-8600 or visit ph.tiogacountyny.gov.     

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