Rising E-Bike Safety Concerns Amid Increasing Accidents

The surge in e-bike usage across the United States has coincided with a significant rise in accidents and injuries. In New York City alone, e-bike injuries rose to 901 in 2025, marking a 41% increase from the previous year. Nationwide, e-bike-related injuries have escalated from 1,600 in 2018 to approximately 23,000 in 2022. Fatalities have also been reported, with 17 deaths in New York City in 2024 and at least 104 deaths linked to e-bike use from 2017 to 2022. The demographic most affected by these incidents predominantly includes men, who account for roughly 82.5% of injuries.

The Guardian

In response to the growing safety concerns, various legislative measures have been proposed. The NYC E-Vehicle Safety Alliance is advocating for "Priscilla’s Law," which would require e-bike and e-scooter riders to register their vehicles with the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles and display license plates. This initiative aims to enforce the 15 mph speed limit established in 2025. Advocates argue that such measures would enhance accountability and safety, as traffic cameras could capture violations. However, organizations like Transportation Alternatives oppose this legislation, arguing it would create unnecessary bureaucracy and fail to improve safety.

The Guardian

Supporters of stricter regulations, such as Michelle Cruz, whose father was killed by an e-biker, argue that licensing and registration are essential for accountability. Cruz emphasized the need for e-bikers to adhere to the same traffic laws as motor vehicles. Conversely, critics, including Ligia Guallpa from Los Deliveristas Unidos, express concerns that such regulations could disproportionately target undocumented immigrants who rely on e-bikes for work. Guallpa advocates for technological solutions to enforce speed limits rather than increased policing.

The Guardian

There is a notable divide among safety advocates regarding the best approach to mitigate e-bike accidents. Alexa Sledge from Transportation Alternatives argues for improved infrastructure, such as protected bike lanes and better visibility at intersections, rather than regulatory measures. Sledge contends that the majority of e-bike accidents involve collisions with motor vehicles, suggesting that enhancing road safety for all users is crucial. In contrast, proponents of Priscilla’s Law argue that without proper regulation, e-bikers will continue to violate traffic laws, leading to more accidents.

The Guardian

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is pushing for regulations that would require delivery companies to provide detailed data on deliveries and safety incidents. This initiative aims to improve accountability and safety standards within the e-bike delivery sector. As discussions continue, the debate over the balance between infrastructure improvements and regulatory measures remains a focal point in addressing the rising e-bike safety concerns.

The Guardian

• “What we really want to see is an improved and expanded infrastructure to protect people that are biking, protect people that are walking and make sure that there are different protected areas for all types of transportation.” — Alexa Sledge, Director of Communications, Transportation Alternatives

The Guardian

• “When an e-bike rider leaves somebody bloody on the ground … they should be held accountable.” — Janet Schroeder, Co-Founder, NYC E-Vehicle Safety Alliance

The Guardian

• “It would be best that they do get a license and have their license plates and have to follow the same regulations as cars.” — Michelle Cruz, Advocate for E-Bike Regulation

The Guardian

• “How does a wider bike lane make an e-biker stop running a red light when a pedestrian is walking?” — Janet Schroeder, Co-Founder, NYC E-Vehicle Safety Alliance

The Guardian