New York Lawmakers Targeted High-Speed E-motos
Proposed legislation S.10700 seeks to restrict sales of high-speed electric motorcycles following a fatal crash.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
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Should New York state prohibit the sale of high-speed e-motos to improve public street safety?
New York legislators have introduced a bill to regulate high-speed electric motorcycles, defined as devices capable of exceeding 20 mph. The proposed legislation prohibits the sale of noncompliant e-motos and mandates clear public safety warnings at retail locations.
Why it matters
The measure responds to concerns over public safety on New York streets following a fatal collision on the Queensboro Bridge. Lawmakers intend to curb the influx of powerful, noncompliant electric vehicles into densely populated areas.
The legislation defines e-motos as vehicles capable of exceeding 20 mph. For context, the electric scooter involved in a fatal May 28 crash was capable of speeds exceeding 50 mph.
The players
Kristen Gonzalez
She is a New York State Senator who introduced the legislation to regulate e-moto sales.
Diana Moreno
She is a New York Assemblymember who co-sponsored the bill to curb the use of high-speed e-motos.
The details
Bill S.10700 restricts the sale of high-speed e-motos and mandates that electric off-highway motorcycles only be sold by New York-registered ATV dealers. Retailers must also display prominent warnings confirming that these vehicles are illegal for use on public streets.
Timeline
May 28, 2026: A fatal crash occurred on the Queensboro Bridge.
September 2026: Bill S.10700 was introduced by state legislators.
September 14, 2026: The bill was referred to the Senate Rules Committee.
September 23, 2026: The bill remained in the legislative process.
Roadmap
This legislation signals a broader shift in the automotive industry as states struggle to categorize new forms of electric mobility. It reflects an intensifying regulatory battle to reconcile high-performance electric devices with existing road safety infrastructure.
Retailers will be required to change how they display and sell these vehicles, potentially limiting consumer access to high-speed models. Residents should note that usage of these specific e-motos remains illegal on public streets regardless of purchase location.
The takeaway
The proposed regulations aim to reconcile the rapid adoption of high-speed electric personal transport with public safety. Consumers looking for electric motorcycles should verify that their vehicle complies with state-registered ATV dealer requirements.
Further reading
For more background on regional policy, see the Electric Vehicles section.
Live Poll
Should New York state prohibit the sale of high-speed e-motos to improve public street safety?
