May 9, 2024 - On March 27, the New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) announced the authorization
of the use of e-cargo bikes on city streets with new key safety standards established.

The finalized rules increase low- or no-emission options for freight deliveries by allowing the use of pedal-assist e-cargo bicycles that may be up to 48” wide (previously 36”) and have up to four wheels, and up to 192” long (with trailer), up from the original 120-inch limit that would have barred the existing fleets from Whole Foods and Amazon.

To address safety concerns, the e-cargo bike speed limit was reduced from the proposed 20 miles per hour (32kph) to 15 miles per hour (25kph). The rules also establish new curb regulations — a “Commercial Bicycle Loading Only” zone — to allow dedicated space at the curb for cargo bikes to load and unload goods.

NYC DOT will provide e-cargo bike operators with safety training and educational materials on e-cargo bike use and battery charging.

Since NYC DOT’s launch of its Commercial Cargo Bike pilot program in 2019, cargo bike deliveries have increased significantly in New York City. In 2022, cargo bikes made more than 130,000 trips, delivering over five million packages.

This demonstrates their effectiveness for making deliveries and resulted in the reduction of over 650,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions, the equivalent of emissions generated by 1.6 billion miles driven by an average gas-powered passenger vehicle.