New York is a city that makes you feel like you’re living in a movie. Strolling through Manhattan, taking in the skyscrapers amidst the noise and bustle of daily life—it’s an experience you’ll never forget, whether you live here or you’re just visiting. Read more at new-york-future.
The metropolis is also famous for its traffic and congestion, but to get around without wasting time, locals and tourists are increasingly turning to electric scooters.
E-scooters have become a great alternative to the subway, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when New Yorkers wanted to keep a safe distance from others.
Electric scooters are legal to use in New York City. There are many places where you can buy or rent them, but there are certain regulations you should know about, which we’ll cover in this article.
How Do Electric Scooters Work?
Electric scooters are becoming more popular in New York as a growing number of adults realize they’re not just for fun anymore. They’re a practical way to shorten your commute to and from work. For those who live in the city, the daily cost of a cab can be too expensive, but sitting in your own car stuck in traffic isn’t much better.
With a quality e-scooter, you can easily zip around the city while having a great time. With a max speed of over 25 mph and a range of up to 40 miles, you can count on an e-scooter to get you from point A to point B. And the best part? Many are designed for off-road riding, so you can go off the beaten path if you see a shorter way. When you ride an e-scooter, you’re not limited to just the street.
Unlike gas-powered and manual scooters, e-scooters use rechargeable batteries. You’ll have to regularly charge your scooter to keep the battery level healthy. Once it’s charged, you just hop on, turn it on, and use the throttle and brake to move and stop. Turning is easy, too—you just lean and turn the handlebars to steer.
Where to Rent an Electric Scooter in NYC?
New York has plenty of places where you can rent an e-scooter for a day or a longer period. For example, you can rent one from Levy Electric Scooters. This is a full-service shop that offers rentals, sales, and service. Their store is located on Ludlow Street on the Lower East Side. You can rent scooters by the hour, day, or month. You can even take a test drive and pay by the minute to see if you like a certain model. Plus, if you decide you’re ready to buy your own scooter, the pros at Levy will be happy to help you with your purchase.
Another place to rent a scooter is Fancy Apple, one of the top rental shops in NYC. It’s located near Central Park and offers rentals of both bikes and scooters. The shop also offers bike tours for those who want to explore the park. The e-scooters are made from durable, lightweight aluminum, making them easy to maneuver, and they have pneumatic tires for shock absorption. Rentals are typically by the hour and can be kept for up to 24 hours, giving you plenty of time to explore the city.
Chartior Electric Scooters & E-bikes offers some of the fastest and most affordable scooter rentals in NYC. They have three main vehicles available for rent: the “LO26” electric bike, the “Suprmax” electric bike, and the “C10” electric scooter. Scooters can be rented weekly with a refundable deposit. The “C10” features a 1000W motor, 10-inch pneumatic tires, and a 6061 aluminum alloy frame. In addition to scooters and bikes, visitors can buy helmets, bags, and phone holders to help them get around the city safely.
And another company worth considering is Unagi Scooters. Their scooters have a unique design with an innovative structure that allows them to fold in half, which makes them easy to transport when you’re not using them. They also have a magnesium handlebar that is 33% lighter than the traditional aluminum handlebars on most scooter models, which provides more portability. They also offer monthly or annual rental options, and you can even order it online for delivery right to your door.
Rules for Riding E-Scooters in NYC
New York has very few rules for e-scooter use, but the ones they do have are important.
First and foremost, you must not ride an e-scooter at a speed over 15 mph.
You can ride electric scooters on bike paths and in bike lanes.
Helmets are recommended for all e-scooter riders and are mandatory for 16 and 17-year-olds.
Using E-Scooters in Parks
When you’re in a New York City park, in addition to following city-wide rules (like not riding on the sidewalk), you should check signs or the NYC Parks website for additional restrictions.
For example, the High Line prohibits e-scooters, along with bikes, skateboards, and roller skates. On the other hand, there are currently no additional restrictions on using e-scooters at Rockaway Beach, the Boardwalk, or in Flushing Meadows Corona Park.
Top Tips for Riding in NYC:
- Wear a helmet to avoid injuries from falls and collisions. Knee pads and elbow pads can also be helpful.
- Before you ride, check the scooter for any damage. You could lose control of a scooter that’s not working properly because of damage.
- Test the brakes. You should know how to use them, especially how quickly or slowly they stop the scooter.
- E-scooters are for one rider only. You often see two people on a single scooter, but this can increase the risk and seriousness of a collision.
- Keep both hands on the handlebars. Don’t hang or attach items to the handlebars.
- Pay attention to other riders, who may not always be paying attention to you. E-scooters are small, fast, and quiet, which makes it easy for other road users to miss you. Slow down, look around, and plan your moves ahead of time. Don’t make sudden, unpredictable movements.
- Don’t get distracted while riding. Listening to music reduces your ability to hear sounds around you. It’s also important to avoid talking on your cell phone. Don’t try to have a conversation with a friend riding next to you; you could accidentally collide and get seriously hurt.
- Watch out for bumps, cracks, and debris on the road. An uneven surface or obstacles can cause you to lose control and fall.
- Ride sober. Never ride under the influence of alcohol.