This Week’s E-Bike News Headlines
NYC to Lower E-Bike and E-Scooter Speed Limit to 15 MPH
New York City Mayor Eric Adams has announced that the speed limit for e-bikes and e-scooters will be reduced to 15 mph—down from the previous 25 mph—on city streets and bike lanes. The decision, he said, comes in response to growing public concerns over pedestrian safety.
“I have heard, over and over again, from New Yorkers about how their safety — and the safety of their children — has been put at risk due to speeding e-bikes and e-scooters,” Adams said.
Conventional bicycles will still be allowed to reach speeds up to 25 mph unless otherwise designated, as long as riders can do so under their own power.
Our Take: We’re all for safety, but this move feels conflicted and somewhat at odds with the city’s broader transportation goals.
NYC recently introduced congestion pricing for cars entering certain parts of Manhattan—a move intended to reduce vehicle traffic and included the benefit of encouraging alternative transportation, including e-bikes. However, by making e-bikes slower and potentially less practical for commuting, this change could dampen enthusiasm for one of the most viable alternatives to cars in dense urban environments.
The city has also promoted battery-swapping stations to support couriers and delivery workers, who rely on speed and efficiency to make a living. Slowing them down could impact their productivity and earnings.
Even Citibike, operated by Lyft and contracted by the city, has been affected. Their shared e-bikes are capped at 18 mph for what were already considered “safer” speeds. Under the new limit, they technically exceed legal operation, and as the NY Daily News noted, the company appeared blindsided by the announcement.
There’s also the question of enforcement and effectiveness. Will this policy actually deter reckless riders? Or will it simply punish those already trying to follow the rules? Safety concerns are valid, but solutions like improved infrastructure or addressing the far higher injury and fatality rates caused by automobiles might offer more meaningful impact.
In fact, more traffic-related incidents involving cars occur in a single month than bicycle-related incidents do in an entire year.
Specialized Issues Recall on Globe Haul ST and LT models
Specialized is issuing a recall on more than 11,000 bikes after reports of seatposts that can break when fully extended. The company is working with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to address the issue.
To determine if your bike is affected, check the seatpost for a stamped length. If it reads 13 inches, it’s part of the recall and should be taken to a Specialized dealer for a free replacement. Bikes with 15-inch seatposts are not affected.
So far, there have been 13 reported incidents, including two minor injuries involving scrapes and bruises. Affected riders are advised to stop riding and contact their nearest Specialized dealer or reach out through the official recall link provided in the description.
VanMoof Unveils First New Model Following 2023 Bankruptcy
The company declared bankruptcy in mid-2023, but was later acquired by Lavoie, an e-mobility brand owned by the McLaren Group. Following a limited relaunch of its S5 and A5 bikes, VanMoof has now introduced two new models: the S6 and the S6 Open. The S6 rolls on 27.5” wheels, while the mid-step S6 Open features smaller 24” wheels for a more accessible fit.
The new S6 models maintain VanMoof’s signature minimalist aesthetic and come equipped with a 250W front hub motor producing 68Nm of torque, paired with a 487Wh battery offering a reported range between 37 and 93 miles. Other features include:
- Integrated lighting with a headlight, taillight, and handlebar-mounted indicator light
- 3-speed automatic shifting internal hub
- Suspension seatpost for added comfort
- GPS and cellular connectivity for tracking and remote features
- VanMoof’s signature rear wheel lock system with built-in alarm and rider detection
Each bike weighs approximately 51 pounds and retails for €3,298 (around $3,750 USD), with pre-orders available for €150. Deliveries are expected to begin in August
Our Take: This marks a new chapter for the brand under Lavoie’s stewardship, with hopes of regaining consumer trust and proving that VanMoof can deliver on its futuristic promise—this time with better support and stability behind it.
