Onewheel and the other illegal PEV devices were not listed to be allowed in the law that went into effect in late 2020. These devices have always been illegal in New York City, so there is no new enforcement. In short, are Onewheel legal in New York? No
Onewheels are illegal to ride a Onewheel in New York City. The Onewheel is not classified as an electric scooter and therefore banned from the streets. Riding will risk you a citation of around USD 400.
So in short this law officially made the PEVs consisting of electric bikes and scooters legal in New Tork City. Sadly the others, EUC, electric skateboards, and Onewheels didn’t get included as allowable devices.
Effective August 2, 2020– the law allows people to operate electric scooters (e-scooters) and bicycles with electric assist (e-bikes) on some streets and highways in New York State.
https://dmv.ny.gov/registration/electric-scooters-and-bicycles-and-other-unregistered-vehicles
This law was most likely made to allow Ebike and Escooter rental services that have been growing during the pandemic. These type of services has become mainstream and a lot of users and big players in the industries most likely pushed for legislative changes to make them legal on the streets.
I would see this as a positive trend toward more PEV and the legitimization of these devices. Now we need to push for the other PEV out there. Ride with respect and show the best side of the Onewheel community.
The state defines an Electric scooter as every device weighing less than one hundred pounds that have:
- has handlebars, a floorboard or a seat that can be stood or sat upon by the operator, and an electric motor,
- can be powered by the electric motor and/or human power, and
- has a maximum speed of no more than twenty miles per hour on a paved level surface when powered solely by the electric motor.
Eliminates the prohibition on electric bicycles
Proposed Introduction No. 1264-A, sponsored by Council Member Fernando Cabrera, would eliminate local prohibitions on the use of three classes of electric bicycles with top speeds under 25 miles per hour. This bill would also clarify that devices that remain prohibited by local law may only be impounded if operated in a manner that endangers the safety of the operator or the safety or property of another and reduce the penalty for operating a prohibited device from $500 to $250. [R]
Eliminates the prohibition on electric scooters
Proposed Introduction No. 1250-A, sponsored by Council Member Fernando Cabrera, would eliminate local restrictions on the operation of certain electric scooters with top speeds under 20 miles per hour. This bill would also clarify that devices that remain prohibited by local law may only be impounded if operated in a manner that endangers the safety of the operator or the safety or property of another and reduce the penalty for operating a prohibited device from $500 to $250. [R]
There are places where Onewheel, EUC, and other one wheels are street-legal. Make sure to check out your local city rules.
