Don’t Get a Ticket on Your E-bike: Rules of the Road in Rochester
Written by Site Hub on April 15, 2025
As the weather warms up, Rochester police are reminding residents of the rules for safely and legally operating e-bikes and e-scooters. According to RPD Traffic Enforcement Officer James Thuerck, riders must use bike lanes or ride on the right-hand side of the road, and sidewalks are strictly off-limits. In New York State, e-scooters are capped at 15 mph, and e-bikes at 20 mph. These vehicles are also prohibited from roads with speed limits over 30 mph—such as Lake Avenue and Mount Read Boulevard. Thuerck urges riders to stay alert and aware of distracted drivers, noting that visibility issues and inexperience can contribute to accidents. Riders are required to follow all traffic laws, in addition to regulations specific to their device. With increased enforcement and safety concerns, following these rules is crucial for avoiding tickets—and collisions.
Source: Rochester First