New York State Senator Kristen Gonzalez and Assemblymember Diana Moreno have introduced Senate Bill S.10700, which would regulate the sale and marketing of high-speed electric vehicles referred to as “E-motos,” as well as electric off-highway motorcycles. The bill was referred to the Senate Rules Committee on September 14, 2026, and remains under consideration by the New York State Legislature.

Legal Classification and Scope

Under the proposed legislation, an “E-moto” would mean a device equipped with a motor capable of propelling it at more than 20 mph (32 km/h), excluding devices specifically excluded from New York State’s definition of a motor vehicle or devices eligible for registration under the Vehicle and Traffic Law.

If enacted, S.10700 would prohibit physical and online retailers from selling or offering E-motos for sale to purchasers in New York State.

For electric off-highway motorcycles, the bill would require sales to be conducted through ATV dealers located in New York State and registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles. Dealers would also be required to register the vehicles with the DMV before delivering them to purchasers.

Sales Regulations and Penalties

The proposed legislation would establish several requirements covering sales and marketing:

Marketing restrictions: Retailers would be prohibited from advertising or offering E-motos or electric off-highway motorcycles for sale as “e-bikes” or “e-scooters.”

Consumer warnings: Sellers would be required to provide warnings stating that E-motos and electric off-highway motorcycles may not be operated on New York State public roads or streets.

Civil penalties: Failure to provide the required warning would be subject to a civil penalty of up to $250 for a first offense and up to $1,000 for each subsequent offense.

Legislative Background

According to the bill’s sponsor memo, the proposal follows a fatal May 28, 2026, crash on the Queensboro Bridge involving an illegal high-speed electric scooter and a bicycle. The electric scooter was capable of exceeding 50 mph (approximately 80 km/h), and both riders were killed.

The sponsors said that non-street-legal electric vehicles continue to be sold through dealers and online channels, including products marketed as e-bikes or e-scooters.

S.10700 remains pending before the New York State Legislature and has not become law.

Photo: New York State Senate