The NYCHA Journal

The NYCHA Journal has informed and inspired residents since 1970, covering the news, contributions, and uplifting stories of the NYCHA community while providing the latest information on Authority initiatives.

Micromobility rules
NYCHA News Safety Top Story 

New Rules Regarding Electric Micromobility Vehicles and Devices

Michael

Dear Residents, 

The well-being of the NYCHA community is our top priority. In light of that commitment, we developed new rules addressing the use of electric micromobility devices in NYCHA buildings and apartments which are intended to prevent fires and protect residents’ health and safety. These rules were crafted based on feedback that we received from residents and community advocates during a recent public comment period, and the rules are in effect as of March 1, 2024.  

A summary of the rules is below. You can learn more at on.nyc.gov/micromobility, and please feel free to reach out to your property manager with any questions.  

Thank you for helping to ensure the safety of our communities, 

NYCHA 

Rules Regarding Electric Micromobility Vehicles and Devices 

Effective March 1, 2024 

You may keep or charge bicycles with electric assist (e-bikes) and electric scooters (e-scooters) that are legal to operate in NYC bike lanes in your apartment. However, to ensure the safety of your family and your neighbors, the following precautions must be followed:  

  • You may only charge one e-bike, e-scooter, or battery at a time in a NYCHA apartment;  
  • Someone 18 years or older must be present and awake in the apartment the entire time the device or battery is charging;   
  • The charger must be plugged directly into an electrical wall outlet (extension cords or power strips must not be used);  
  • You cannot keep or charge a lithium-ion battery that has been assembled, refurbished, or reconditioned in a way prohibited by NYC law;   
  • You cannot charge a lithium-ion battery within five feet of a radiator or any other direct heat source;  
  • You cannot charge a lithium-ion battery next to an apartment entrance door or any other place that could prevent escape in the event of a fire; and  
  • You cannot charge an e-bike, e-scooter, or its battery in a common area unless that area is designated as a charging area by NYCHA.     

 Electric micromobility vehicles and devices that cannot be operated legally in New York City, or that require DMV registration or a driver’s license to operate, are prohibited in NYCHA buildings (for example, electric mopeds, large electric scooters weighing 100 pounds or more, electric motorcycles, gas-powered vehicles and devices, electric dirt bikes, electric skateboards, Segways, electric hoverboards, electric unicycles, and electric all-terrain vehicles, and their batteries). It is a violation of your lease to keep or charge vehicles and devices like these in NYCHA apartments or common areas. For more information about which types of micromobility devices are allowed or not allowed, please visit on.nyc.gov/info-on-ebikes.