NYC lifts ban on electric bikes, but hoverboards still illegal

New York City is home to one of the biggest bike-sharing networks in the country, but until this week electric bicycles — regular bicycles with an electric motor to give rides a boost — were banned in the bustling city. The confusing ban has kept out bike-sharing companies and frustrated delivery workers.

On Tuesday, though, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that electric-assist bicycles, known as e-bikes, would be allowed to pedal through city streets. Any bikes that can travel faster than 20 mph aren't allowed and hoverboards remain illegal.