New York Consolidated Laws, Vehicle and Traffic Law - VAT § 102-c. Bicycle with electric assist

(a) “Class one bicycle with electric assist.” A bicycle with electric assist having an electric motor that provides assistance only when the person operating such bicycle is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when such bicycle reaches a speed of twenty miles per hour.

(b) “Class two bicycle with electric assist.” A bicycle with electric assist having an electric motor that may be used exclusively to propel such bicycle, and that is not capable of providing assistance when such bicycle reaches a speed of twenty miles per hour.

(c) “Class three bicycle with electric assist.” Solely within a city having a population of one million or more, a bicycle with electric assist having an electric motor that may be used exclusively to propel such bicycle, and that is not capable of providing assistance when such bicycle reaches a speed of twenty-five miles per hour.