{"id":70365,"date":"2021-04-06T06:21:33","date_gmt":"2021-04-06T10:21:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/?p=70365"},"modified":"2022-03-27T11:53:18","modified_gmt":"2022-03-27T15:53:18","slug":"why-are-so-many-new-yorkers-buying-electrical-scooters","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/70365\/why-are-so-many-new-yorkers-buying-electrical-scooters\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Are So Many New Yorkers Buying Electrical Scooters?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Since April 1st, 2020, New Yorkers can legally drive electric bikes and scooters around the city. This is music to the ears of many delivery drivers and others who wish to drive these electric scooters and bikes to commute through the city. Although there has yet to be any agreement in Manhattan over the legalization of electrical scooters, it is expected that the city will shortly overrule that provision. <\/span><\/p>\n

With rental services like Bird and Lime expected to invest heavily into different areas around New York, many living in the city have bought their own electrical scooters instead. It is expected many delivery workers and lots of residents around the city will be delighted with these recent changes to the law. Many have been fighting to have these vehicles legalized in the city for years. However, these <\/span>electrical scooters will be capped at 15mph<\/span><\/a>, and those under 18 years old will need to wear a helmet at all times while driving the vehicle. <\/span><\/p>\n

Why are so many New Yorkers Buying Scooters During the Pandemic?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Covid-19 has been devastating for many businesses, companies like Bird, an electrical scooter rental service, have been hit hard forcing the company to make drastic decisions. They have had to lay off 30% of their employees due to the effect the pandemic has had on the industry. Bird\u2019s main competitors, Lime, were also forced to let go of many of its team members to keep them from going bust. <\/span><\/p>\n

Plenty of people in New York, whether they live there, or they are just visiting the city, use public transport on a regular basis. However, since the pandemic hit, many have tried to avoid using these modes of transport as they worry about contracting the deadly virus.<\/span><\/p>\n

New York has been hit extremely hard during the pandemic, so people in these areas are often extra careful, especially when it comes to practicing social distancing and wearing masks. However, in cities like New York, it can prove difficult because of its large population. Even during the pandemic, it is extremely hard to keep two meters away from others, especially in public transport. <\/span><\/p>\n

It’s no wonder that sales of electric scooters have been increasing during the pandemic. People have been forced into rethinking the way they commute around the big apple to stay safe, and many feel that electrical scooters are the answer<\/a>.  <\/span><\/p>\n

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