Short summary: New York City just had one of its safest stretches on record. Through September 30, 2026, 67 pedestrians were killed, down 15 percent from the same point in 2025. But deaths among e-bike and scooter riders went up. Fewer crashes overall does not help much if you are the one who gets hit. Walkers and riders hit by a car generally have the same no-fault rights as drivers, and many people never use them.
What the data shows
NYC DOT reported that the first nine months of 2026 saw the second fewest traffic deaths since the city began tracking in 1910. Highlights from the release:
- 67 pedestrian deaths, down 15 percent from 2025 at the same point.
- 21 deaths of people inside motor vehicles, a record low, down from 24.
- Overall traffic deaths down nearly 28 percent since Vision Zero began.
- Deaths among e-bike and stand-up scooter users increased.
City Council data released for a September hearing put numbers on that last point. In the first six months of 2026, e-bike riders suffered 738 injuries and 13 deaths, compared with 601 injuries and 10 deaths in the same months of 2025. The Council is weighing 23 bills on e-bikes and delivery apps.
Why the e-bike numbers matter for claims
E-bike crashes come in two kinds, and they work very differently. When a car hits an e-bike rider, the rider is generally treated like a pedestrian or cyclist under no-fault. That generally means medical bills and lost wages through the car's policy or the rider's own household auto policy.
When an e-bike hits a pedestrian with no car involved, no-fault generally does not apply, because e-bikes are not insured like cars. The injured person's path then depends on who the rider was, whether they were working, and what insurance, if any, exists. Our e-bike and scooter crash guide walks through both.
For pedestrians: the claim is often bigger than people think
A pedestrian hit by a car does not need to own a car to get no-fault. The application is generally due within 30 days. Our guide for people hit by a car in Manhattan covers the first steps.
Questions New Yorkers ask us
Does no-fault cover me if a car hit me while I was on an e-bike?
Generally yes. A rider hit by a car is generally covered through the car's no-fault policy, or through their own household auto policy if they have one.
Who pays if an e-bike rider hits me while I am walking?
Generally it depends on the rider. If they were working, the delivery company or its insurance may be involved. If they had no coverage, your own health insurance and a direct claim against the rider are generally the options.
Not sure where you stand after a crash? Get your free case review or call (888) 208-0529. A real person answers, 24/7.
Reporting: NYC DOT, New York City Council.
