Once a sanctuary from the city’s chaos, some New Yorkers claim parks have become danger zones amid a pilot program allowing e-bikes and e-scooters into green spaces.

The debate hit a high on Wednesday when dozens gathered near Central Park's entrance to demand the city end its pilot allowing legal the micromobility devices on park drives and greenways, saying the initiative is a threat to pedestrian safety.

Many in attendance said they had personally been struck or nearly hit by e-vehicles.

“They speed, they look at their phone, they fly through red lights. They’re going to weave no matter what lane they’re in,” said Janet Schroeder, director of the NYC E-Vehicle Safety Alliance.

The pilot, which began in June 2023 and is scheduled to run through May 31, 2025, allows for e-bikes and e-scooters under 100 pounds to use park paths. Other motorized vehicles remain prohibited.

Critics of the program described it is a “dangerous experiment” Wednesday and urged lawmakers to take action.

“We don’t want e-bikes in the park because they’re not bicycles. They’re much heavier. They do much more damage,” said Schroeder.

A bill under review by the City Council would ban e-vehicles from city parks altogether.

In response to growing safety concerns, a spokesperson for the parks department said in part: “We are continuing to gain insights and test new methods for how electric micromobility can be safely managed for the benefit of all park users, and how to prevent heavier vehicles like mopeds from being operated in parks.”