Right after ordering my $400 hub and $600 life4po ping battery, I found out that e-bikes are illegal to ride on the road in New York. I feel dumb and wish I had done my research first, as I definitely can't afford 200-750 dollar fines should I be cited.

Does anyone have any experience with riding eBikes DAILY in NYC?

Anyone have any run ins with the law elsewhere for having a non-certified vehicle?

If I do brave the law and try it anyway, I'll use front panniers to try to hide the hub, but at this point I am very concerned and may abandon my project.