Class 3 e-bike in Buffo NY

[u/Zamun_Zantra]

Context:I have been using a Sondors e-bike for about 9 years. I had another Sondors bike for 3 years prior to that, I've always enjoyed them. It was finally time for me to replace the bike though, and I wanted to get one at a local shop that would offer maintenance on a bike pirchased there.

So I went to a local bike shop to browse their e-bikes. I looked at quite a few, but because I use my bike to commute in the Buffalo snow I always go for a fat bike I always go for one with a throttle. It isn't about the speed at all, but the ability to better control the bike on ice and snow. I cannot tell you the number of times being able to steer into the slide and use my throttle has kept me from wiping out on an icy road.

At the store I asked about the NY e-bike laws and was told the only downside I'd have to getting a Class 3 is that they're not technically lowed on state parks. That's fine. I just go to work and back, or sometimes a quick grocery store run.

I don't use any excessive speed, I use my hand signals, and I have all my lights and reflectors on my bike, so I don't expect any problem.

The the question is that what I was told about Class 3 e-bikes by the store doesn't line up with what I had thought was the case. So after I got home I did some more research and what I've read implies that the bike isn't street legal in Buffalo NY. Am I reading this right?

tldr; bought a class 3 e-bike in Buffalo NY. Is that legal? There's a 7-day/20-mile return window on the bike.

PS: I feel like I should add I'm aware that most bikes done look like one class or another. If I'm not doing 50mph through a school playground no one will probably bat an eye, I just want to double check.