Reproduced from the NewYorkScooters Yahoogroup, written by Tom G. ParkingNOW does not condone or suggest that you violate the law, and does not accept responsibility for any fines that you may incur.

IScootNY.com/FAQ

1. You must have a license plate to be parked on a public thoroughfare in NYC. If you don't have one on your vehicle, you can get a ticket, or you can be towed, or both. To be valid, a parking ticket must state a license plate number (UNLESS THERE IS NO PLATE ON THE VEHICLE). I that case, the officer MUST explain on the ticket that there was no plate, and must list the VIN of the vehicle for the ticket to be valid. Some VINS are easy for the cop to spot, and some are not. If you don't have a plate, and the cop can't spot your VIN, I suspect that the cop is more likely to have you towed, but you never know. Sometimes the police will do the towing, and sometimes the department of sanitation (particularly if there is no plate or vin). If that latter happens, you may find it very difficult to locate and retrieve your bike. Do cops tow bikes? You bet! Practically speaking, I think it seldom happens, but periodically, the boys in blue launch an offensive against illegally parked cycles. I've personally seen NYPD flatbeds and boom trucks cruising the city and plucking offending two-wheelers off the street (or sidewalk). I don't mean to sound like the voice of doom, but you should be aware of the possibilities.

2. You are allowed to cover your vehicle in NYC, but that cover must not obscure your license plate, or the VIN. If either are obscured, you can get a ticket, and the cop is allowed to lift the cover to view the plate number or VIN.

3. You are not allowed to park on the sidewalk, unless that sidewalk is private property. Sometimes it is clear what is private property, and sometimes it is not. Assume that a cop can ticket you unless it is perfectly clear, in which case, a judge may or may not agree with you that the ticket is invalid. In otherwords, sidewalk parking is risky (but it is a risk that scooterists frequently have to accept).