BILL NUMBER: S4471
SPONSOR: RAMOS
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to cargo bicy-
cles with electric assist
 
PURPOSE:
An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to bicycles
with electric assist
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1: Amends the opening paragraph of section 102-c of the vehicle
traffic law to increase the width of a commercial bicycle from thirty
six inches to forty eight inches wide. It creates a fourth class of
electric bicycles, "Cargo bicycle with electric assist" which is designs
to carry and deliver more than ten cubic feet of property
Section 2: Amends subdivision 4 and 9 of section 1242 oldie vehicle and
traffic laws and adds new subdivision II -a. These changes regulate
where cargo bicycles with electric assist can operate- namely, cargo
bikes can not use bike lanes that are in parks or on public land; cap
the speed limit on hikes to 12 miles per hour; and require cargo bike
operators to have proof of financial security
Section 3: Sets effective date
 
JUSTIFICATION:
As New York unrolls the legalization of e-bikes and e-scooters this
year, different tweaks to the law are needed to keep consumers safe and
get the best services possible. This legislation would create a 4th
class of e-bikes for "cargo" bikes. These bikes would he allowed to be
48 inches wide and can travel up to speeds of 12 miles an hour. Other
electric bikes have higher speed limits and are only allowed to be 36
inches wide. Cargo bikes are critical to deliver goods more efficiently
and in a cleaner environmental manner.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2024: S 1975 (Ramos) Referred to Transportation / A3874 (Jackson)
referred to transportation
2023: S1975 (Ramos) Committed to Rules / A3874 (Jackson) referred to
transportation
2021-22: S275713 (Ramos) Passed Senate / A6748B (Jackson) referred to
transportation
2019-20: S9004 (Ramos) Referred to Rules
 
FISCAL IMPACT:
TBD
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.

Statutes affected:
S4471: 102-c vehicle and traffic law