BILL NUMBER: S5143
SPONSOR: COMRIE
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to requiring
the commissioner of motor vehicles to create a bicycle with electric
assist battery swapping pilot program in a city with a population of one
million or more
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
To create a pilot for an electric bicycle battery rental and swapping
program, to reduce fire injuries and deaths from lithium-ion batteries
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 creates the electric assist battery swapping pilot program in
New York City. The pilot will be established within six months by the
Department of Motor Vehicles in consultation with the Departments of
Transportation of New York City and State. Battery swapping stations
will be located at all DMV locations in the city. Participants in this
program will pay a one-time rental fee to DMV and then be able to
exchange drained batteries for fully charged ones, as often as needed.
The NYC Fire. Department will provide guidance on fire safety and
prevention as it relates to electric bicycle batteries. The pilot will
continue for one year, after which the Commissioner will report on it to
the governor and legislature.
Section 2 provides for an immediate effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Several recent deadly fires have made salient the need for safe use,
storage, and disposal of batteries for electric bicycles. Lithium-ion
batteries that are poorly-manufactured, misused, or aging are suscepti-
ble to malfunction and overheating and are extremely flammable. Yet,
purchasing new batteries may be cost-prohibitive for deliveristas or
others who rely on electric bikes. This bill will create a pilot for a
battery rental and swapping program in New York City. Electric bicycle
users can pay a flat fee then head to DMVs across NYC to return their
used batteries and get new ones as frequently as needed. By encouraging
more frequent replacement of batteries, we hope to increase safety from
fires caused by them. A transition to greater use of bicycles, including
electric ones, is crucial for New York to meet its climate goals.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2024: S8580 Comrie/ A7839 Cunningham
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
To be determined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
Immediately.