BILL NUMBER: S9055
SPONSOR: COMRIE
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to electric
scooter programs; and to amend the state finance law, in relation to
establishing the street and sidewalk infrastructure fund
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
This legislation establishes a statewide regulatory structure for elec-
tric scooter programs and creates a dedicated fund to support street,
sidewalk, and pedestrian-related infrastructure improvements.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 adds a new § 1290 to the Vehicle and Traffic Law to define
"electric scooter programs," require operators to register scooters with
the Department of Transportation, mandate annual safety inspections-in-
cluding lithium-ion battery safety-and require operators to maintain
24/7 response systems for improperly, parked scooters. Operators must
also remit a fee to be deposited into the newly created infrastructure
fund.
Section 2 adds a new § 99-tt to the State Finance Law creating the
"Street and Sidewalk Infrastructure Fund," consisting of scooter-program
fees and any additional appropriations, gifts, or transfers. The Depart-
ment of Transportation may use these funds for the repair, maintenance,
and improvement of streets, sidewalks, and related pedestrian infras-
tructure. Annual reporting is required.
Section 3 provides the effective date and authorizes necessary rulemak-
ing.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Cities across New York State are experiencing rapid growth in the use of
shared electric scooters. While these programs expand mobility and
provide affordable transportation options, they also raise challenges
related to street safety, sidewalk accessibility, and the wear and tear
of pedestrian infrastructure.
This legislation establishes basic statewide protections: annual regis-
tration and safety inspections, ADA-compliant response protocols, fees
dedicated to rebuilding pedestrian infrastructure, and transparency
around the use of funds. By pairing modest regulation with long-term
investment, the bill supports mobility innovation while ensuring that
scooters do not undermine accessibility or safety for pedestrians,
seniors, people with disabilities, or other vulnerable roadway users.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New bill.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
To be determined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the one hundred eightieth day after it
shall have become law.