BILL NUMBER: S9402
SPONSOR: PALUMBO
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to establishing
bicycle with electric assist safety courses, requiring purchasers of
bicycles with electric assist to provide a bicycle with electric assist
safety certificate and requiring operators of bicycles with electric
assist to carry identification when operating such bicycles
 
PURPOSE:
To improve public safety by requiring purchasers and operators of bicy-
cles with electric assist (e-bikes) to complete a safety education
course and obtain a safety certificate prior to purchase and operation.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1. Adds a new section 1244 to the vehicle and traffic law,
directing the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles to initiate and implement a
bicycle with electric assist safety course. The course would provide
instruction on the laws governing e-bikes and their safe operation. Upon
successful completion, participants would receive a bicycle with elec-
tric assist safety certificate. The commissioner may charge a fee not to
exceed ten dollars for issuance of the certificate, though no fee may be
charged for issuing certificates to individuals under eighteen years of
age. The commissioner is also authorized to approve in-person and inter-
net-based safety courses and to establish systems for tracking and
replacing certificates.
Section 2. Amends section 1242 of the vehicle and traffic law to prohib-
it the sale or lease of a bicycle with electric assist unless the
purchaser provides a valid safety certificate. In cases involving
minors, both the minor and the parent or guardian must complete the
course and provide certificates. This section also requires all opera-
tors of bicycles with electric assist to carry identification while
operating such bicycles.
Section 3. Provides that the act shall take effect immediately.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
The use of bicycles with electric assist has increased significantly
across New York State, particularly in suburban and urban communities.
While e-bikes offer important transportation and environmental benefits,
their increased speed and weight present safety concerns for riders,
pedestrians and motorists alike.
Currently, there is no uniform statewide requirement ensuring that
e-bike operators understand the applicable traffic laws or safe operat-
ing practices. This lack of education contributes to preventable acci-
dents, injuries and conflicts on roadways and shared use paths.
This legislation establishes a proactive, education-based approach to
safety by ensuring that purchasers and operators of bicycles with elec-
tric assist receive proper training before operating these vehicles. By
including parents and guardians in the certification process for minors,
the bill promotes accountability and awareness at the family level, The
availability of internet-based courses ensures accessibility and mini-
mizes barriers to compliance.
This bill balances public safety with reasonable implementation, modest
fees, and exemptions for minors while empowering the Department of Motor
Vehicles to oversee and administer the program efficiently.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New bill
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
TBD
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
Immediately

Statutes affected:
S9402: 1242 vehicle and traffic law