Bill > A01546

This bill amends the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law to establish regulations for bicycles with electric assist, which are bicycles equipped with an electric motor to provide additional propulsion. The bill updates several sections of the law to explicitly include bicycles with electric assist in existing definitions and regulations. Specifically, it modifies the definition of "bicycle" to incorporate electric-assist bicycles, adjusts the definition of "vehicle" to exclude electric-assist bicycles, allows bicycles to park on sidewalks in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act as long as they do not obstruct pedestrian traffic, and extends rules about driving on sidewalks to include bicycles with electric assist. The bill permits local authorities to create their own rules governing the operation of electric-assist bicycles and establishes that when driving on a sidewalk, these bicycles must maintain a speed of no more than five miles per hour and yield the right of way to pedestrians. The changes aim to provide clear legal guidelines for the use of electric-assist bicycles while ensuring pedestrian safety and maintaining local regulatory flexibility.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A1546