Albany, NY – Today, it was announced that Governor Andrew M. Cuomo will include language in the Executive Budget that would legalize the operation of electric bicycles and scooters in New York. In response to the news, Assemblywoman Nily Rozic (D,WF-Fresh Meadows) issued the following statement:

“For the past year I have worked with a broad coalition of advocates to pass legislation that would protect immigrant workers, provide a sustainable alternative mode of transportation, and bring viable micromobility options to transit starved neighborhoods across the state. I am pleased that following several discussions with advocates and the Governor’s office, we have a budget proposal paving the way for the long-awaited legalization of electric bicycles and scooters.”

“Our goal has always been to provide overdue clarity in the law to deliver economic justice for delivery workers while introducing new transit options that could improve connectivity to existing transit networks. This agreement honors the original intent and addresses safety concerns that have been raised over the past several months. I look forward to seeing this proposal through to its inclusion in the FY20-21 State Budget and thank Governor Cuomo for his partnership – as well as the dedicated advocates who remained committed to this cause.”

Among the provisions that would address safety concerns is language that would require the use of helmets for 16 to 18-year olds operating electric scooters and for those operating class three electric bicycles, which have a maximum speed of 25mph. The budget also updates language on safety equipment affixed to both electric bicycles and scooters, and includes provisions that would establish DWI penalties only in the event of a collision. The proposal maintains local authority of municipalities over their own streets and sidewalks as originally proposed in Rozic’s legislation which passed with overwhelming bipartisan support last June.