Resolution calling on the State Legislature to enact and for the Governor to sign A.1018 and S.2888, which would amend the State Vehicle and Traffic law to include "electric assisted" bicycles in the definition of bicycles and thus permit their use

Res. No. 160

Resolution calling on the State Legislature to enact and for the Governor to sign A.1018 and S.2888, which would amend the State Vehicle and Traffic law to include “electric assisted” bicycles in the definition of bicycles and thus permit their use

By Council Members Rodriguez and Chin

Whereas, The New York State Traffic and Vehicle Law (“VTL”) allows only “motor vehicles” to be registered with the State Department of Motor Vehicles (“DMV”) ; and

Whereas, Bicycles are excluded from the DMV registration requirements because they are defined as devices that are propelled by human power; and

Whereas, “Electric assisted” bicycles (“e-bikes”) do not fall within the State definition of bicycles and are not considered motor vehicles; and

Whereas, State law effectively prohibits the operation of e-bikes; and

Whereas, Safety concerns have been raised about the use of e-bikes; and

Whereas, Despite safety concerns, “electric assisted” bicycles have increasingly become a preferred means of making deliveries in the City; and

Whereas, Proponents for e-bikes argue that e-bikes have potential economic and environmental benefits because they improve working conditions of commercial cyclists and reduce the reliance on motor vehicles; and

Whereas, State legislation (A.1018 by Assemblyman David F. Gantt and S.2888 by Senator Martin Malavė Dilan) would amend the New York State Vehicle and Traffic law to include e-bikes in the State definition of bicycles and thus permit their use; and

Whereas, If adopted, the State legislation would limit e-bikes to having a power output of “no more than seven hundred fifty watts” and speed of no more than twenty miles per hour; and

Whereas, New York City is seeing rapid diversification in its transportation infrastructure, including greater use of conventional and electric bicycles for both recreational and commercial purposes; and

Whereas, E-bikes can make a positive contribution to the health and economic well-being of the City; now, therefore, be it

                     Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the State Legislature to enact and for the Governor to sign A.1018 and S.2888, which would amend the State Vehicle and Traffic law to include “electric assisted” bicycles in the definition of bicycles and thus permit their use.

GZ

LS# 585/Res. No. 108/2014

LS# 63

November 28, 2017