Adds cargo bicycles with electric assist to the types of bicycles with electric assist regulated under the vehicle and traffic law; provides that no person shall operate a cargo bicycle with electric assist unless it is accompanied by proof of financial security unless otherwise authorized by local law, ordinance, order, rule, or regulation or pursuant to an agreement made on behalf of the city, town, or village.
NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
 
BILL NUMBER: A3874
SPONSOR: Jackson
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to cargo bicy-
cles with electric assist
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
An act to amend the vehiCle and traffic law, in relation to bicycles
with electric assist
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1: Amends the opening paragraph of section 102-c of the vehicle
traffic law to increase the width of a commercial bicycle from thirty
six inches to forty eight inches wide. It creates a fourth class of
electric bicycles, "Cargo bicycle with electric assist" which is designs
to carry and deliver more than ten cubic feet of proerty
Section 2: Amends subdivision 4 and 9 of section 1242 of the vehicle and
traffic laws and adds new subdivision 11-a. These changes regulate where
cargo bicycles with elecitrc assist can operate- namely, cargo bikes can
not use bike lanes that are in parks or on public land; cap the speed
limit on bikes to 12 miles per hour; and requires caro bike operators to
have proof of financial security (insurance).
Section 3: This act shall take effect immediately.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
As New York unrolls the legalization of e-bikes and e-scooters this
year, different tweaks to the law are needed to keep consumers safe and
get the best services possible. This legislation would create a 4th
class of e-bikes for "cargo" bikes. These bikes would be allowed to be
48 inches wide and can travel up to speeds of 12 miles an hour. Other
electric bikes have higher speed limits and are only allowed to be 36
inches wide. Cargo bikes are critical to deliver goods more efficiently
and in a cleaner environmental manner.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2021-22 A.6748-B Referred to Transportation / S.2757 Referred to Trans-
portation
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
None
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.