Requires bicycles with electric assist and electric scooters be registered with the department of motor vehicles, inspected and have liability insurance; and have a license plate affixed to such bicycle with electric assist or electric scooter.
NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A350
SPONSOR: Rajkumar TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to requiring
bicycles with electric assist and electric scooters be inspected and
registered with the department of motor vehicles and carry liability
insurance
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
To require license plates, insurance and inspection of electric vehicles
to promote safety.
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 amends the vehicle and traffic law by adding two new sections
1244 and 1245 respectively providing for registration and inspection of
bicycles with electric assist, and insurance coverage.
Section 2 amends the vehicle and traffic law by adding two new sections
1290 and 1291 respectively providing for the same requirements for elec-
tric scooters.
Section 3 is the effective date.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ORIGINAL AND AMENDED VERSION (IF APPLICABLE):
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JUSTIFICATION:
Collisions involving electric vehicles (electric bicycles and scooters)
number in the thousands each year, resulting in injuries and fatalities.
Many owners utilize reconditioned aftermarket lithium ion batteries to
power their vehicles, which cost a fraction of the price of certified
batteries but are prone to explosion. In New York City, there were over
250 lithium ion battery fires in 2023, which killed at least 18 people
and injured another 133.
This bill would require electric vehicle owners to carry insurance in
the same manner as motor vehicles, in the event of a collision. It would
also require vehicle inspection, including inspection of a battery, for
safety. The bill requires matching labeling for the vehicle and battery,
so that a user cannot switch out a certified battery for a reconditioned
one following inspection.
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-24 A9114 referred to transportation
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
To be determined.
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.
