New York Assembly Bill A00339

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/8/25
• Refer: 1/8/25
• Refer: 1/7/26

Caption

Requires bicycles with electric assist and electric scooters in a city with a population of one million or more be registered with the department of motor vehicles and have a license plate affixed to such bicycle with electric assist or electric scooter.

Summary

This bill, titled "Priscilla's law," would require bicycles with electric assist and electric scooters operating in a city with a population of one million or more to be registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles and issued a number plate. The bill prohibits operation of these devices unless they display a distinctive plate linked to a certificate of registration, and it directs the commissioner to set the plate design, fee, and penalty for violations. The registration and plate requirements would apply only in the largest city in the state, which in practice means New York City. The bill also requires the plate to be displayed on the rear of the bicycle or scooter and securely fastened. It would take effect immediately upon enactment.

Impact

The bill would amend the Vehicle and Traffic Law by adding new sections governing registration of electric-assist bicycles and electric scooters in cities of one million or more residents. It would create a new DMV registration and plate system for these devices, authorize the commissioner to establish the plate specifications, fees, and fines, and impose a legal requirement that covered vehicles display the plate before lawful operation. The practical effect would be to add a new regulatory layer for e-bikes and e-scooters in New York City, affecting riders, device owners, and potentially delivery workers and micromobility operators.

Sentiment

No committee transcript or recorded vote is provided, so there is no direct evidence of debate or formal support/opposition in the materials supplied. Based on the bill text alone, the measure appears to be framed as a safety and enforcement proposal, but the absence of discussion and voting history makes the overall sentiment indeterminate from the record provided.

Contention

The main point of contention likely concerns whether requiring DMV registration and license plates for e-bikes and e-scooters is an appropriate response to safety and accountability concerns, versus whether it would create burdens for riders and micromobility users. Because the bill is limited to cities of one million or more, another likely issue is its targeted application to New York City and whether that geographic distinction is justified. No specific objections or supporters are identified in the supplied transcripts or votes.