A11230 Summary:

BILL NOA11230
 
SAME ASSAME AS S09046
 
SPONSORRules (Perry)
 
COSPNSR
 
MLTSPNSR
 
Amd §316, Hway L; amd §180, Gen Muni L; amd V & T L, generally
 
Defines "electric scooters" and implements additional requirements for operating such scooters.
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A11230 Actions:

BILL NOA11230
 
06/15/2018referred to transportation
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A11230 Committee Votes:

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A11230 Floor Votes:

There are no votes for this bill in this legislative session.
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A11230 Memo:

NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY
MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION
submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
 
BILL NUMBER: A11230
 
SPONSOR: Rules (Perry)
  TITLE OF BILL: An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, the highway law and the general municipal law, in relation to the regulation of electric scoot- ers   PURPOSE: This bill clarifies the vehicle and traffic law to define electric scooters; establish that electric scooters, as defined, are scooters, not motor vehicles; and establish safety and operation criteria for their use.   SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS: Section 1 of the bill provides that this act shall be known and may be cited as "The Innovative Transportation Act of 2018" Section 2 of the bill adds a new Section 102-c to the vehicle and traf- fic law and defines electric scooter Section 3 amends section 125 of the vehicle and traffic law to include electric scooters Section 4 amends section 159 of the vehicle and traffic law to include electric scooters Section 5 amends section 1230 of the vehicle and traffic law to include electric scooters. Section 6 amends section 1231 of the vehicle and traffic law to include electric scooters. Section 7 amends section 1232 of the vehicle and traffic law to include electric scooters. Section 8 amends section 1233 of the vehicle and traffic law to include electric scooters. Section 9 amends section 1234 of the vehicle and traffic law to include electric scooters. Section 10 amends section 1235 of the vehicle and traffic law to include electric scooters. Section 11 amends section 1236 of the vehicle and traffic law to include electric scooters. Section 12 adds section 1242 to the vehicle and traffic law to create a violation for tampering with an electric scooter. Section 13 amends section 316 of the highway law to prevent authorities of highways, public streets, parks, parkways, driveways from restricting the use of electric scooters, but permits the city of New York to apply regulations, ordinances or rules, regulating the use of electric scoot- ers in the city of New York. Section 14 amends the general municipal law to allow governing boards of municipal corporations to adopt local laws to regulate the use of scoot- ers on the public highways, streets, avenues, walks, parks and public places within their limits. States that local laws shall not impose any charge, tax or otherwise not provide for the free use of electric scoot- ers. Section 15 provides that this act shall take effect immediately.   JUSTIFICATION: This legislation clarifies the legal status of electric scooters, commonly referred to as "e-scooters." Over the last decade, electric scooters have steadily become more popular as consumers seek affordable, convenient and environmentally-friendly transportation options, partic- ularly in large cities that struggle with street congestion issues. Electric scooters are small, compact, and lightweight. Not to be confused with mopeds, electric scooters are two-wheeled devices with handlebars and a floorboard that the rider stands on with both feet. The brake is located on the left handlebar and the throttle (which is pushed forward and backward) is on the right handlebar. This configura- tion allows for safe and instantaneous control over speed and direction. The electric motor is built into the thin floorboard and because the scooters are capped at 15 miles per hour, their physical footprint is small and contained. Currently, New York State's Vehicle and Traffic Laws do not address the legal status of electric scooters, which causes them to fall under the umbrella category of "motor vehicle." This has led to much confusion throughout New York. While motor vehicles are required to be registered with the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), the DMV explicitly states that "motorized scooters" cannot be registered. There- fore, in State law, electric scooters exist in a legal gray zone where they are not technically illegal and yet also cannot be registered. In New York City, meanwhile, motorized scooters are explicitly, prohibited (§ 19-176.2). Taken as a whole, this means that the State does not address electric scooters, the DMV addresses electric scooters but does not register them, and the City addresses and prohibits electric scoot- ers. Clarifying the legality of electric scooters would bring increased busi- ness and provide a new, environmentally-friendly transportation option to a City and State that desperately need them, particularly in light of the ongoing issues with public transportation. In addition to increased sales at local bicycle/scooter shops and the possibility of the bringing electric scooter manufacturers to the state, electric-scooter sharing companies would be permitted to enter the market. This would provide New Yorkers with another affordable travel option that reduces dependence on cars, while also stimulating local businesses by activating streets, bike lanes, and sidewalks. Overall, legalizing electric scooters would provide numerous economic and environmental benefits that will make New York a more equitable and healthy place to live.   LEGISLATIVE HISTORY: New Bill   FISCAL IMPLICATIONS: None to the state.   EFFECTIVE DATE: This act shall take effect immediately.
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