South Queens, NY – New York State Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato voted “yes” to pass a bill which requires e-bikes, e-scooters with a seat, mopeds, vespas, or other types of vehicles that qualify under the definition of a “limited use motorcycle” to be registered with NYS before leaving the premises of the retailers. With Pheffer Amato’s yes vote, A.8450 was able to pass the State Assembly and be delivered to the Governor for signing, and thus becoming a law. A limited use motorcycle is a vehicle that has either “two or three wheels, with a seat or saddle for the operator.”

“Enough is enough! These types of vehicles are a nuisance and negatively impact the quality of life of the people in our community, and everyone throughout New York. I am proud to have voted yes to create rules and require a new form of accountability so retailers and those who wish to purchase things like e-bikes will have to register with the DMV,” said Pheffer Amato. The Assemblywoman cited how unregistered e-bikes have been able to ride with impunity and endangered pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists, but now “the law is clear and if you want to be on the road you have to follow the law!”

Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato has been one of the largest critics of e-bikes and e-scooters and has notably worked to get them off the streets. She previously co-sponsored the bill, A.4938, which was also signed into law, making it illegal to sell lithium-ion batteries for devices, like e-bikes, unless the battery is certified by a nationally accredited testing laboratory. Illegally made or second-hand batteries have been traced back to 200 fires in NYC throughout 2022, which resulted in 6 deaths and over 100 injuries.

The law can begin immediately with full enforcement beginning by January 2025.