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Bill

S 10063

Relates to the registration of bicycles with electric assist used for commercial purposes

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Joe Addabbo and 5 co-sponsors

Requires registration and license plates for commercial e-bikes, with employer/platform liability for violations, to improve accountability of e-bike delivery operations.

REFERRED TO TRANSPORTATION
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Bill Summary · S 10063

Summary of Bill S. 10063 (2025-2026) — New York

Purpose and intent

This bill aims to regulate and standardize the use of bicycles equipped with electric assist (e-bikes) when used for commercial deliveries. It would require registration, display of a license plate, and clear liability rules for businesses that employ or contract delivery riders using such bicycles. The overall goal is to enhance accountability and compliance among commercial operators of e-bike deliveries.

Key provisions

  • Registration and licensing (Vehicle and Traffic Law, new §1244):

    • Any electric-assisted bicycle used for commercial purposes must be registered and issued a number plate by the Department.
    • Each registered e-bike must display a distinctive number plate on the rear, clearly marked for visibility.
    • The commissioner will set the plate’s design, material, dimensions, and distinguishing identifiers; color contrast between the plate and numerals is required.
    • The fee for the number plate is set by the commissioner.

  • Liability for employers and platforms (Vehicle and Traffic Law, §1242(5)(c) modification):

    • If an operator who is employed or contracted by a business to deliver goods in commerce violates applicable regulations while on duty, the employer/business, or a third-party delivery platform that arranged the delivery, can be held liable for the resulting fine.

  • Administrative code updates (New York City specifics):

    • Definitions and expansions to cover bicycles operating for commercial purposes, including those delivering packages by bicycle for compensation.
    • Clear definitions:
    • “Bicycle” includes human-powered devices and motor-assisted devices not registrable with the state DMV.
    • “Bicycle operator” is a person delivering items by bicycle for a business and paid by that business.
    • “Business using a bicycle for commercial purposes” encompasses entities delivering items by bicycle, with a caveat excluding minors under 16 delivering newspapers or circulars.
    • Business responsibility (NYC section 10-157(a) and (g)):
    • A business using a bicycle for commercial purposes must comply with relevant NYC regulations and state subdivision five of §1242.
    • Violations by a business or its bicycle operators trigger penalties:
      • Criminal penalties: fines of $100–$250, or up to 15 days imprisonment, or both, for violations by the business or related platforms (or operators).
      • Civil penalties: typically $100 for most violations; escalation to $250 for repeated or certain violations after 30 days; a $100 penalty for violations of subdivision d (with a compliance window and opportunity to contest).
      • Some violations may carry combined criminal and civil penalties, and penalties are recoverable in court or Environmental Control Board proceedings.

  • Effective date

    • The act becomes effective 90 days after enactment.

Who/what would be affected

  • Commercial e-bike operators and riders who use electric-assisted bicycles for delivering goods.
  • Businesses and platforms employing or contracting such riders (including third-party delivery platforms).
  • City and state agencies responsible for enforcement (Department of Transportation, and NYC Environmental Control Board/related agencies).
  • Bicycle registration administrators responsible for issuing number plates.

Procedural/timeline notes

  • Referred to the Senate Transportation Committee for consideration.
  • Takes effect 90 days after the law is enacted.
  • Establishes a phased regulatory framework (registration, plate issuance, and enforcement mechanisms) that would require operational changes for affected businesses and riders.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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