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Bill

S 10054

Requires all persons in a city having a population of one million or more operating a bicycle, electric bicycle or electric scooter to wear a helmet

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Steve Chan and 3 co-sponsors

Requires helmet use for riders in large NY cities, with specified helmet standards and penalties up to $50 for violations.

REFERRED TO TRANSPORTATION
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Bill Summary · S 10054

Overview

  • Bill: S 10054
  • Session: 2025-2026
  • Jurisdiction: New York
  • Introduced: April 24, 2026 (Senator Sutton)
  • Committee: Transportation
  • Sponsor collaborators: Sen. Stavisky, Sen. Sutton (co-sponsors)

Purpose: To require all persons operating a bicycle, electric bicycle, or electric scooter in a city with a population of one million or more to wear a helmet, and to establish helmet standards and related enforcement provisions.

Key Provisions

  1. Definition added for electric bicycles

    • An electric bicycle is a bicycle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor (output < 750 watts) that engages only when the rider pedals and disengages when the brakes are applied, the rider stops pedaling, or the bicycle reaches 20 mph or more.

  2. Helmet requirement in large cities

    • Applies to all persons operating a bicycle, electric bicycle, or electric scooter on public highways, private roads open to public motor vehicle traffic, and within parks or other areas under the Parks Commissioner’s jurisdiction in a city with population of 1,000,000 or more.
    • Requirement: Operators must wear a helmet that meets one of the following standards:
      • ANSI Z 90.4 (bicycle helmet standards)
      • Snell Memorial Foundation protective headgear standards for bicycling
      • ASTM bicycle helmet standards
      • Safety Equipment Institute (SEI) bicycle helmet standards
      • U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) bicycle helmet standards

  3. Penalties and enforcement

    • Violation is a traffic infraction, punishable by a civil penalty not exceeding $50.
    • Violations are processed under Article 2-A of the Vehicle and Traffic Law. Age-specific provisions:
    • For a person under 16, a hearing officer may waive the civil penalty if a parent/guardian provides proof that they purchased or rented a helmet meeting the requirements between the violation and appearance date.
    • A hearing officer may also waive penalties due to economic hardship.
    • A waiver does not apply to a second or subsequent conviction.

  4. Parental liability and enforcement specifics

    • Parent/guardian liability: The parent or guardian of a person under 16 is liable for violations committed by the minor.
    • Summons for minors: If the violation occurs in the presence of a parent/guardian (18+), a summons may be issued to the parent/guardian rather than the minor.
    • Summons issued to minors: Generally issued to the parent/guardian, not the minor.

  5. Legal effect on negligence claims

    • Failure to comply with the helmet requirement does not constitute contributory negligence or assumption of risk, nor does it bar or diminish civil action for personal injury or wrongful death.

  6. Effective date

    • Takes effect 90 days after the law is enacted.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Individuals operating bicycles, electric bicycles, or electric scooters in New York City or other cities with populations of 1,000,000 or more.
  • Minors under 16 years old (with specific parental liability and waiver provisions).
  • Parents or guardians of minors (responsible for penalties and potential waivers).
  • Parks and recreation areas within the jurisdiction of the Parks Commissioner, as well as public roadways and private roads open to public traffic within large cities.

Potential Impact

  • Behavioral: Expected increase in helmet use among riders in large cities, including youths.
  • Public safety: Aims to reduce head injuries from bicycle/electric bicycle/electric scooter incidents.
  • Enforcement: Introduction of civil penalties (up to $50) with potential waivers for first-time minor violations or economic hardship; parental involvement in enforcement for minors.
  • Administrative: Requires helmet compliance verification in various jurisdictions (roads, parks, and city spaces under parks authority) in large cities.

Notes

  • The bill defines specific helmet standards to ensure uniform compliance.
  • It preserves the right to pursue civil action for injuries despite helmet non-compliance.
  • The law would apply to electric scooters as well as bicycles and electric bicycles.

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

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