Requires the division of criminal justice to create and disseminate to police departments a video on bicycles with electric assist and electric scooters

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Chris Eachus

Creates a standardized police training video on E-bikes and electric scooters clarifying classifications, operation rules, safety, and enforcement guidance.

ADVANCED TO THIRD READING CAL.477

Summary of Bill A. 10225 (2025-2026, New York)

Purpose and intent

Requires the Division of Criminal Justice to collaborate with the Department of Motor Vehicles and the Department of Transportation to create and disseminate a training video for police departments.

The video focuses on bicycles with electric assist (E-bikes) and electric scooters, aiming to clarify classifications, operation rules, enforcement guidance, and safety considerations.

Key provisions and changes

New subdivision 25 to Section 837 of the Executive Law:

Mandates creation of a comprehensive training video, produced in cooperation with:
Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
Department of Transportation (DOT)
Distribution: to police departments statewide.
Content inclusions (non-exhaustive):
Legal classification and definitions
- Visual breakdown of classes of E-bikes and electric scooters.
- Clarification on common misidentifications (e.g., throttle-controlled vs. pedal-assist models).
Operational locations and rules
- Where these devices may legally operate: streets, bicycle lanes, sidewalks, parks, shared-use paths.
- Addressing local opt-out rules.
Speed and enforcement guidance
- When speed measurement is required vs. when observational enforcement is permissible.
- Emphasis on legal importance of speed versus practical enforcement considerations.
Helmet and age requirements
- Guidance on when stops or summons are appropriate.
- When warnings or education are preferred.
Review of legal operation and behavior
- Riding in bicycle lanes, use of pedal-assist, and operation of lawful devices without registration or insurance.

Effective date: Immediate upon enactment.

Who and what is affected

PoliceDepartments: Will receive and utilize the new training video to inform enforcement and interactions related to E-bikes and electric scooters.

General public using E-bikes and electric scooters: Clarity on legal operation, helmet/age requirements, and where these devices may operate.

State agencies:

Division of Criminal Justice: Lead in producing and disseminating the video.
Department of Motor Vehicles: Collaborator on content and guidance.
Department of Transportation: Collaborator on content and guidance.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Status history:

Referred to Codes (February 12, 2026)
Reported (March 17, 2026)
Advanced to third reading (May 7, 2026)

Effective date: Immediate upon enactment (no phase-in period specified).

Practical considerations

The video aims to reduce confusion around classification (e-bike classes vs. scooters) and misidentification in enforcement.

Emphasizes appropriate policing responses: when to issue warnings/education vs. summons, and the role of helmet/age requirements.

Addresses local opt-out rules, which can vary by jurisdiction, in determining where devices may operate.

This bill codifies a standardized, cross-agency training resource to improve understanding and consistency in enforcing laws related to bicycles with electric assist and electric scooters.