BUFFALO, N.Y. — Governor Andrew Cuomo is now proposing regulations to legalize e-bikes and e-scooters in New York State, a bill that he would like to see fast tracked.
But under the governor's plan, local cities and towns would still have the right to prohibit these forms of transportation.
Cuomo made it clear, he wants this bill to be passed before the state budget is due in April.
He says there's nothing stopping lawmakers from legalizing e-bikes and e-scooters as early as next week. Here are some of the regulations laid out by the governor Thursday:
- The speed limit for e-bikes would be either 20 mph or 25 mph and would depend on the type of class it is.
- The speed limit for e-scooters would be 15 mph.
- Both would not be allowed to operate on sidewalks.
- And drivers would have to be at least 16 years old to operate an e-bike or e-scooter.
Cuomo now wants lawmakers to act.
"The bill is self-contained, and there's no reason why they can't pass this bill next week as far as I'm concerned. April 1 is the worst-case scenario, if you will, because that's when the budget must be due," Cuomo said.
The governor says this legislation is more geared toward alleviating traffic in New York City.
Just last month a bill that would've allowed cities and towns to set electric bike and electric scooter regulations was vetoed by the governor.
He says there weren't enough safety precautions in it.
Under the governor's plan, cities and towns would still be allowed to add additional regulations, or prohibit e-bikes and e-scooters.
A spokesperson for Byron Brown says the Buffalo mayor is reviewing the governor's proposal.
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