S 8948 New York Senate · 2025 Regular Session

Relates to lights for bicycles with electric assist and electric scooters

This bill requires manufacturers shipping electric-assist bicycles and electric scooters in New York State to permanently affix specific lights to these vehicles. Manufacturers must install a white front light visible for 500 feet ahead and a red or amber rear light visible for 300 feet behind, with at least 200 feet visibility from the sides. The law directly affects manufacturers selling these vehicles in New York, mandating these safety features before shipping. It takes effect 90 days after becoming law.

Issues: ✓ Transportation

Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2026

Committee Review

Floor Vote

Governor

Introduced Jan 20, 2026 Last action May 29, 2026

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What changed between versions

S8948 → S8948A · 3 edits

MINOR

The bill was amended to expand the list of sponsors and update the title to reflect that the law applies to both selling and leasing of e-bikes and e-scooters. The substantive legal requirements for lighting were modified to apply to sellers and lessors rather than just manufacturers, and the effective date was changed from ninety days to one year after enactment.

Scope change

The bill's scope was broadened from applying only to manufacturers to also covering persons, firms, and corporations engaged in selling or leasing e-bikes and e-scooters.

ELIGIBILITY

The requirement to equip e-bikes and e-scooters with lights now applies to anyone selling or leasing them, not just the manufacturers.

TIMELINE

The effective date of the law was changed from ninety days after passage to one year after passage.

TECHNICAL

Additional sponsors (Senators Addabbo and Zellner) were added to the bill introduction, and the bill title was slightly updated for accuracy.

Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Amendments

Mar 24, 2026

Upper · Passed

PRINT NUMBER 8948A

upper

Mar 24, 2026

Upper · Passed

AMEND (T) AND RECOMMIT TO TRANSPORTATION

upper

Jan 20, 2026

Committee

REFERRED TO TRANSPORTATION

upper

1 primary · 2 co-sponsors