Transportation (Bicycle Infrastructure)

Requires bicycles with electric assist and electric scooters to be registered with the department of motor vehicles and have a license plate affixed to such bicycle with electric assist or electric scooter.

This bill amends New York's vehicle law to include "class three bicycles with electric assist" in the legal definition of a "limited use motorcycle." It directly affects riders of e-bikes that provide motor assistance up to 28 mph (the standard for class three e-bikes), as these vehicles will now fall under motorcycle regulations rather than bicycle rules. The key provision updates the law's classification system, specifying that such e-bikes qualify as a "class C limited use motorcycle" based on their speed capabilities (up to 20 mph), without changing safety requirements or licensing for riders.

Adds cargo bicycles with electric assist to the types of bicycles with electric assist regulated under the vehicle and traffic law; provides that no person shall operate a cargo bicycle with electric assist unless it is accompanied by proof of financial security unless otherwise authorized by local law, ordinance, order, rule, or regulation or pursuant to an agreement made on behalf of the city, town, or village.

Requires local community review and approval prior to the implementation of electric scooter programs and installation of electric scooter infrastructure in cities with a population of one million or more.