LOCAL LAW NO. “E” FOR 2026
A LOCAL LAW OF THE COUNTY OF ALBANY, NEW YORK AMENDING ALBANY COUNTY CODE CHAPTER 288 REGARDING SAFETY REQUIREMENTS AND PROHIBITIONS FOR ELECTRIC SCOOTERS AND BICYCLES WITH ELECTRIC ASSIST
Introduced: 5/11/26
By Domalewicz, Reidy and Cleary:
BE IT ENACTED by the Albany County Legislature that Chapter 288, Article III of the Albany County Code is hereby amended as follows:
SECTION 1. § 288-19 - Legislative findings and intent.
The Albany County Legislature hereby finds and determines that it is the duty of the County to protect the health and safety of its residents. Under New York Law, individuals aged 16 and older are permitted to operate bicycles with electric assist with a maximum assisted speed of 20 miles per hour and electric scooters. [Bicycles with electric assist and electric scooters contain motors which can rapidly increase in speed up to 20 miles per hour with little or no physical effort.] The Legislature finds that access to low speed, legal bicycles with electric assist and electric scooters provide affordable and efficient transportation for many County residents, but can leave operators, riders, drivers of motor vehicles and pedestrians vulnerable to injury. This Legislature finds that individuals who ride bicycles with electric assist or operate electric scooters are vulnerable to injury when riding at increased speeds. To protect the safety of operators and passengers, the Legislature finds that individuals riding bicycles with electric assist or operating electric scooters must wear protective helmets. The Legislature also finds that, for the safety of operators, riders, drivers of motor vehicles and pedestrians, all individuals riding bicycles with electric assist or operating electric scooters may not use such instruments recklessly or while ability impaired.
SECTION 2. § 288-20 - Definitions.
Section 288-20 is amended as follows:
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicate...
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