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:
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 and electric scooters. Bicycles with electric assist and electric scooters contain motors which can rapidly increase in speed up to 20 miles per hour. 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.
SECTION 2. ? 288-20 - Definitions.
Section 288-20 is amended as follows:
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
A. HIGHWAY - Includes any public way as defined by New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law ? 118.
B. BICYCLE WITH ELECTRIC ASSIST - As defined in New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law ? 102-c, a bicycle which is no more than thirty-six inches wide and has an electric motor of less than seven hundred fifty watts, equipped with operable pedals, meeting the equipment and manufacturing requirements for bicycles adopted by the Consumer Product Safety Commission under 16 C.F.R. Part 1512.1 et seq. and meeting the requirements of one of the following:
a) CLASS ONE BICYCLE WITH ELECTRIC ASSIST - A bicycle with electric assist having an electric...
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