BY MIKE PETTINELLA
For Video News Service
Sen. George Borrello is calling for New York to put the brakes on e-bike riders who are disobeying the law and local law enforcement agencies are looking at what they can do to ensure the safety of bikers, pedestrians and motorists.
Borrello, in a Facebook post last week, said he agreed with a Newsday editorial that called out the state for its “piecemeal approach” that doesn’t provide “a driving, unified and coherent message … echoing across the state.”
He said he introduced legislation earlier this year aimed at “closing this gap and addressing the dangerous and illegal use of e-bikes and other electric mobility devices.”
The senator is joined by Batavia City Council and Batavia City Police in believing that laws governing e-bikes haven’t kept pace with the growing number of those high-speed vehicles on the road.
Earlier this week, City Council President Eugene Jankowski Jr. and Police Chief Chris Camp indicated that their prepared to tackle this problem.
Jankowski said he has received several complaints from city residents about e-bike safety, adding that the topic is scheduled to be included on the agenda of City Council’s next meeting on Sept. 14.
“It is time to take a look at it and see where we are at on it, and maybe put some effort towards either better enforcement or better laws, local laws,” he said. “We have to look into it to set the best course of action to solve the problem.”
Camp agreed, noting that state legislation allows municipalities to add tougher laws and restrictions, if warranted.
Toward that end, Camp said he has looked at examples of local laws passed by other municipalities to see if any of those would work in Batavia.
Video News Service also reached out to Undersheriff Ryan M. DeLong at the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office for comment.
“The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office urges the public to familiarize themselves with the safe and legal operation of electric bikes. Deputies are available to answer questions by contacting the Genesee County Emergency Services Dispatch Center non-emergency line, 585-343-5000.”
E-bike injuries have escalated in recent years, with an estimated 59,200 emergency room visits in the United States tied to e-bikes in 2024.
Some observers are calling for e-bikes to require licensing, registration, plates and insurance since they are sharing the road with motorized vehicles. Currently, those requirements are not in place.
In New York, e-bikes are broken into three classifications:
Class 1: Pedal-assist e-bikes that provide assistance only when the rider is pedaling, with a maximum speed of 20 mph.
Class 2: Throttle-assisted e-bikes that can be powered without pedaling, also limited to a maximum speed of 20 mph.
Class 3: Higher pedal-assist e-bikes that can assist up to 25 mph. These are subject to additional regulations, particularly in urban areas like New York City.
Operational rules include the following:
— Age Requirement: Riders must be at least 16 years old to operate any class of e-bike in New York.
— Helmet Laws: Riders of Class 3 e-bikes are required to wear helmets. Additionally, riders under 18 must wear helmets regardless of the e-bike class.
— Road Usage: E-bikes are generally allowed on most roads where bicycles are permitted, provided the posted speed limit is 30 mph or less. Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes can use bike lanes, while Class 3 e-bikes are typically restricted to roadways.
— Sidewalks: Riding e-bikes on sidewalks is generally prohibited unless explicitly allowed by local ordinances.
— Required Equipment: E-bikes must be equipped with front and rear lights, reflectors, and functional brakes. Class 3 e-bikes have additional equipment requirements.
Penalties for e-bike infractions include tickets, fines, confiscation and liability in crashes.