By Hank Russell
Legislators in Nassau and Suffolk Counties recently offered differing regulations on electric bicycles, or e-bikes. One county seeks to loosen some restrictions, calling the current laws archaic, while the other county has tightened enforcement on these vehicles.
Nassau County Democratic legislators held a press conference on April 27 to announce legislation to update outdated county rules that they say currently subject many riders to unfair fines, confiscation of their property, and confusing enforcement regulations.
Under the proposal, Nassau County would legalize most e-bikes and electric scooters already permitted under New York State law, while continuing to prohibit riding on sidewalks and highways — the same commonsense restrictions recognized under state law.
This differs from Suffolk County, where a new law went into effect in January. Under the new law, illegal operation of an e-bike or electric scooter (e-scooter) can result in fines, impoundment and even jail time. Additionally, no one under the age of 16 is allowed to operate an e-bike or e-scooter, all riders must wear a helmet and are prohibited from riding on roadways where the speed limit is greater than 35 miles per hour.
The law also makes it illegal to operate a Class 3 e-bike, which can go over 20 miles per hour. It is also illegal to modify a Class 1 or Class 2 e-bike, which can only reach speeds of 20 miles per hour. Fines can range from $500 to $7,300 (not including redemption fees), and repeat offenses carry jail time and forfeiture of the vehicle, Greater Long Island reported.
“You do not have a constitutional right to ride recklessly on an e-bike,” Suffolk County Presiding Officer Anthony Piccirillo (R-Holbrook) told Greater Long Island. “It’s dangerous to the public. It’s dangerous to motorists. I see it myself in downtown Sayville … on sidewalks and going in and out of cars.”
“Public safety is our first concern,” Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine added. “Kids were racing through neighborhoods on public streets, some much younger than 16, and not following any laws, not wearing helmets.”
But, for many residents, the Nassau County Democratic legislators said, these devices are essential for getting to work, reaching Long Island Rail Road stations, running errands, and lowering monthly transportation costs. With gas prices, insurance premiums, and car payments continuing to strain household budgets, affordable alternatives are more important than ever.
Nassau Dems said the need for reform was underscored by the experience of West Hempstead resident Carmine Macchia, who joined legislators to share how his Class 2 e-bike was recently confiscated while riding just around the corner from his home. Macchia said he was required to pay the same fee as a car tow to recover the bike, and when he arrived at an auto body facility in New Hyde Park the next day, he was told to choose a bicycle from a collection without being asked for proof of ownership. Legislators said the incident demonstrates how outdated rules can create unfair penalties and chaotic, confusing enforcement for ordinary residents.
Legislator Olena Nicks (D-Uniondale), sponsor of the legislation, said, “People are trying to get to work, get to the train station, and support their families. They should not have to fear that the affordable transportation they rely on could be seized or that they will be hit with unfair fines because Nassau County has failed to modernize an outdated law.”
“At a time when families are being squeezed by rising costs, government should be helping people save money — not punishing them for choosing low-cost transportation,” Minority Leader Delia DeRiggi-Whitton (D-Glen Cove) added. “This bill brings fairness and common sense back to the law.”
“We can protect public safety and protect residents at the same time,”Legislator Debra Mulé said (D-Freeport). “This proposal keeps important bans on sidewalks and highways in place while ending unnecessary penalties for lawful riders.”
Legislator Arnold Drucker (D-Plainview) said, “When laws are outdated and confusing, ordinary residents pay the price. This legislation creates clear rules people can understand and restores consistency with New York State.”
Legislator Carrié Solages (D-Valley Stream) said, “For many working families, reliable transportation can be the difference between keeping a job and falling behind. E-bikes and scooters help residents get to work, get to school, and meet their daily responsibilities. Nassau County should be removing barriers to opportunity — not creating new ones through outdated laws and unfair penalties.”
“Residents should not be targeted for using a practical and fuel-efficient way to commute,” Legislator Scott Davis (D-Rockville Centre) said. “Nassau County should be encouraging smart transportation choices, not standing in their way.”
Legislator Viviana Russell (D-Westbury) said, “For many families, an e-bike or scooter is how they get to work, school, and essential appointments. Mobility creates opportunity, and government should not block either one.”
“This is about helping working people keep more money in their pockets,” Legislator Cynthia Núñez (D-Valley Stream) said. “Every unnecessary fine, every confiscation, and every confusing rule hurts families already dealing with high costs.”
But for Suffolk County legislators, the emphasis is on safety. Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina mentioned an accident that recently happened in Huntington in which a 15-year-old e-bike rider was hit by a minibus. He said one accident is “one too many” and that the SCPD will prevent this from happening again through “education” and “enforcement, according to Greater Long Island.
“There’s nothing safe about e-bikes,” Catalina continued. They are inherently dangerous,” Catalina said during a news conference at police department headquarters in Yaphank. “We will confiscate those e-bikes and you’re not getting them back.”