Previously Published in The Messenger
By Madison Warren
This past week, public hearings closed on several key pieces of legislation before the Suffolk County Legislature: I.R. 1835, which would establish additional regulations on the use of electric scooters and electric-assist bicycles; I.R. 1836, aimed at increasing restrictions and penalties for the unlawful operation of motorized scooters; and I.R. 1838, which seeks to strengthen recordkeeping requirements, raise penalties, and prohibit hourly rates at hotels and motels.
Suffolk County Legislator Chad Lennon (C-Rocky Point), a co-sponsor on all three measures, highlighted the urgent need for more decisive county-level action—particularly regarding human trafficking, which he has repeatedly described as one of the most severe and rapidly growing public safety threats facing Suffolk County. That concern is the driving force behind I.R. 1838.
According to Lennon, the Northeast has become a “red-hot” region for trafficking, with Suffolk County accounting for a significant share of statewide cases. One of the key issues he raised is the continued availability of hourly room rates at local hotels and motels—a loophole frequently exploited by traffickers. He referenced reports of minors being cycled in and out of rooms for “a few hours at a time over several days,” a pattern he says law enforcement has been observing for years.
“This is not just a Brentwood issue or a Coram issue,” he told The Messenger. “It’s happening everywhere, including high-end hotels. From one-star to five-star properties, trafficking is occurring across the spectrum.”
Lennon expressed a determination to close this gap and protect vulnerable individuals across Long Island. I.R. 1838 aims to eliminate hourly rentals, tighten documentation requirements, and give law enforcement clearer tools to identify suspicious activity—particularly in establishments known to operate with minimal oversight.
Presiding Officer Kevin McCaffrey (R-Lindenhurst) also voiced strong support for the measure, describing Lennon’s efforts as essential to strengthening public protection across the county.
“I am proud of the efforts Legislator Lennon has taken to advance resources and protections available to all residents throughout this County, and this resolution is further evidence of his desire to serve and protect,” McCaffrey stated. “From a Marine to a Legislator, he has always put others first. I hope this is the catalyst for continued efforts to embolden Suffolk County’s resources in the fight against human trafficking.”
In addition to trafficking concerns, Lennon has been outspoken about the increasing dangers surrounding e-bikes and motorized scooters—issues directly addressed in I.R. 1835 and I.R. 1836.
Across his district, he has observed riders operating without helmets, weaving through traffic, and using modified e-bikes capable of reaching speeds up to 30 miles per hour. Their near-silent operation, he noted, leaves drivers with little warning and poses a significant risk on busy roads.
“We’re getting constant calls. They’re taking up the road, and you can’t hear them coming. It’s a real issue.”
Although New York State law requires riders to be at least 16 years old, Lennon believes many families are unaware of the regulations. To address this, he distributed informational packets to local school districts outlining all current laws and safety guidelines.
“I don’t think parents know the law because the information isn’t out there,” Lennon explained, noting that proper education must accompany enforcement. His most significant concern, he stressed, is that without action, serious injury or fatality is inevitable.
Presiding Officer McCaffrey echoed the urgency surrounding the unsafe operation of e-bikes and scooters throughout Suffolk County.
“Not only can I not go anywhere without seeing an e-bike or a scooter, but I also can’t go to any community event without people saying, ‘What can we do about these kids on e-bikes and scooters?’” said McCaffrey. “With several newsworthy incidents of our youth being injured in accidents involving e-bikes and other motorized devices, we had to act to deter this behavior and give our public safety community the tools necessary to make our residents safer.”
Under the proposed legislation, motorized scooters, electric scooters, and electric-assist bicycles would be prohibited on sidewalks, off-road County property, and any roadway with a posted speed limit above 30 mph. The bills also solidify helmet requirements for all riders and passengers and restrict use by anyone under 16 on public roads or property.
The resolutions adopt the enforcement language from Suffolk’s “street takeover” law, which bans reckless behaviors such as zig-zag riding, trick stunts, operating under the influence, and fleeing police. Penalties would increase substantially, from $500 to $5,000 for repeated offenses. In severe cases, officers would have the authority to impound the bike or scooter. Parents or guardians of offenders under 18 would be held responsible for fines.
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches) and multiple law enforcement agencies have already expressed support, with a final vote expected later this month.
These bills reflect a continued effort to keep our communities safe and reduce preventable dangers across Suffolk County. With the support and dedication of leaders such as Legislator Chad Lennon, Officer Kevin McCaffrey, and other local officials, residents can be confident that meaningful steps are being taken to protect Suffolk’s towns and the people who call them home.