New York City, known for its frenetic pace, high density, and innovative transportation options, is facing an ongoing dilemma: the surge of illegal scooters on our streets. These scooters, such as food delivery operators, have turned into a source of chaos, posing a safety hazard for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers alike. While many welcome the ease and accessibility of micromobility, the proliferation of unregulated scooters has led to accidents and a public safety crisis. Amid this rising tension and in response to my constituents’ complaints, I’ve introduced legislative proposals to address the legal status and safe operation of scooters in the city and across the state.

Among the key pieces of legislation is S.2599, which seeks to regulate the use of electric scooters and establish clearer guidelines for their operation. This bill is essential because while illegal scooters have become rampant in many of our communities, especially along Metropolitan Avenue, the lack of uniform rules, adherence to existing laws and enforcement has led to a free-for-all that often puts everyone at risk. To curb unauthorized use, S.2599 proposes licensing for scooter rental companies, operational zones, and age requirements.

In addition to my bills, I co-sponsor S.2527 and S.2528, which collectively focus on creating stricter penalties for illegally operated scooters, such as those without the proper permits or those operating in prohibited areas. These bills would introduce fines, impoundment of illegally used scooters, and possible criminal charges for repeat offenders, a significant deterrent to unlawful scooter operations.

In her 2025 State of the State address, Governor Hochul said, “The growing use of e-bikes in New York City has underlined the importance that they be used responsibly and safely to avoid accidents involving pedestrians or other road users. While existing regulations limit e-bike width and speed, they do not address maximum weight, which directly correlates with the severity of injuries in accidents. To address this, I propose reclassifying ultra-heavy Class 3 e-bikes weighing 100 pounds or more as mopeds, requiring a driver’s license and registration to operate. This change will keep the heaviest and most dangerous e-bikes out of bike lanes, improving safety for pedestrians and other cyclists.”

Governor Hochul’s vision directly corresponds with our legislative efforts, signaling that New York is taking a more comprehensive approach to managing urban mobility by developing and implementing better scooter-sharing infrastructure and regulation. Any vision of reducing emissions hinges on ensuring that E-bikes and scooter-type vehicles are used responsibly.

While illegal scooters have become a pressing issue, my proposed legislation offers a commonsense approach to protect public safety while allowing for the growth of innovative transportation options. These measures aim to ensure that scooters do not endanger public health or create new safety risks.

One challenge is ensuring that these regulations are effectively enforced. In New York, where traffic enforcement is already stretched thin, additional resources will be needed to ensure compliance. The implementation of technologies such as GPS tracking and remote disabling of illegal scooters could play a key role in this. Moreover, scooter-sharing companies need to be held accountable to ensure their fleets are being used responsibly. Without effective oversight and the Governor acting on her own statements, any well-intentioned legislation could falter in its execution.

I give much credit to the 104th police precinct for their efforts in ridding our local streets of illegal scooters. I also understand they can’t do it alone and legislation could assist the NYPD in addressing this issue.

As New York City continues to grow its innovative transportation options, the need for a regulated and safe environment for micromobility becomes more apparent. The introduction of bills like S.2599, S.1243, S.2527, S.2528, and S.2386, combined with the Governor’s support as outlined in the State of the State, shows that state legislators and officials acknowledge the complexity of this issue. I have no issue with an individual seeking to make a legitimate living. I just am seeking to have individuals work at playing by the rules and laws of our city and state. The goal must be to create an environment that embraces innovation, while also protecting public safety.