Int. No. 1265
By Council Members Cabrera, Rodriguez, Salamanca, Chin, Rivera, Levine, Cumbo, Cornegy, Powers, Rose, Koo, the Public Advocate (Mr. Williams), Van Bramer, Reynoso, Vallone, Rosenthal, Perkins, Lander, Eugene, Adams, Levin, Menchaca, Miller, Treyger, Maisel, Barron, Brannan and Ulrich
A Local Law in relation to a conversion program for pedal-assist electric bicycles
Be it enacted by the Council as follows:
Section 1. Pedal-Assist Bicycle Conversion Program. a. Definitions. For purposes of this local law, the following terms have the following meanings:
Pedal-assist bicycle. The term “pedal-assist bicycle” means a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts (1 horsepower) whereby such electric motor engages only when the operator is pedaling and the rate of speed of the bicycle is less than 20 miles per hour, and disengages or ceases to function when the operator applies the brakes, the operator stops pedaling or the bicycle achieves a speed of 20 miles per hour.
Throttle-operated bicycle. The term “throttle-operated bicycle” means any bicycle powered by an electric motor and equipped with any throttle capacity that does not comply with subdivision b of section 4-01 of title 34 of the rules of the department of transportation.
b. By May 14, 2019, the department of transportation shall establish a program to provide logistical or financial assistance to individuals with incomes not in excess of 200% of the federal poverty guidelines for the physical conversion of throttle-operated electric bicycles to pedal-assist electric bicycles. For the purposes of establishing such a program, the department of transportation shall consider available sources of public or private funding and other resources. Unless extended by the department of transportation, the program shall have a duration of one year.
§ 2. This local law takes effect 120 days after it becomes law, except that the commissioner of transportation shall take such measures as are necessary for the implementation of this local law, including the promulgation of rules, before such date. This local law expires and is deemed repealed one year after it becomes law.
EL
LS # 8750
11/7/18