Senate Bill S9019

                                
 
BILL NUMBER: S9019

SPONSOR: SALAZAR
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act directing the New York state energy research and development
authority to establish a ride clean rebate program

 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:

An act to direct NYSERDA to establish a Ride Clean Rebate Program in
parallel with the Drive Clean Rebate Program. In line with the legaliza-
tion of class one, class two, and class three bicycles with electric
assist passed in the Governor's 2020 Budget (see: Vehicle & Traffic Law
Section 102-c) this bill will encourage the expansion of electric bikes
across New York State. Using the same funding, the Ride Clean Rebate
Program would expand carbon-free mobility across New York State.

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section 1 directs the New York State Research and Development Authority
              

(NYSERDA) to create a Ride Clean Rebate Program to allow class one,
class two, and class three. bicycle with electric assists to be eligible
for a 50% rebate' eligible up to $1,100 USD in a Ride Clean Rebate.

Section 2 sets the effective date as immediate upon enactment.

 
JUSTIFICATION:

Whereas e-bikes became legal this year and are seen in tandem with elec-
tric. vehicle as part of the low carbon mobility future, and 75 percent
of auto trips and 55 percent of transit trips in NYC are under five
miles, this rebate would encourage more New Yorkers to purchase and
utilize e-bikes for trips under five-miles removing congestion, traffic,
and harmful emissions froth our roads and air.  Additionally, the fund-
ing for the Drive Clean Rebate Program is allocated in the State budget
and has not been fully paid out. This would also be a stimulus to new
entrepreneurship as electric bicycles are an emerging industry in New
York State in the period since legalization of the technology.

 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

None

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:

Minimal

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately