Senate Bill S10013

                                 
BILL NUMBER: S10013

SPONSOR: ADDABBO
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to requiring
every sale of a bicycle with electric assist or electric scooter to
include a helmet

 
PURPOSE:

Requires every sale of a bicycle with electric assist or electric scoot-
er to include a helmet suitable for use while operating such bicycle or
scooter.

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section 1. Adds a new subdivision to section 1242 of the vehicle and
traffic law to require helmets be provided with the sale of every
e-bike.

Section 2. Adds a new subdivision to section 1282 of the vehicle and
              

traffic law to require helmets be provided with the sale of every
e-scooter.

Section 3. Sets effective date.

 
JUSTIFICATION:

Bicycles with electric assist and electric scooters are capable of trav-
eling at significantly higher speeds than traditional bicycles and are
increasingly used in dense traffic environments alongside pedestrians
and motor vehicles. As a result, crashes involving these devices carry a
heightened risk of serious head injury, particularly for inexperienced
or first-time riders.

Medical research consistently shows that helmets are one of the most
effective tools for preventing traumatic brain injuries and fatalities
in bicycle and micromobility crashes. Emergency departments across New
York State continue to report head injuries as a leading cause of severe
harm in incidents involving e-bikes and electric scooters. Despite
existing helmet requirements for certain riders and age groups under
current law, many users operate these devices without a helmet, often
because they do not own one at the time of purchase or lease.

This bill addresses a key gap in current practice by ensuring that a
helmet suitable for operation is included at the point of sale or lease
of every bicycle with electric assist and electric scooter.  Requiring
sellers and lessors to provide a helmet alongside the device helps
remove a common barrier to compliance and promotes safe riding behavior
from the outset.

 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

New Bill.

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

To be determined
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.