New York Lawmakers Look to Regulate Motorized Bicycles

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Two New York state lawmakers from Queens have introduced bills to regulate motorized bicycles used commercially with safety and insurance requirements.

Sen. Jose Peralta and Assembly member Aravella Simotas propose that the Department of Motor Vehicles maintain a registry, establish safety regulations, and set minimum liability insurance coverage.

Drivers would have to register them with the DMV.

The legislators say the scooters have become part of the fabric of small businesses throughout New York City making deliveries. They say attempts to ban them haven’t worked, and accidents can create big liability issues.

Simotas says she’s heard from too many people about near misses and being hit by riders.

Under the proposed legislation, traffic infractions would be punishable by fines of $25 to $100.