Westchester County Board of Legislators Legislation Committee Meeting — October 19, 2026

The Legislation Committee met on October 19, 2026, to consider Items 2026-491 and 2026-492, a local law creating a new chapter of Westchester County law to authorize local regulations of e-bikes and electric scooters. Justin Aiden from the County Attorney's Office explained the state-law framework, and committee members discussed safety, enforcement, county property, and a notice requirement before unanimously moving the legislation out of committee.

Legislative Framework

• Justin Aiden said New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law already regulates e-bikes and electric scooters and authorizes local municipalities to add regulations. For Westchester, Nassau, and Suffolk, towns and villages need county enabling legislation before they can regulate; cities already have that authority.
• The proposed law would allow Westchester towns and villages to regulate the time, place, and manner of e-bike and electric scooter operations to the full extent permitted under state law.

Discussion Items

• A co-sponsor described safety concerns in her town, including children under 16 riding without helmets or lights on major roads and the Bronx River Parkway, running traffic signals, and creating dangers for riders and drivers. She said the legislation would let each municipality tailor rules to its local conditions.
• Another co-sponsor said the effort began in July when the Town of Harrison reached out, with Mount Pleasant following, and thanked those towns for raising the issue.
• Legislators asked whether town and village rules would apply on county parks and trailways. Aiden said he believed town or village regulations would not generally apply on county park property such as the trailways, but would apply on roadways; he agreed to verify that point.
• Legislators noted that Westchester County can restrict motorized vehicles on its own property without state authorization.
• The committee discussed state-law requirements, including the prohibition on riders under 16, helmet and reflective-clothing requirements, and speed limits. Aiden noted that when an under-16 rider is stopped, state law allows a summons to be issued to the parents only if the parents were present.
• Several legislators raised consumer education and enforcement concerns, including identifying e-bike classes, informing buyers of age and licensing requirements, and avoiding unfair enforcement against people unaware of local rules. Legislators also recognized e-bikes as accessible transportation for adults.
• Legislators called for follow-up discussions with Parks, Public Safety, and Transportation, as well as a possible public education campaign.

Amendment

• The committee adopted an amendment adding a requirement that any town or village that enacts an e-bike or electric scooter regulation submit a copy to the Clerk of the Westchester County Board of Legislators within 30 days of enactment.
• The amendment passed unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• The committee unanimously approved the amendment.
• The committee unanimously voted to move Items 2026-491 and 2026-492 out of committee for all purposes.
• The October 5, 2026 committee minutes were approved unanimously.
• The meeting adjourned at approximately 6:45 p.m.