NY A01546

Amends the definition of "bicycle" in the Vehicle and Traffic Law to explicitly include bicycles with electric assist, while preserving local authorities' power to create their own rules governing e-bike operation

Excludes bicycles with electric assist from the legal definition of "vehicle," placing them in the same category as human-powered devices

Allows bicycles to park on sidewalks if they comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act and do not interfere with normal pedestrian movement

Prohibits driving bicycles with electric assist on sidewalks, except at speeds of 5 mph or less when necessary to access highways, private ways, adjacent buildings, or to perform public services like snow plowing

Takes effect immediately upon passage