New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin is retreating from a central element of her proposed e-bike safety crackdown, with new legislation no longer requiring registration for the powered vehicles. This decision marks a departure from her previous co-sponsorship of Priscilla's Law, which would have mandated such registration.
Councilman Holden, a sponsor of Priscilla's Law, criticized the move as a "halfhearted measure" and suggested the council is influenced by political action committees (PACs). The shift comes as PACs funded by ride-sharing companies like Uber and DoorDash have contributed significantly to Menin's reelection campaign, raising concerns about potential industry influence on legislative decisions.
Menin has denied any undue influence, stating that one of her proposed measures aims to strengthen licensing oversight for delivery platforms. However, critics, including former councilman Sal Albanese, argue that such financial contributions create the appearance of impropriety, even if not overtly illegal.
Safety advocates emphasize that e-bike registration, including license plates, is crucial for holding riders accountable, particularly in cases where they flee accident scenes. Registration would enable injured pedestrians to identify riders and pursue insurance claims against them or their employers. While New York City's Taxi and Limousine Commission already licenses for-hire vehicles and their drivers, Menin expressed a desire to follow New Jersey's model of state DMV registration for e-bikes.
Legislation similar to Priscilla's Law has faced challenges in Albany, with state bills garnering limited sponsorship. Senator Joseph Addabbo Jr., a sponsor, cited lawmakers' concerns about potentially harming delivery workers as a reason for the slow progress.
Council Majority Leader Shaun Abreu, who chairs the transportation committee, has introduced five bills focused on enforcement and regulating sellers and delivery apps. Abreu, who previously co-sponsored Priscilla's Law, now states he no longer supports e-bike rider licensing and registration. His 2025 campaign also received substantial independent spending from Uber's PAC.
Abreu stated that while all lawmakers desire safer streets, there are differing views on how to achieve that goal. A spokesperson for Uber declined to comment on the company's stance regarding Priscilla's Law.
Crashes involving e-bikes and e-scooters have increased by over 30% compared to the previous year, according to data. Safety advocates like Janet Schroeder, director of the E-Vehicle Safety Alliance, maintain that registration is the most effective way to ensure accountability for riders involved in accidents. While Schroeder remains optimistic about the potential passage of Priscilla's Law at the state level, Holden expressed skepticism, suggesting that state-level action may also be influenced by special interests.