Thursday, October 1, 2026
In recent months, Nassau County family budgets have been impacted by a potent double whammy of spiraling inflation and soaring gas prices because of the ongoing war with Iran. Such pressures have naturally encouraged our constituents to look toward lower-cost alternatives for transportation, such as electronic bikes and scooters.
E-bikes and scooters can help residents save money on gas, parking, tolls and other expenses. They reduce car traffic and provide mobility for seniors, students, workers and others who may not own a car. Simply put, they are a part of Nassau County’s diversified transportation future.
But county laws governing these vehicles haven’t been updated in 20 years, and our law enforcement professionals are utilizing a statute that was written to govern the use of all-terrain vehicles, not contemporary e-bikes and scooters. They are completely different devices with vastly different purposes, and New York state law has been updated to reflect this reality.
The discrepancy between county and state law has created confusion that is directly impacting Nassau families. A constituent from West Hempstead recently had his e-bike confiscated while riding around the corner from his own home. He is the epitome of a responsible owner and rider, and when he bought his e-bike, he checked state law to ensure that it was legal for him to use it in his daily commute.
Under Nassau’s outdated and incongruent law, not only was his bike confiscated, but he was also forced to pay the same fee as a car tow to recover it from impound. The ordeal cost him hundreds of dollars, and it vividly illustrates how the county’s failure to keep up harms our constituents, confuses the public and makes it unnecessarily difficult for our law enforcement professionals to carry out their duties.
It is essential for Nassau County rules to be clear and consistent with state law. That’s why, on April 27, I filed legislation that would update the county’s e-bike laws to protect our constituents while preserving public safety.
It’s important to be very clear about what this proposal would do and, more important, what it would not do. It would not remove common-sense safety rules. Riding e-bikes or scooters on sidewalks would still be prohibited, as would riding on highways. Existing restrictions on the use of ATVs, pocket bikes and other, similar vehicles on our roadways would remain in effect. Reckless riding, doing stunts and wheelies on active roadways? Still prohibited. Operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs? Your vehicle would be seized.
My proposal would preserve the rules that protect pedestrians, drivers and families, and would continue to prohibit the use of e-bikes and scooters by anyone under age 16. The only thing the legislation would change is the outdated county restrictions that punish residents for using affordable transportation options that are already recognized and legal under state law.
Additionally, my proposal would require sellers of e-bikes and scooters to inform their customers about the laws governing their use, and require shops to preserve proof that buyers received this vital information.
At a time when we’re all paying more at the pump, for insurance, for car repairs and for almost every daily necessity, my Democratic colleagues and I are stepping up with a common-sense solution that would provide clarity and save our constituents money.
To date, we have received little in the way of a response from the county administration or the legislative majority, which is especially frustrating considering how they have refused to even consider a gas tax holiday as soaring prices continue to squeeze families across the county.
Modernizing our e-bike laws would be good for the environment, good for affordability and, most of all, good for public safety. I’m optimistic that common sense will prevail and that we will reach a consensus. I implore my Republican colleagues to join me in this effort, and I am ready to work with them to pass legislation that benefits us all.
Olena Nicks, of Uniondale, represents Nassau County’s 5th Legislative District.
