City Council Proposes Licensing and Registering E-Bikes

Today the NYC Hospitality Alliance is submitting testimony at a City Council hearing on proposed legislation that if enacted will require e-bikes be licensed and registered, including those used for restaurant delivery.  

Here is our testimony:

The NYC Hospitality Alliance is a not-for-profit organization representing thousands of restaurants across the five boroughs, some of which will be affected by Int 0606-2024, so we submit the following comments for the City Council’s consideration.

Many restaurants that offer food delivery hire third-party companies to conduct their deliveries, rather than directly employing delivery workers. However, some restaurants still employ their own delivery staff, and Int 0606-2024 will affect them, even though there are already many mandates in place that include similar regulations. 

For example, current regulations require restaurants to assign delivery cyclists a unique three-digit ID number, which must be displayed on retro-reflective upper-body apparel that includes the business name. Also, each bicycle used for deliveries must have a unique ID number—distinct from the cyclist's ID number—clearly affixed to the rear of the bicycle, the bicycle seat, or both sides of the delivery basket. 

Yet, Int 0606-2024 proposes to add yet another ID number to bicycles which will unnecessarily confuse the public, who would now be presented with three separate identification numbers. It would also place an additional administrative and financial burden on small businesses, which already must follow many bike safety regulations. We are concerned that the language of this bill creates further confusion by requiring only this new ID number to be displayed on the e-bike, which conflicts with other city requirements, as I have stated.

The current law requires workers to complete a Commercial Bicyclist Safety Course, covering essential topics such as safe biking practices and laws, having the proper required equipment (like headlights, red taillights, reflectors, and bells), and the responsibilities of both employers and cyclists. Restaurants must also post a commercial bicyclist safety poster in a prominent location at the business, in languages understood by their workers.

Given these existing requirements, it is unclear how the introduction of another mandate—one that is like current regulations—will meaningfully enhance street safety. What is certain, however, is that it will impose additional financial and administrative burdens on small businesses, requiring them to file more paperwork and pay fees to register their e-bikes.

If the City Council insists on moving forward with this legislation, we urge you to align it with existing regulations to avoid unnecessary duplication. A more coherent regulatory framework will be more effective and less confusing for all parties involved. The registration fee for an e-bike should be capped at no more than $10 to ensure it does not create an undue financial strain on small businesses or discourage them from registering their e-bikes. There must also be both a simple online and in-person registration option provided, which the legislation should require.

Thank you for your consideration of our comments. We hope that the City Council will consider these concerns as it works to balance the needs of street safety and small businesses.