A coalition of safety advocates renewed its push for stricter regulation of electric bicycles and scooters during a rally at New York City Hall on April 16th, urging lawmakers to pass “Priscilla’s Law,” a bill aimed at increasing accountability for e-vehicle riders.
Organized by the New York City E-Vehicle Safety Alliance (NYC EVSA), the demonstration brought together victims, advocates, and local officials who argued that current regulations fail to address the growing number of e-vehicle-related incidents. The proposed legislation would require e-bikes, e-scooters, and similar motorized devices to be licensed, registered, and equipped with visible identification plates.
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The bill is named after Priscilla Loke, a teacher who was struck and killed by an e-bike rider while crossing a Chinatown street. Supporters contend that her death highlights broader safety concerns, particularly the difficulty of identifying riders involved in hit-and-run crashes.
Advocates at the rally emphasized that many incidents go unreported, complicating efforts to measure the full scope of the problem. Janet Schroeder, Director of the NYC EVSA, pointed out that official data may underestimate the frequency of crashes. “The e-vehicle crisis is far worse than what you see on NYC-DOT’s stats,” she stated, explaining that victims are often taken from the scene before police reports are filed.
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Speakers also shared personal accounts of severe injuries, underscoring the potential dangers posed by fast-moving and often unregulated vehicles. Supporters argued that requiring registration would deter reckless behavior and provide a means of accountability when accidents occur.
Former City Council Member Bob Holden, who first introduced the measure, stressed the importance of enforcement mechanisms. “The scourge of hit-and-runs involving e-bikes has been a growing problem for years, putting pedestrians and families at risk across our neighborhoods,” he remarked, adding that visible license plates are essential to ensuring accountability.
Not all stakeholders support the proposal. Transit advocacy groups and representatives of delivery workers have raised concerns that the law could impose financial and legal burdens on riders, many of whom rely on e-bikes for their livelihoods. Some critics also argue that broader systemic factors, including delivery app incentives, contribute to unsafe riding practices.
Despite opposition, proponents continue to call on city leaders to advance the bill, framing it as a necessary step toward improving pedestrian safety and ensuring responsibility among all road users.
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