Suffolk officials crack down on e-bikes and e-scooters with new law
County officials approved a resolution on Tuesday that requires everyone to wear a helmet while operating an e-bike or scooter and bans the vehicles from being on highways, sidewalks or streets with a speed limit of over 30 mph.
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The Suffolk County Legislature approved a resolution to tighten e-bike and e-scooter restrictions and strengthen helmet laws.
Carolyn Pascale wears a black ribbon to remember her son, Ryan Clancy, who died over two years ago while riding an e-scooter.
"He brought the scooter home on Fourth of July weekend, and 20 days later he was gone," says Pascale, a Selden resident.
Her son was 29 years old when he died on Route 25A in Smithtown.
"He looked over his left shoulder to see if cars were coming, I guess, and the scooter went to the right. Hit the curb and he hit a pole, but he wasn't wearing a helmet," Pascale says.
There have been two fatal crashes so far this year in Suffolk and 14 crashes that have left people seriously injured.
"Young individuals are getting severe injuries, body trauma, broken bones," says Suffolk County Legislator Nick Caracappa.
County officials approved a resolution on Tuesday that requires everyone to wear a helmet while operating an e-bike or scooter and bans the vehicles from being on highways, sidewalks or streets with a speed limit of over 30 mph.
Police say no one under the age of 16 is supposed to be riding them.
"I don't think most parents even know what these laws are and they go out and go, 'Oh, an e-bike for my kid is going to be great,'" says Suffolk County Legislator Chad Lennon.
Violators could be fined for violating the restrictions. They could also have their bike or scooter impounded.
Pascale said he hopes no other parents have to suffer a loss like this.
"I don't want any parents to feel the way I feel," she says.
The resolution will now go to County Executive Ed Romaine's desk.
