Elected officials call for stricter oversight on mopeds, electric scooters

Elected officials in the city are calling for more restrictions and oversight for mopeds, electric scooters and bikes.

News 12 Staff

Oct 28, 2020, 2:42 AM

Updated 1,445 days ago

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Elected officials in the city are calling for more restrictions and oversight for mopeds, electric scooters and bikes.
This comes as the conversation continues over the safety of shared moped programs in the city, like Revel, after several recent deaths.
Councilman Ydanis Rodriguez sponsored a new bill during Tuesday’s City Council Transportation Committee oversight hearing--asking for more regulations for shared moped organizations.
"This bill would require the Department of Transportation to create a clear procedure by which shared moped organizations may apply for approval to operate share moped fleets in New York City. This process will create an additional layer of safety precautions that organizations must undergo before receiving open access to our city's streets,” said Rodriguez.
The bill would also require these organizations to implement safety protocols and prohibit unauthorized use of the mopeds.
"I have a driver's license, but even though I do, I am not allowed to drive a motorcycle in New York City without having a license that demonstrates I have the skill to maneuver those vehicles and mopeds are no different than a motorcycle and they should require users get some kind of license to do business in our city,” said Rodriguez.
He’s also calling for mandatory training for riders, helmet enforcement and the opportunity for New Yorkers to report unlawful or dangerous usage of the vehicles
"I think everyone wants to see as many modes of transportation that help New Yorkers get around and reduce car congestion, like Revel, it's all a great idea, but the city does not have the infrastructure to support that and there's no real discussion about that,” said Rodriguez.
Revel, a moped sharing company, was pulled from the streets back in the summer after several deaths--but has returned. Officials discussed with the city how they can work with the company to integrate it more responsibly.