NYC Council Speaker Julie Menin backs away from e-bike registration
City Council Speaker Julie Menin is backing away from a major part of her proposed e-bike crackdown. New legislation will no longer require registration, which safety advocates say is key to holding riders accountable.
Menin is leaving registration to Albany rather than including it in her 17-bill package, reversing her previous support as a co-sponsor of Priscilla’s Law, which would require registration.
Councilman Holden, who sponsored the law in 2024, called the move a “halfhearted measure” and accused the Council of taking direction from PACs.
His criticism comes after PACs funded by Uber and DoorDash spent about $170,000 supporting Menin’s reelection. Critics say the money is slowing reform because the companies want to avoid additional lawsuits. Menin denied the influence and noted that one bill she supports would strengthen licensing oversight of delivery platforms.
Advocates say registration and license plates would let injured pedestrians identify delivery riders and file insurance claims against them or their apps. Menin said she wants e-bikes registered through the state DMV, similar to New Jersey.
Albany has shown little interest in Priscilla’s Law, with state bills attracting six sponsors last session. Sen. Joseph Addabbo Jr. said lawmakers fear hurting delivery workers.
Council Majority Leader Shaun Abreu introduced five e-bike bills Thursday focused on police enforcement, sellers and delivery apps. Though he co-sponsored Priscilla’s Law in 2024, he now opposes rider licensing and registration. His 2025 campaign received more than $250,000 in Uber PAC spending. Uber declined to say whether it supports the law.
E-bike and e-scooter crashes are up more than 30% from last year. Safety advocates say registration is necessary to hold riders accountable, including those who flee crashes.
Janet Schroeder of the E-Vehicle Safety Alliance remains optimistic the law will pass in Albany. Councilman Holden disagrees, saying state lawmakers are also “in the pocket of special interests.”
