[Adopted 12-16-2025 by L.L. No. 6-2026]
[Amended 3-10-2026 by L.L. No. 14-2026]
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
BICYCLE WITH ELECTRIC ASSIST
As defined in New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law § 102-c, a bicycle which is no more than 36 inches wide and has an electric motor of less than 700 watts, equipped with operable pedals, meeting the equipment and manufacturing requirements for bicycles adopted by the Consumer Product Safety Commission under 16 CFR 1512.1 et seq. and meeting the requirements of one of the following:
A. 
CLASS ONE BICYCLE WITH ELECTRIC ASSIST
A bicycle with electric assist having an electric motor that provides assistance only when the person operating such bicycle is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when such bicycle reaches a speed of 20 miles per hour.
B. 
CLASS TWO BICYCLE WITH ELECTRIC ASSIST
A bicycle with electric assist having an electric motor that may be used exclusively to propel such bicycle, and that is not capable of providing assistance when such bicycle reaches a speed of 20 miles per hour.
ELECTRIC SCOOTER
As defined in New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law § 114-E, every device weighing less than 100 pounds that (a) has handlebars, a floorboard or a seat that can be stood or sat upon by the operator, and an electric motor, (b) can be powered by the electric motor and/or human power, and (c) has a maximum speed of no more than 20 miles per hour on a paved level surface when powered solely by the electric motor.
HIGHWAY
Includes any public way as defined by New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law § 118.
PARKING AREA OF A SHOPPING CENTER
Includes those areas defined by New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law § 129-a.
PARKING LOT
Includes those areas defined by New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law § 129-b.
PEDESTRIAN WALK
A public or private pedestrian right-of-way on Fire Island that provides the primary means of access to abutting properties. Pedestrian walks include sand, wood, or concrete pathways, boardwalks, and sidewalks shown on local zoning maps.
SIDEWALK
Includes those areas defined by New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law § 144.
STREET
Includes those areas defined by New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law § 148.
[Amended 3-10-2026 by L.L. No. 14-2026]
A. 
No person shall operate an electric scooter or bicycle with electric assist on any off-highway property owned by the County of Suffolk, excluding the operation of bicycles with electric assist on such property falling under the definition of "pedestrian walk," if any, and in accordance with the provisions of § 319-52H.
B. 
No person shall operate an electric scooter or bicycle with electric assist upon any sidewalk within the County of Suffolk, excluding the operation of bicycles with electric assist on such sidewalks falling under the definition of "pedestrian walk," if any, and in accordance with the provisions of § 319-52H.
C. 
No person shall operate an electric scooter or bicycle with electric assist upon any County roadway or local roadway with a posted speed limit of more than 30 miles per hour; not withstanding any more restrictive local rule from a town or village within the County of Suffolk.
D. 
Any individuals operating or riding as a passenger on an electric scooter or bicycle with electric assist in Suffolk County shall wear a helmet. Any helmet worn to comply with this article shall conform to the requirements established by New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law § 1238.
E. 
No person aged 15 years or younger may lawfully operate an electric scooter or bicycle with electric assist on public property or on roadways.
F. 
No person shall operate an electric scooter or bicycle with electric assist in a reckless fashion, to include:
(1) 
Without due regard for the safety and rights of pedestrians and drivers and occupants of all other vehicles, and so as to endanger the life, limb, or property of any person while in lawful use of the streets or sidewalks or any other public or private property.
(2) 
By weaving or steering in a zig-zagging course around motor vehicles in operation on the roadway, unless such irregular course is necessary for safe operation in compliance with this article and the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law.
(3) 
While trick riding on roads or parking lots which actively have motor vehicle or other road user traffic, including pedestrians and cyclists.
G. 
No person shall operate an electric scooter or bicycle with electric assist under the influence of alcohol or drugs, to include:
(1) 
No person shall operate an electric scooter or bicycle with electric assist while the person's ability to operate such is impaired by the consumption of alcohol.
(2) 
No person shall operate an electric scooter or bicycle with electric assist while such person has 0.08 of 1% or more by weight of alcohol in the person's blood as shown by chemical analysis of such person's blood, breath, urine, or saliva.
(3) 
No person shall operate an electric scooter or bicycle with electric assist while in an intoxicated condition or while the person's ability to operate such bicycle is impaired by the use of any drug(s).
(4) 
The provisions of this section shall apply upon public highways, roads open to motor vehicle and bicycle traffic, and any other parking lot. For the purposes of this section, "parking lot" shall mean any area or areas of private property, including a driveway, near or contiguous to and provided in connection with premises and used as a means of access to and egress from a public highway to such premises and having a capacity for the parking of four or more motor vehicles. The provisions of this section shall not apply to any area or areas of private property comprising all or part of property on which is situated a one- or two-family residence.
(5) 
No person shall flee from a police or peace officer while operating an electric scooter or bicycle with electric assist in Suffolk County. The operator of an electric scooter or bicycle with electric assist is required to stop or pull over when directed to do so by a police or peace officer, or by their marked vehicle by the activation of either its lights or siren. Additionally, no person operating an electric scooter or bicycle with electric assist shall flee from a police or peace officer at an unsafe speed, recklessly, or in any manner that would constitute a danger to other motor vehicles, pedestrians, or property.
H. 
In the communities comprising Fire Island, the operation and use of a bicycle with electric assist while under power using its electric motor is hereby prohibited on pedestrian walks from May 15 through the Monday of Columbus Day weekend of each year, inclusive. Operation and use of a bicycle with electric assist using its electric motor shall be permitted from the Tuesday following Columbus Day weekend through May 14 of the following year, inclusive. Additionally, the following prohibitions and reguirements apply to the operation of a bicycle with electric assist in the communities comprising Fire Island:
(1) 
During the period when operation of a bicycle with electric assist using its electric motor is permitted on Fire Island, no such bicycle with electric assist shall be operated by means of electrical assist power from 1/2 hour after sunset to 1/2 hour before sunrise of each day. Operation of bicycles with electric assist during such hours shall be permitted only by means of manual or pedal propulsion.
(2) 
During these periods of operation 1/2 hour after sunset to 1/2 hour before sunrise, bicycles with electric assist shall be equipped with a working headlight and taillight.
(3) 
The operation of a bicycle with electric assist, whether by manual or pedal power, electrical assist power, or utilizing both, shall be restricted solely to persons 15 years of age and older.
(4) 
All bicycles with electric assist, whether by manual or pedal power, electrical assist power, or utilizing both, shall be operated by only one person at a time. Passengers are prohibited.
(5) 
No person shall ride or operate a bicycle with electric assist on any dock, pedestrian walk, or other public place where such operation may from time to time be prohibited for reasons of public safety.
(6) 
The operation of electric scooters on Fire Island shall be prohibited at all times.
(7) 
Bicycles with electric assist shall be equipped with a working bell and/or horn.
(8) 
No person shall use a cell phone or similar device while operating a bicycle with electric assist.
(9) 
No person shall operate a bicycle with electric assist at a speed in excess of eight miles per hour.
A. 
Any person who violates § 319-52 of this article shall be guilty of a violation and subject to fine not in excess of $500.
B. 
Any violation of § 319-52(F) of this article warrants the impound of the electric scooter or electric-assist bicycle material to the offense.
C. 
A second conviction within five years of an initial violation within § 319-52 of this article shall constitute an unclassified misdemeanor punishable by a fine not less than $1,500 and impound of the electric scooter or bicycle with electric assist material to the offense. Any third or subsequent violations of this article within a five-year period shall constitute an unclassified misdemeanor and shall be punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 and/or up to one year's imprisonment.
D. 
The parent or legal guardian, other than a state or legal Social Services Department foster parent having custody, of any unemancipated person under the age of 18 years found guilty of a violation of this article shall be responsible for the payment of the fine imposed by a court of competent jurisdiction for such violation. In no event shall it be a defense that the parent or legal guardian has exercised due diligent supervision over the activities of the person under the age of 18 years.
E. 
The parent or legal guardian, other than a state or legal Social Services Department foster parent having custody, of any unemancipated person under the age of 18 found guilty of a violation of this article shall be responsible for restitution for any damage caused to real property or improvements located thereon owned and/or operated by the County of Suffolk. In no event shall it be a defense that the parent or legal guardian has exercised due diligent supervision over the activities of the person under the age of 18 years.
A. 
Any electric scooter or bicycle with electric assist operated by any person under 16 years of age may be subject to immediate seizure and impound by a duly sworn peace or police officer, acting pursuant to his or her official duties, upon reasonable cause to believe that such operation is a violation of § 319-52 of this article. An electric scooter or bicycle with electric assist that is impounded shall be surrendered to the owner, or if the owner is a minor, to the parent or guardian of the minor. A full explanation of the reason for the impounding shall be made to the owner, parent, or guardian. A complete record of impounded electric scooters or bicycles with electric assist shall be kept by each law enforcement agency where the impounding occurred.
B. 
Any electric scooter or bicycle with electric assist seized under the authority of this article shall be stored for safekeeping by the law enforcement agency affecting the seizure. That agency may assess an administrative processing fee of $50 and a storage fee of $5 per day thereafter. Storage fees may only be assessed for days on which claimants are able to reclaim property.
C. 
Proper claimants under this article are limited to:
(1) 
An owner over 16 years of age; or
(2) 
A parent or legal guardian of an owner who is under 16 years of age; or
(3) 
A parent or legal guardian of a person under 16 years of age who is in possession of the electric scooter or bicycle with electric assist at the time of seizure.
D. 
The agency employer of an officer affecting a seizure under this article shall notify the parent or legal guardian of the person in possession at the time of seizure. Such notification shall be by first-class mail. Should no valid claim be made for the seized electric scooter or bicycle with electric assist within 90 days of seizure, title to the seized electric scooter or bicycle with electric assist shall vest in the seizing agency's municipal employer.
E. 
Law enforcement agencies affecting seizures pursuant to this article may promulgate regulations regarding the storage, release and/or destruction of any electric scooter or bicycle with electric assist seized under this article.
A. 
Any person who sells or offers for sale an electric scooter or bicycle with electric assist to any person within the County of Suffolk for compensation shall disclose, in writing, the restrictions set forth in Article IX, Operation of Electric Scooters and Electric Assist Bicycles, of this chapter by conspicuously posting a statement of these restrictions at each point of sale (all capital letters not less than two inches in height on a contrasting background) and by providing a written copy of such restrictions to each such person who actually purchases an electric scooter or bicycle with electric assist.
B. 
Willful failure to comply with § 319-55 of this article shall constitute a violation punishable by a civil fine of $1,000 for each violation. Each day or part of a day on which a violation continues shall constitute a separate violation. Section 319-55 of this article shall be enforced by the Suffolk County Office of Consumer Affairs.