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Two Lawmakers Push To Legalize e-Bikes, Scooters In New York

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - Two lawmakers have announced legislation to legalize electric bicycles and scooters in New York state.

New York is one of the last states that has yet to define and legalize e-bikes and scooters, but if the bill passes, it could bring masses of them to the city.

That's created confusion over how they should be regulated.

"I think it would be even more confusing and stressful," said Joanna Porpora.

State Senator Jessica Ramos and Assemblywoman Nily Rozic's bill would allow local municipalities to determine the rules.

The New York City Council banned motorized scooters in 2004, citing safety concerns. Throttle e-bikes are not legal in New York City and carry a $500 fine on those caught using them.

A change would ease the mind of deliveryman Liqiang Zhou who says he's been ticketed on his e-bike 10 times.

His employer, a restaurant owner in Chinatown, must pay the fines.

"They have to make a living," he said through a translator.

Also covered in the bill e-scooters which are growing in popularity in other cities around the nation and the world.

"I feel like it would be a good asset to have," said Kristen Cuetos.

But Kristine Hermann, a German native who's familiar with them in Berlin, says New York traffic may be just to crazy to add them to the mix here.

"I think it's a bad idea too many people on the road," she said.

A spokesman for Mayor Bill de Blasio told CBS2 that Albany must provide the clarity.

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