Robert Slone, chief scientist and a senior vice president of UL Solutions, stands by the bike lane on 2nd Avenue in Manhattan in New York on Monday, July 17, 2023. Amid a rash of e-bike lithium-ion battery fire deaths, the city will require all e-bikes sold here to pass the company's safety check certifications starting in September. (AP Photo/Ted Shaffrey)

The proliferation of e-bikes and e-scooters is prompting a state lawmaker to propose training courses for their use.

Assemblyman Brian Cunningham, D-Brooklyn, has introduced A.7943 in the state Assembly to amend the state Vehicle and Traffic Law creating training courses for operators of bicycles with electric assist and electric scooters. Cunningham is also proposing optional training courses for those riding traditional bicycles.

“According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, over the last five years, there have been 190,000 documented emergency room visits in the United States due to the use of e-scooters, hoverboards and e-bikes,” Cunningham wrote in his legislative justification. “New York too, use of electric bicycles and scooters has been growing and there are serious safety concerns. In particular, improper operation of these bikes/scooters poses a great threat to road safety. There have been reports of e-bike operators not following rules of the road and running lights, going on the sidewalk, and other dangerous activities.”

Cunningham wants to see a two-hour training course for e-bike and e-scooter riders, with courses available online and in-person. Topics will include the relevant traffic laws and safe operation of e-bikes and scooters. The course would be administered by approved private entities or municipalities. The legislation would require registration for the court before someone can purchase an e-bike or e-scooter with sellers responsible for making sure buyers register before taking their bike or scooter home.

Existing owners of electric bicycles and scooters would be required to complete the training within one year of A.7943 becoming law if it is passed and signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul. Proof of completion is required to be carried while operating electric bicycles and scooters. Cunningham also proposes an optional bicycle training course to be recommended for non-electric bicycle users. That course would include instruction on bicycle laws, traffic behavior, hazard identification, safety measures, bike maintenance and injury prevention.

“Mandating a training course for electric bike operators ensures that they are well-informed about traffic laws and safety practices, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries,” Cunningham wrote. “Similarly, traditional bicycle riders are recommended to take a course. We aim to create the streets in New York: operators traditional cyclists, pedestrians, foster responsible ebike usage and incidents.a safer environment for everyone who shares of electric bicycles and scooters, and drivers. We hope that this training will ultimately reduce the number of preventable injuries.”