Orangetown adopts local law regulating e-bikes, limits speeds in parks

The Orangetown Town Board voted to adopt a local law amending Chapter 11C governing electronic bicycles and scooters on July 28, 2026. Supervisor Theresa Kenny moved the measure and the motion passed by voice vote.

Town counsel summarized state law and the town's options before public comment, telling the board that New York's vehicle and traffic law allows municipalities to add local rules "not inconsistent" with state rules, including park speed limits and helmet requirements: "This law addresses certain things such as operating on public, in parks, town parks... the town board is authorizing it in certain parks with a 10 mile an hour speed limit," the town attorney said. He also noted that Class 3 e-bikes are not permitted in Rockland or Orangetown and the town's law focuses on Class 1 and 2 devices.

Public commenters urged clarifications and safety measures. Seth Wiley of the Rockland Bike Club asked the board to distinguish throttle-controlled e-bikes from pedal-assist models, saying the club's review showed members use e-bikes for errands and recreation and that throttle-control allows riders to "accelerate to top speed" without pedaling. James Cleary urged protections for pedestrians on the Joseph P. Clark and Esposito trails, recommended dedicated lanes and helmet rules, and described encountering multiple fast-moving e-bikes while hiking.

Supervisor Kenny said the town will treat the adoption as a starting point: "Some of it's education, some of it's enforcement, and I think the plan is to kinda start and see how it goes," she said, adding that signage and police outreach have already informed some residents that the state prohibits under-16 operation.

The board said it will monitor the law's effects and may revisit bans or refine rules for specific trails if enforcement or safety problems arise.