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Family testimony, island concerns push Suffolk to refine e-scooter rules
Summary
A public hearing and several public comments pressed the Legislature to tighten e-scooter and e-bike rules — including helmet and age restrictions — while Fire Island officials asked for a seasonal carve-out because boardwalks and island transportation differ from mainland streets.
Public testimony at the Nov. 25 meeting urged stronger County rules for electric scooters and pedal-assist bikes after several high-profile crashes and at least one local fatality.
Carolyn Pascale, who said her 29-year-old son Ryan died on an electric scooter in 2023, told the Legislature: "Gone in a second all because he was not wearing a helmet." She urged helmet mandates and other restrictions, and called for age limits and retailer warnings. Multiple speakers detailed concerns about the speed and power of some off-road-capable e-scooters, citing models with top speeds over 60 mph.
Officials and residents from Fire Island asked legislators to recognize the island's unique circumstances — limited roads, boardwalks and year-round residents who rely on bicycles for mobility. George Hoffman of the Fire Island Association and Saltaire Mayor Hugh O'Brien requested amendments that would allow limited off-season motorized e-bike use and tighter seasonal restrictions during the summer. Presiding Officer McCaffrey and other legislators said they will work with town and island officials to craft an amendment addressing the island's needs while preserving safety measures on the mainland.
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