Advocates rally for ‘Priscilla’s Law,’ calling for stricter e-bike regulations in NYC
The NYC E-Vehicle Safety Alliance is calling on lawmakers to pass what’s known as “Priscilla’s Law,” legislation that would require certain e-bikes, scooters and other electric vehicles to be licensed, registered and to display a visible plate.
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Advocates gathered outside City Hall Thursday to push for tighter regulations on e-bikes and other electric vehicles.
The NYC E-Vehicle Safety Alliance is calling on lawmakers to pass what’s known as “Priscilla’s Law,” legislation that would require certain e-bikes, scooters and other electric vehicles to be licensed, registered and to display a visible plate.
The bill is named after Priscilla Loke, a teacher who was hit and killed while legally crossing the street in Chinatown.
Supporters say the legislation would bring accountability to hit-and-run crashes involving e-vehicles, arguing that too many victims are left without answers because riders can’t be easily identified.
At the rally, several victims shared their stories describing serious injuries and long-term trauma after being struck by e-bikes or scooters.
“I woke up in the hospital with a tube down my throat and 40 staples in my head,” one victim said. “I still have lingering issues.”
Backers of the bill also argue that many of these crashes go underreported, making it harder to track the true scope of the problem and hold riders accountable.
Council Member Inna Vernikov is among those supporting the legislation, saying riders who share the road must also take on responsibility.
Advocates are now urging city leaders to move the bill forward, saying it’s about more than enforcement, it’s about giving victims a path to justice.
The Department of Transportation tells News 12 it stands by its data, calling it accurate and based on reported cases. Officials acknowledge some crashes may go unreported, but say vehicles still pose the greatest risk to pedestrians on city streets.
