The City of Hornell has adopted legislation regulating the operation of electric vehicles, including e-bikes, e-scooters and e-skateboards.
Passage of the local law by the Hornell Common Council on Monday, April 20 by a 9-0 vote fulfills a key 2026 policy goal of Mayor John Buckley.
The legislation sets speed limits, age restrictions, operating rules and equipment requirements for driving electronic vehicles within the city limits.
The law also establishes a fine structure for violations.
Hornell public safety officials have pushed for the measure, citing the increased prevalence of electric vehicles on city streets and in public parks.
According to city leaders, the uptick has resulted in unsafe and unlawful operations by some users, including disregarding traffic control devices, driving on sidewalks, speeding in parks and dangerous interactions with pedestrians and other motorists.
Significant rules in new Hornell electric vehicle law
State law already requires individuals to be at least 16 years old to operate an e-bike or e-scooter on a public roadway.
The new Hornell law requires electric vehicle operators to be at least 16 years old and wear a fitted helmet that meets Consumer Product Safety Commission standards.
The local law also requires operators to:
Additionally, nighttime operators must have a white front lamp visible from 500 feet and a red rear lamp or reflector visible from 300 feet.
Can electric vehicles be driven in Hornell city parks?
The law tightens the rules for driving and operating electric vehicles in city parks, but it does not ban their use.
According to the law, the vehicles can’t be operated in pedestrian-only areas, on grassy fields, or other areas not designated for their use in parks.
The law restricts motorized micro-mobility devices to paths that are designated for their use and speeds may not exceed 20 miles per hour.
Operators must yield the right of way to pedestrians and slow down to walking speed when passing pedestrians in a park, the law states.
Penalties for violating the electric vehicle law
The city said the Hornell Police Department will enforce the measures.
The fine structure for general violations include a $50 to $100 fine for a first offense; a $100 to $250 fine for a second offense within 12 months; and a $250 to $500 fine and or up to 15 days in jail for the third or subsequent offenses.
Helmet or lighting violations are subject to a warning or as much as a $50 fine for a first offense, with fines rising to $50 to $100 for a second violation, and $100 to $200 for a third or subsequent violations.
Fines may be reduced or waived upon proof of compliance within 14 days of the violation.
The law goes into effect immediately upon its filing with the New York Secretary of State Office.
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This article originally appeared on The Evening Tribune: Hornell Common Council approves new e-bike rules. Here’s the impact
Reporting by Neal Simon, Hornell Evening Tribune / The Evening Tribune
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