Mount Kisco approves motorized bike and scooter ban

MOUNT KISCO, N.Y. - Riding motorized bicycles or scooters on Mount Kisco’s sidewalks is now a no-no.

Also prohibited by the law passed 4-1 in September by the Village Board is the riding of non-motorized bikes and scooters on sidewalks by anyone over the age of 18.

Exempt from the ban are “electric personal mobility assistive devices" for disabled people.

New York state law defines those as self-balancing, two-wheeled devices that are propelled by an electric motor, have a maximum average output of 750 watts, or 1 horsepower, and are designed to transport a single person. Their top speed, when operated on a paved surface, must be under 12.5 miles per hour.

And those users must follow the general rules for operating on sidewalks, such as exercising care when passing pedestrians, and yielding the right of way.

The village/town’s new code defines bicycles as “any vehicle with two wheels in tandem, a steering handle, seat and pedals.” That includes bicycles equipped with temporary training wheels.

The definition includes tricycles – vehicles with three wheels, steering handles, seats, and pedals.

Scooters are defined as vehicles with handlebars and floorboards that can be stood or sat upon by the operator and weighing less than 100 pounds.

During a discussion in August, board members all agreed that booting motorized bicycles and scooters from sidewalks would enhance pedestrian safety.

However, Trustee Tom Luzio – who cast the lone “no” vote on Sept. 2 – urged the board to consider bike lanes on North Bedford Road and Lexington Avenue where it’s too dangerous for bicyclists to ride in the street.

That raised some questions from other board members about the possibility of having to eliminate some parking to make the lanes. That, they said, could possibly impact local businesses and shoppers.

Village Manager Ed Brancati and Mayor J. Michael Cindrich both noted that while the village could certainly look into making bike lanes, finding appropriates places for them would be very difficult.