Following a teenager’s death while riding an illegal e-bike, calls have increased for mandating license plates through Priscilla’s Law as a simple fix to the rising danger of motorized micromobility vehicles (MMVs).

But Priscilla’s Law has a fundamental logical flaw — illegal MMVs by definition cannot be licensed because they’re illegal. Yet they must be the highest priority for enforcement, as they are most dangerous.

Nonetheless, editorials and advocates often cite tragedies involving illegal vehicles to justify Priscilla’s Law. Former Councilmember Robert Holden writes he proposed the law following Theresa Valenti being killed by two men riding an illegal e-bike. Activists rallied following a Queensboro Bridge tragedy when an illegal e-scooter crashed into a cyclist, killing both.

Moreover, enforcement of existing laws regulating MMV’s have been ineffective, making successful enforcement of Priscilla’s Law unlikely. §10-157 of the Administrative Code already requires a large........

© NY Daily News