HB99 Summary

• Establishes legal definition and three classes of electric bicycles: Class 1 (pedal-assist, cuts off at 20 mph), Class 2 (throttle-powered, cuts off at 20 mph), and Class 3 (pedal-assist, cuts off at 28 mph), all with motors under 750 watts.

• Electric bicycles are subject to bicycle regulations and rights but exempt from driver's licenses, registration, certificates of title, motor vehicle insurance, and license plate requirements.

• Manufacturers must apply permanent labels to electric bicycles by January 1, 2022 showing classification, top assisted speed, and motor wattage; modifying an electric bicycle requires replacing the classification label.

• Class 3 electric bicycles restricted to operators age 16 and older; riders must wear helmets meeting consumer safety standards and bicycles must have speedometers; local authorities may prohibit Class 1 and Class 2 on multi-use paths for safety reasons but may prohibit Class 3.

• Excludes electric bicycles from definitions of motorcycles and off-road vehicles in Alabama Code; act becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and approval.