HB 508 Summary

• Defines three classes of electric-assisted bicycles: Class 1 (pedal-assist, max 20 mph), Class 2 (throttle-assist, max 20 mph), and Class 3 (pedal-assist, max 28 mph), each equipped with motors less than 750 watts.

• Exempts electric-assisted bicycles from motor vehicle requirements including driver's licenses, vehicle registration, titles, and financial responsibility insurance.

• Prohibits tampering with e-bikes to exceed speed limits (20 mph for throttle-assist, 28 mph for pedal-assist) and requires violators to comply with Consumer Product Safety Commission standards.

• Restricts Class 3 e-bike operation to persons 15 years and older; Classes 1 and 2 allowed on bicycle paths and trails, while Class 3 restricted unless adjacent to highways or permitted by local ordinance.

• Establishes e-bike safety helmet requirements for riders under 18 years old and designates e-bike violations as infractions rather than misdemeanors.