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IN HB1236
Bill
Status
5/2/2019
Primary Sponsor
Edmond Soliday
Click for details
AI Summary
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Defines "electric bicycle" as a bicycle with operable pedals and an electric motor not exceeding 750 watts, and establishes three classes: Class 1 (pedal-assist up to 20 mph), Class 2 (throttle-capable up to 20 mph), and Class 3 (pedal-assist up to 28 mph).
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Electric bicycles are not classified as motor vehicles and are exempt from driver's license requirements, financial responsibility laws, title certificates, vehicle registration, and off-road vehicle regulations.
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Manufacturers must affix permanent labels on electric bicycles starting January 1, 2020, displaying the class level, top assisted speed, and motor wattage.
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Operators under 15 years old may not operate Class 3 electric bicycles, and riders under 18 on Class 3 bicycles must wear helmets meeting Consumer Product Safety Commission or ASTM standards.
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Motor vehicles overtaking bicycles or electric bicycles must allow at least 3 feet of clearance and may pass in no-passing zones when safe to do so.
Legislative Description
Electric bicycles. Defines the term "electric bicycle" as a bicycle equipped with: (1) operable pedals; and (2) an electric motor with a power output not greater than 750 watts. Provides that an electric bicycle is not a motor vehicle. Provides that the operator of an electric bicycle is: (1) subject to all of the duties; and (2) entitled to all of the rights and privileges; of a bicycle operator. Provides that an electric bicycle shall be regulated as a bicycle. Provides certain exceptions. Exempts the operator of an electric bicycle from motor vehicle statutes concerning: (1) driver's licenses; and (2) financial responsibility. Exempts electric bicycles from motor vehicle statutes concerning: (1) certificates of title; (2) registration; and (3) off-road vehicles. Requires manufacturers and distributors of electric bicycles to affix and prominently display a label with the following information on each electric bicycle: (1) The class level of the electric bicycle. (2) The top assisted speed of the electric bicycle. (3) The total power output of the electric bicycle's electric motor. Requires all electric bicycles to comply with certain requirements adopted by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission. Requires all electric bicycles to be equipped with an electric motor that disengages or ceases to function when the operator: (1) stops pedaling; or (2) applies brakes. Specifies where electric bicycles may be operated. Allows a local authority or state agency with jurisdiction over a trail, bicycle path, or multipurpose path to regulate the use of electric bicycles on a trail, bicycle path, or multipurpose path subject to the local authority's or state agency's jurisdiction. Prohibits a person less than 15 years of age from operating certain electric bicycles. Allows a person less than 15 years of age to ride as a passenger on certain electric bicycles. Requires a properly fitted and fastened helmet capable of meeting certain safety standards to be worn by certain individuals when operating or riding on certain electric bicycles. Requires the operator of a motor vehicle to provide at least 3 feet of clearance when passing or overtaking an electric bicycle in certain instances. Defines certain terms. Makes conforming amendments.
Last Action
Public Law 206
5/2/2019