Electric bicycles and providing a penalty. (FE)

This bill eliminates the second type of motor bicycle and establishes a similar definition for electric bicycle. Unlike an operator of a motor bicycle, however, an operator of an electric bicycle is not required to hold an operator's license.

Under this bill, an electric bicycle is “a bicycle that is equipped with fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power and an electric motor of less than 750 watts.” Electric bicycles are divided into three classes, as follows:

1. Class 1 electric bicycles provide assistance only when the rider is pedaling and cease to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour.

2. Class 2 electric bicycles may be powered solely by the motor and are not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour.

3. Class 3 electric bicycles provide assistance only when the rider is pedaling and cease to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 28 miles per hour.

In general, an electric bicycle is subject to the same rules as other bicycles and an operator of an electric bicycle is subject to the same rules and is afforded the same privileges as operators of other bicycles, with the following exceptions:

1. Persons under the age of 16 years may not operate a class 3 electric bicycle.

2. A manufacturer or distributor of an electric bicycle must affix a label containing the classification number of the electric bicycle, the speed at which the motor will cease to provide assistance or power, and the wattage of the motor equipped to the electric bicycle.

3. Either the motor must cease to provide assistance or power when the brakes are applied or the motor must cease to provide assistance or power when the rider stops pedaling.

4. A person may not operate a class 3 electric bicycle unless the electric bicycle is equipped with a speedometer.

5. The Department of Transportation or local authorities may prohibit the operation of electric bicycles, with the power unit in operation, on designated bikeways.