ELECTRIC BIKES; DEFINITION & USE                                            H.B. 4782 (H-3) & 4783:

                                                                                                    SUMMARY OF BILL

                                                                                      REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE

House Bill 4782 (Substitute H-3 as reported without amendment)

House Bill 4783 (as reported without amendment)

Sponsor:  Representative Holly Hughes (H.B. 4782)

               Representative Klint Kesto (H.B. 4783)

House Committee:  Tourism and Outdoor Recreation

Senate Committee:  Outdoor Recreation and Tourism

CONTENT

House Bill 4782 (H-3) would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to do the following:

-- Define "electric bicycle", "class 1 electric bicycle", "class 2 electric bicycle", and "class 3 electric bicycle".

-- Specify that a person riding an electric bicycle would have all of the rights as, and would be subject to all of the duties applicable to, the driver of a vehicle.

-- Require a manufacturer or distributor of electric bicycles offered for sale or distribution in the State, beginning January 1, 2018, to affix to a bicycle a label that included its classification number, top assisted speed, and motor wattage.

-- Prescribe requirements for minors riding class 3 electric bicycles.

-- Prohibit an individual from operating an electric bicycle within a city that prohibited the use of nonemergency motor vehicles unless its city council adopted a resolution allowing the operation of electric bicycles within city limits.

-- Allow an individual to operate a class 1 electric bicycle on a linear trail with an asphalt, crushed limestone, or similar surface, or a rail trail.

-- Allow an individual to operate a class 2 or class 3 electric bicycle on a linear trail with an asphalt, crushed limestone, or similar surface, or a rail trail, if authorized by the local authority or State agency having jurisdiction over the trail.

-- Require the State or a local authority or State agency to administer the bill's provisions in a manner that complied with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Persons with Disabilities Civil Rights Act.

House Bill 4783 would amend the Insurance Code to exclude an electric bicycle from the definition of "motor vehicle", and to define "electric bicycle" as it would be defined in House Bill 4782 (H-3).

MCL 257.32b et al. (H.B. 4782)                                           Legislative Analyst:  Jeff Mann

       500.3101 (H.B. 4783)

FISCAL IMPACT

The bills would have no fiscal impact on State or local government. 

Date Completed:  10-17-17                                                  Fiscal Analyst:  Ryan Bergan

Michael Siracuse

This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.