ELECTRIC SKATEBOARDS                                                                     H.B. 5391 (H-6):

                                                                                                    SUMMARY OF BILL

                                                                                      REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE

House Bill 5391 (Substitute H-6 as reported without amendment)

Sponsor:  Representative Curtis S. VanderWall

House Committee:  Transportation and Infrastructure

Senate Committee:  Transportation

CONTENT

The bill would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to do the following:

-- Regulate the use of electric skateboards.

-- Require a person less than 19 years of age operating an electric skateboard to wear a crash helmet on his or her head.

-- Prohibit a person under the age of 12 from operating an electric skateboard on a public highway or street.

-- Prohibit the operation of an electric skateboard at a speed of more than 25 miles per hour, and on a highway or street with a speed limit of more than 25 miles per hour, except to cross that highway or street.

-- Allow the Department of Natural Resources by order to regulate the use of electric skateboards on all land under its control.

-- Allow the governing body of a local unit of government to regulate the operation of electric skateboards on sidewalks, streets, and crosswalks, and to prohibit their operation in certain areas.

The bill would define "electric skateboard" as a wheeled device that has a floorboard designed to be stood upon when riding that is not more than 60 inches long and 18 inches wide, is designed to transport only one person at a time, has an electrical propulsion system with power of not more than 2,500 watts, and has a maximum speed on a paved level surface of not more than 25 miles per hour. In addition to having an electrical propulsion system with power of not more than 2,500 watts, an electric skateboard could be designed to be powered also by human propulsion. The term "motor vehicle" as defined under the Code would not include an electric skateboard.

MCL 257.33 et al.                                                     Legislative Analyst:  Drew Krogulecki

FISCAL IMPACT

The bill would have no fiscal impact on the State and an indeterminate, though minor, fiscal impact on local government. There could be some increased resource demands on law enforcement to enforce the new regulations. Any increased fine revenue from civil infractions would increase funding for public libraries.

Date Completed:  5-29-18                                                    Fiscal Analyst:  Ryan Bergan

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.