Revision: Nov. 14, 2023, 4:06 p.m.
2024 SESSION
24-2591.1
10/02
HOUSE BILL [bill number]
AN ACT relative to electric bicycles, electric scooters, and electric unicycles.
SPONSORS: [sponsors]
COMMITTEE: [committee]
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ANALYSIS
This bill modifies the requirements for the operation of and equipment required for all classes of electric bicycles, requires the division of motor vehicles to develop procedures for the registration of electric bicycles, and requires that electric scooters and electric unicycles be regulated as motor vehicles.
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Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in bold italics.
Matter removed from current law appears [in brackets and struckthrough.]
Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.
24-2591.1
10/02
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twenty Four
AN ACT relative to electric bicycles, electric scooters, and electric unicycles.
Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:
1 Motor Vehicles; Electric Bicycles. RSA 265:144-a is repealed and reenacted to read as follows:
265:144-a Electric Bicycles
I. Any class of electric bicycle capable of speeds of 15 mph or faster with the assistance of electric motor and battery power shall:
(a) Not be operated on any sidewalk, bike path, or rail trail.
(b) Be subject to all motor vehicle laws, rules, and regulations of the roadway, while being operated on a public way.
(c) If required under RSA 261, be registered with the division of motor vehicles.
II. An electric bicycle or a person operating an electric bicycle shall not be subject to the provisions of this title relating to financial responsibility, certificates of title, off highway recreational vehicles, and license plates. An electric bicycle is not a motor vehicle for these purposes.
III. On and after January 1, 2020, manufacturers and distributors of electric bicycles shall apply a label that is permanently affixed, in a prominent location, to each electric bicycle. The label shall contain the classification number, top assisted speed, and motor wattage of the electric bicycle, and shall be printed in arial font in at least 9-point type.
IV. No person shall tamper with or modify an electric bicycle so as to change the motor-powered speed capability or engagement of an electric bicycle, unless he or she appropriately replaces the label indicating the classification required pursuant to paragraph III.
V. An electric bicycle shall comply with the equipment and manufacturing requirements for bicycles adopted by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission in 16 C.F.R. section 1512.
VI. An electric bicycle shall operate in a manner so that the electric motor is disengaged or ceases to function when the rider stops pedaling or when the brakes are applied.
VII. Any class of electric bicycle shall have the following safety equipment:
(a) A headlight which illuminates 200 feet.
(b) A red tail light which is visible 150 feet by approaching vehicles.
(c) A brake light that illuminates when the brakes are applied and be visible for 100 feet.
(d) A speedometer which displays the speed to the operator.
VIII. No person less than 16 years of age may operate any class of electric bicycle. A person less than 16 years of age may ride as a passenger on a class 3 electric bicycle that is designed to accommodate passengers.
IX. No person less than 18 years of age may ride or sit as a passenger on a class 3 electric bicycle unless he or she wears a properly-fitted and fastened bicycle helmet that meets standards provided by either the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission or the American Society for Testing and Materials, or standards subsequently established by those entities.
X. An electric bicycle that is not capable of speeds over 15 mph, shall:
(a) Be required to have a headlamp and red tail light.
(b) Not be required to be registered.
(c) Not be required to be operated by a licensed operator.
(d) Not be operated on any sidewalk.
2 New Section; Motor Vehicles; Definition; Electric Scooter and Electric Unicycle. Amend RSA 259 by inserting after section 27-a the following new section:
259:27-b Electric Scooter or Electric Unicycle. "Electric scooter" or "electric unicycle" shall mean any electric motor and battery powered scooter or unicycle. Electric scooters and electric unicycles shall be classified as motorized vehicles, whereas they are not assisted by human power and are only powered by electric motors. Electric scooters and electric unicycles shall be restricted from being used on any way, sidewalk, bike path, or rail trail within the state.
3 Department of Safety; Division of Motor Vehicles. Not later than January 1, 2025, the director of the division of motor vehicle shall develop procedures for the registration of electric bicycles, electric scooters, and electric unicycles. The director shall report such proposed procedures to the speaker of the house of representatives, the senate president, the chairs of house and senate committees with jurisdiction over vehicle licensing, and the governor.