Explanation:
Twenty-six states (Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming) have created a three-tiered e-bike classification system intended to differentiate between models with varying speed capabilities.
According to a 2018 bicycle industry analysis, e-bikes sales increased 83 percent between May of 2017 and May of 2018, and e-bikes made up 10 percent of overall bike sales in the U.S. for that time period. Electric bicycles cost on average $2,000 – $3,000, versus a $1,000 average investment for a mid-range traditional commuter bicycle. An investment in an electric bicycle is appealing to those who are looking to replace short trips typically made by car, therefore the investment can be justified if the buyer factors in the reduced cost of car maintenance and fuel.
In addition, the definition of a non-electric assist bicycle should be updated to include two or three-wheeled bicycles. Recumbent and upright adult tricycles are gaining in popularity.
Current Bills:
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Section 321.1, Code 2020, is amended by adding the following new subsection:
NEW SUBSECTION. 036A. “Low-speed electric bicycle” means a device having a saddle or seat for the use of a rider, two or three wheels equipped with fully operable pedals, and an electric motor of less than seven hundred fifty watts that meets the requirements of one of the following classes:
a. “Class 1 low-speed electric bicycle” means a low-speed electric bicycle equipped with a motor that may be used to provide assistance only when the rider is pedaling and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of twenty miles per hour or more.
b. “Class 2 low-speed electric bicycle” means a low-speed electric bicycle equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle and that is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of twenty miles per hour or more.
c. “Class 3 low-speed electric bicycle” means a low-speed electric bicycle equipped with a motor that may be used to provide assistance only when the rider is pedaling and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of twenty-eight miles per hour or more.
Section 321.1, subsection 40, Code 2020, is amended to read as follows:
c. “Bicycle” means either of the following:
(1) A device having two or three wheels and having at least one saddle or seat for the use of a rider which is propelled by human power.
(2) A low-speed electric bicycle.
Section 321.1, subsection 90, paragraph a, Code 2020, is amended to read as follows:
a. Any device moved by human power, including a low-speed electric bicycle.
NEW SECTION. 321.235B Low-speed electric bicycles —— labels —— operation.
1. A manufacturer or distributor of low-speed electric bicycles shall apply a label that is permanently affixed in a prominent location to each of the manufacturer’s or distributor’s low-speed electric bicycles. The label shall contain all of the following information printed in Arial font with a font size not less than nine-point type:
a. A classification number for the low-speed electric bicycle that corresponds with a class defined in section 321.1, subsection 036A.
b. The low-speed electric bicycle’s top assisted speed.
c. The low-speed electric bicycle’s motor wattage.
2. A person shall not knowingly modify the speed capability or engagement of a low-speed electric bicycle such that the low-speed electric bicycle does not qualify for a class defined in section 321.1, subsection 036A. If a person has modified the speed capability or engagement of a low-speed electric bicycle, the person shall affix a new label containing the information listed in subsection 1 to the modified low-speed electric bicycle.
3. A low-speed electric bicycle shall be manufactured and equipped in compliance with 16 C.F.R. pt. 1512.
4. A low-speed electric bicycle shall be manufactured to operate in such a manner that when the rider stops pedaling, applies the brakes, or the electric motor is disengaged, the electric motor assist ceases to function.
5. A Class 3 low-speed electric bicycle shall not be operated unless it is equipped with a speedometer that displays its speed in miles per hour.
6. A person under the age of sixteen shall not operate a class 3 low-speed electric bicycle. A person under the age of sixteen may ride as a passenger on a class 3 low-speed electric bicycle in compliance with section 321.234, subsection 4.
7. A person operating a low-speed electric bicycle on a highway is subject to the provisions of this chapter applicable to a rider of a bicycle on a highway and has all the rights and duties under this chapter applicable to a rider of a bicycle, except those provisions of this chapter which by their nature can have no application, or except as otherwise provided in this section.
8. Except for provisions of the Code made specifically applicable to low-speed electric bicycles in this section, low-speed electric bicycles are not subject to provisions of the Code applicable to vehicles, including provisions relating to all of the following:
a. Licensure, registration, titling, inspection, and proof of financial liability coverage.
b. Possession of a driver’s license or permit.
9. A low-speed electric bicycle may be operated in any place where a bicycle is allowed to operate, including but not limited to streets, highways, roadways, shoulders, bicycle lanes, bikeways, and bicycle or multi-use paths.
Section 322D.1, subsection 8, Code 2020, is amended to read as follows:
8. “Motorcycle” means a motor vehicle as defined in section 321.1 other than an all-terrain vehicle, which has a saddle or seat for the use of a rider and that is designed to travel on not more than two wheels in contact with the ground, but excluding a motorized bicycle, a low-speed electric bicycle, or autocycle as defined in section 321.1.
Section 805.8A, subsection 9A, Code 2020, is amended to read as follows:
9A. Electric personal assistive mobility device violations. For electric device violations under section 321.235A the following sections, the scheduled fine is fifteen dollars.is as follows:
a. Section 321.235A $15
b. Section 321.235B $15
APPLICABILITY. Section 321.235B, subsections 1 and 2, as enacted in this Act, apply to low-speed electric bicycles manufactured or distributed on or after January 1, 2021.
APPLICABILITY. Section 321.235B, subsections 3 and 4, as enacted in this Act, apply to low-speed electric bicycles manufactured or distributed on or after the effective date of this Act.
Resources:
https://www.ncsl.org/research/transportation/state-electric-bicycle-laws-a-legislative-primer.aspx
http://peopleforbikes.org/e-bikes
Other Legislation:
We have grouped our bills by subject because multiple bills may address the same topic. Learn more on each topic at:
Or return to our legislative page: https://iowabicyclecoalition.org/policy-and-legislation/
