David Chiu
- Democratic
Author
Existing law defines a "motorized bicycle" or a "moped" as a 2-wheeled or 3-wheeled device having fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power, or having no pedals if powered solely by electrical energy, and an automatic transmission and motor, as specified. Existing law also defines a "motorized bicycle" as a device that has fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power and has an electric motor that meets specified requirements. Existing law requires a motorized bicycle, as described by this definition, to comply with specified equipment and manufacturing requirements. Existing law also imposes specified requirements relating to the operation of bicycles. A violation of the Vehicle Code is a crime. This bill would delete the latter definition of a "motorized bicycle." The bill would define an "electric bicycle" as a bicycle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts, and would create 3 classes of electric bicycles, as specified. The bill would require manufacturers or distributors of electric bicycles to affix a label to each electric bicycle that describes its classification number, top assisted speed, and motor wattage. The bill would require every electric bicycle manufacturer to certify that it complies with specified equipment and manufacturing requirements. The bill would also require an electric bicycle to operate in a manner so that the electric motor disengages or stops functioning when brakes are applied, or in a manner so that the release or activation of a switch or other mechanism disengages or stops the electric motor from functioning. The bill would require a person riding an electric bicycle to comply with the above-described requirements relating to the operation of bicycles. The bill would prohibit persons under 16 years of age from operating a class 3 electric bicycle. The bill would also require persons operating, or riding upon, a class 3 electric bicycle to wear a helmet, as specified. The bill would prohibit the operation of a class 3 electric bicycle on specified paths, lanes, or trails, unless that operation is authorized by a local ordinance. The bill would also authorize a local authority or governing body to prohibit, by ordinance, the operation of class 1 or class 2 electric bicycles on specified paths or trails. The bill would prohibit a person from tampering with or modifying an electric bicycle to change its speed capability, unless he or she appropriately replaces the classification label. The bill would specify that a person operating an electric bicycle is not subject to financial responsibility, driver's license, registration, or license plate requirements. The bill would also make conforming changes. This bill would incorporate additional changes to Section 21113 of the Vehicle Code proposed by AB 604 that would become operative only if this bill and AB 604 are both chaptered, and this bill is chaptered last. Because the bill would create new requirements regarding electric bicycles, the violation of which would be a crime, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.
Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 568, Statutes of 2015.
Approved by the Governor.
Enrolled and presented to the Governor at 4 p.m.
Senate amendments concurred in. To Engrossing and Enrolling. (Ayes 80. Noes 0. Page 3066.).
Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Assembly. (Ayes 40. Noes 0. Page 2639.).
In Assembly. Concurrence in Senate amendments pending.
Read second time. Ordered to third reading.
Read third time and amended. Ordered to second reading.
Read second time. Ordered to third reading.
From committee: Be placed on second reading file pursuant to Senate Rule 28.8.
From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 9. Noes 0.) (June 23). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to committee. Read second time, amended, and re-referred to Com. on T. & H.
In Senate. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment.
Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Senate. (Ayes 74. Noes 0. Page 1563.)
Read second time. Ordered to Consent Calendar.
From committee: Do pass. To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 17. Noes 0.) (May 13).
Read second time and amended.
From committee: Amend, and do pass as amended and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 15. Noes 0.) (April 27).
From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on TRANS. Read second time and amended.
From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on TRANS. Read second time and amended.
Read first time.
From printer. May be heard in committee March 31.
Introduced. To print.
| Bill Text Versions | Format |
|---|---|
| AB1096 | HTML |
| 02/27/15 - Introduced | |
| 03/26/15 - Amended Assembly | |
| 04/22/15 - Amended Assembly | |
| 04/29/15 - Amended Assembly | |
| 06/15/15 - Amended Senate | |
| 09/04/15 - Amended Senate | |
| 09/14/15 - Enrolled | |
| 10/07/15 - Chaptered |
| Document | Format |
|---|---|
| No related documents. |
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