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Committee hears bill to add motorized scooters and similar devices to Montana law
Summary
House Bill 588 would create statutory definitions and operating rules for motorized scooters, mopeds and similar devices, allowing them where bicycles are permitted; sponsor and transportation staff discussed definitions, lighting requirements and distinctions from higher‑speed motor vehicles.
The House Transportation Committee heard a concise informational hearing on House Bill 588, which would add definitions and operating rules for motorized scooters and related small electric personal‑transport devices to Montana law and permit their use where bicycles and mopeds are allowed.
Sponsor Representative Neil Durham framed the bill as an attempt to accommodate emerging, low‑speed modes of micro‑mobility used for short trips in towns and cities, including seated and seatless devices. Durham said his intent was to allow communities to legally accommodate devices such as stand‑on scooters, single‑wheel electric units and slower electric vehicles without requiring a driver's license. "Without twisting your arm, it's my ask or request for you that you would consider the bill . . . to allow or accommodate more forms of motor driven transportation," he said.
The Department of Transportation's deputy director, Larry Flynn, appeared as an informational witness and answered questions about definitions and enforcement. Committee members asked about distinctions among mopeds, motorized bicycles and higher‑speed scooters and whether headlamps or operator headlamps would satisfy nighttime lighting requirements. Representative Staffman described a commercially available electric unicycle as the type of device the bill would cover; Durham and other members discussed whether lighting language should allow a lamp on the operator instead of only mounting on the device itself.
Several lawmakers indicated a willingness to refine definitions and a technical amendment was expected; Representative Durham said he would work on language with bill drafters. The committee closed the hearing without recorded opposition and without immediate committee action.
Why it matters: Cities and towns are seeing more personal electric mobility devices; this bill would clarify where and how low‑speed devices can operate on roadways and paths and would add statutory guidance for enforcement and public safety.
What’s next: Sponsor and staff plan to refine definitions and lighting language; no committee vote was recorded in the transcript excerpt provided.
