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Committee advances bill to classify fast electric devices and create 'low‑power moped' category
Summary
SB 455 would define low‑power mopeds, clarify what is and is not an e‑bike and require labeling and notification rules; the committee passed the bill to Appropriations after mixed testimony from bike advocates, industry and safety groups.
Senator Blake Spear introduced SB 455 to clarify state law about electric bicycles and to create a new category, "low‑power mopeds," for certain two‑ and three‑wheel electric devices that exceed the statutory e‑bike speed or power limits.
Spear said e‑bikes are important for reducing car trips and meeting climate goals and described personal experience: "E‑bikes have become a very popular option especially in my district. We want to encourage more e‑biking and I will share that we are a five‑e‑bike family." The bill would limit low‑power mopeds to 30 miles per hour, require a driver's license for those devices, prohibit their use on sidewalks and bike lanes, and require clearer labeling so consumers know whether a device is a bicycle, low‑power moped or motor vehicle.
Mark Buksovich of Streets for All, the bill sponsor, said the measure would improve data collection and consumer protections and help law enforcement classify devices in collisions. People for Bikes, representing bicycle manufacturers and distributors, opposed the bill as drafted and urged continued negotiations: the group said retroactive notice requirements and some new labeling rules could burden legitimate e‑bike manufacturers and retailers.
After questions about enforcement, safety for minors and device labeling, the committee voted to pass SB 455 to Appropriations. The roll call recorded the motion passing 14‑0. The author accepted committee amendments and pledged to work with industry on refinements.
