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House approves bill to bring electric‑assisted bicycles under Idaho traffic laws
Summary
Lawmakers passed House Bill 500 to clarify that electric‑assisted bicycles are included in duties‑of‑care and traffic‑law provisions, specify classes of e‑bikes and close a statutory loophole identified in recent court rulings.
The Idaho House on Feb. 9 passed House Bill 500, a bill the sponsor described as closing a legal loophole by explicitly including electric‑assisted bicycles (e‑bikes) in Idaho’s traffic and duties‑of‑care statutes.
The sponsor told members a local constituent’s crash illustrated a gap: a driver argued existing code did not require avoiding a collision with an electric‑assisted bike because the statutes referenced only “human‑powered” vehicles. HB 500 inserts e‑bikes into the relevant sections and clarifies three classes of e‑bikes by speed and power characteristics, aligning their legal responsibilities with traditional cyclists.
Sponsor remarks outlined three bill functions: (1) clarify drivers’ duty to avoid collisions with e‑bikes that comply with law, (2) require e‑cyclists to obey traffic rules as traditional cyclists do, and (3) make technical clarifications about seating and other equipment requirements. The sponsor said the language covers classes of e‑bikes that top out at 20 or 28 mph and distinguishes higher‑powered motor vehicles that require a different statutory treatment.
The measure passed on the House floor and will be transmitted to the Senate for consideration.
What happens next: If the Senate concurs or amends and the House agrees, the bill will proceed to enrollment and the governor for signature.
