2023 -- S 0326
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LC001763
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S TATE OF RHODE IS LAND
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2023
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A N A C T
RELATING TO MOTOR AN D OTHER VEHICLES -- REGULATION OF ELECTRIC
BICYCLES
Introduced By: Senators Euer, and Kallman
Date Introduced: February 16, 2023
Referred To: Senate Judiciary
It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:
SECTION 1. Title 31 of the General Laws entitled "MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES" 1
is hereby amended by adding thereto the following chapter: 2
CHAPTER 19.6 3
REGULATION OF ELECTRIC BICYCLES 4
31-19.6-1. Regulation. 5
Electric bicycles shall to be regulated like bicycles. The same rules of the road shall apply 6
to both electric bicycles and human-powered bicycles pursuant to the provisions of chapter 19 of 7
this title. 8
31-19.6-2. Exemptions from regulation. 9
An electric bicycle or a person operating an electric bicycle shall not be subject to the 10
provisions of this title applicable to motor vehicles, including, but not limited to, registration, 11
certificates of title, operators' licenses, financial responsibility, recreational vehicles, motor vehicle 12
dealers, or commercial motor vehicles. 13
31-19.6-3. Classes. 14
There shall be three (3) classes of electric bicycles: 15
(1) Class 1: Bicycle equipped with an electric motor that provides assistance only when the 16
rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the electric bicycle reaches twenty 17
miles per hour (20 mph). 18
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(2) Class 2: Bicycle equipped with a throttle-actuated electric motor that ceases to provide 1
assistance when the electric bicycle reaches twenty miles per hour (20 mph). 2
(3) Class 3: Bicycle equipped with an electric motor that provides assistance only when the 3
rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the electric bicycle reaches twenty-4
eight miles per hour (28 mph). 5
31-19.6-4. Helmets required - Age of operators. 6
(a) Helmets, as defined in § 31-19-2.1, are required for riders fifteen (15) years of age or 7
younger for all three (3) classes of electric bicycles and for all riders of Class 3 electric bicycles. 8
(b) Persons under sixteen (16) years of age shall not ride a Class 3 electric bicycle, unless 9
as a passenger. 10
31-19.6-5. Speedometer. 11
All Class 3 electric bicycles shall be equipped with a speedometer that is capable of 12
displaying the speed the electric bicycle is traveling in miles per hour. 13
31-19.6-6. Municipal regulations. 14
(a) Local governments shall not restrict the use of electric bicycles except to regulate the 15
speed they may travel or in order to comply with other laws or legal obligations. 16
(b) A person shall not operate a Class 3 electric bicycle on a bicycle lane or multi-use path 17
in excess of the posted or applicable speed limit, or if there is no posted or applicable speed limit, 18
twenty miles per hour (20 mph). 19
31-19.6-7. Labels on electronic bicycles. 20
On or after January 1, 2024, manufacturers and distributors of electric bicycles shall apply 21
a label that is permanently affixed, in a prominent location, to each electric bicycle. The label shall 22
contain the classification number, top assisted speed, and motor wattage of the electric bicycle and 23
shall be printed in Arial font in at least nine (9) point type. 24
31-19.6-8. Consumer protection. 25
An electric bicycle shall comply with the equipment and manufacturing requirements for 26
bicycles adopted by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (16 C.F.R. Part 1512). 27
SECTION 2. Sections 31-1-3 and 31-1-23 of the General Laws in Chapter 31-1 entitled 28
"Definitions and General Code Provisions" are hereby amended to read as follows: 29
31-1-3. Types of vehicles. 30
(a)(1) "Antique motor car" means any motor vehicle that is more than twenty-five (25) 31
years old. Unless fully inspected and meeting inspection requirements, the vehicle may be 32
maintained solely for use in exhibitions, club activities, parades, and other functions of public 33
interest. The vehicle may also be used for limited enjoyment and purposes other than the previously 34
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mentioned activities, but may not be used primarily for the transportation of passengers or goods 1
over any public highway. 2
(2) After the vehicle has met the requirements of state inspection, a registration plate may 3
be issued to it on payment of the standard fee. The vehicle may be operated on the highways of this 4
and other states, and may, in addition to the registration plate, retain the designation "antique" and 5
display an "antique plate." 6
(3) For any vehicle that is more than twenty-five (25) years old, the division of motor 7
vehicles may also issue or approve, subject to rules and regulations that may be promulgated by 8
the administrator, a "year of manufacture plate" for the vehicle that is an exact replica plate 9
designating the exact year of manufacture of the vehicle. The year of manufacture plate, as 10
authorized by this subsection, need only be attached to the rear of the vehicle. 11
(b)(1) "Antique motorcycle" means any motorcycle that is more than twenty-five (25) years 12
old. Unless fully inspected and meeting inspection requirements, the vehicle shall be maintained 13
solely for use in exhibitions, club activities, parades, and other functions of public interest. The 14
vehicle may also be used for limited enjoyment and purposes other than the previously mentioned 15
activities, but may not be used primarily for the transportation of passengers or goods over any 16
public highway; and 17
(2) After the vehicle has met the requirements of state inspection, a registration plate may 18
be issued to it, on payment of the standard fee, and the vehicle may be operated on the highways 19
of this and other states, and may, in addition to the registration plate, retain the designation 20
"antique" and display an "antique plate." 21
(c) "Authorized emergency vehicle" means vehicles of the fire department (fire patrol); 22
police vehicles; vehicles of the department of corrections while in the performance of official 23
duties; vehicles used by the state bomb squad within the office of state fire marshal; vehicles of 24
municipal departments or public service corporations designated or authorized by the administrator 25
as ambulances and emergency vehicles; and privately owned motor vehicles of volunteer 26
firefighters or privately owned motor vehicles of volunteer ambulance drivers or attendants, as 27
authorized by the department chief or commander and permitted by the Rhode Island Association 28
of Fire Chiefs and Rhode Island Association of Police Chiefs Joint Committee for Volunteer 29
Warning Light Permits. 30
(d) "Automobile" means, for registration purposes, every motor vehicle carrying 31
passengers other than for hire. 32
(e) "Bicycle" means every vehicle having two (2) tandem wheels, except scooters and 33
similar devices, propelled exclusively by human power, and upon which a person may ride. 34
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(f) "Camping recreational vehicle" means a vehicular type camping unit, certified by the 1
manufacturer as complying with ANSI A119.2 Standards, designed primarily as temporary living 2
quarters for recreation that has either its own motor power or is mounted on, or towed by, another 3
vehicle. The basic units are tent trailers, fifth-wheel trailers, motorized campers, travel trailers, and 4
pick-up campers. 5
(g) "Electric motorized bicycle" means a motorized bicycle, also called an "electric 6
bicycle", as defined in § 31-19.6-3, that may be propelled by human power or electric motor power, 7
or by both, with an electric motor rated not more than two (2) (S.A.E.) horsepower, that is capable 8
of a maximum speed of not more than twenty-five (25) twenty-eight (28) miles per hour. 9
(h) "Electric personal assistive mobility device" ("EPAMD") is a self-balancing, non-10
tandem two-wheeled (2) device, designed to transport only one person, with an electric propulsion 11
system that limits the maximum speed of the device to fifteen (15) miles per hour. 12
(i) "Fifth-wheel trailer": A towable recreational vehicle, not exceeding four hundred (400) 13
square feet in area, designed to be towed by a motorized vehicle that contains a towing mechanism 14
that is mounted above or forward of the tow vehicle's rear axle and that is eligible to be registered 15
for highway use. 16
(j) "Hearse" means every motor vehicle used for transporting human corpses. A hearse 17
shall be considered an automobile for registration purposes. 18
(k) "Jitney or bus" means: (1) A "public bus" that includes every motor vehicle, trailer, 19
semi-trailer, tractor trailer, or tractor trailer combination, used for the transportation of passengers 20
for hire, and operated wholly or in part upon any street or highway as a means of transportation 21
similar to that afforded by a street railway company, by indiscriminately receiving or discharging 22
passengers, or running on a regular route or over any portion of one, or between fixed termini; or 23
(2) A "private bus" that includes every motor vehicle other than a public bus or passenger van 24
designed for carrying more than ten (10) passengers and used for the transportation of persons, and 25
every motor vehicle other than a taxicab designed and used for the transportation of persons for 26
compensation. 27
(l) "Motorcycle" means only those motor vehicles having not more than three (3) wheels 28
in contact with the ground and a saddle on which the driver sits astride, except bicycles with helper 29
motors as defined in subsection (n) of this section. 30
(m) "Motor-driven cycle" means every motorcycle, including every motor scooter, with a 31
motor of no greater than five (5) horsepower, except bicycles with helper motors as defined in 32
subsection (n) of this section. 33
(n) "Motorized bicycles" means two-wheel (2) vehicles that may be propelled by human 34
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power or helper power, or by both, with a motor rated not more than four and nine-tenths (4.9) 1
horsepower and not greater than fifty (50) cubic centimeters, that are capable of a maximum speed 2
of not more than thirty (30) miles per hour. 3
(o) "Motorized camper": A camping recreational vehicle, built on, or permanently attached 4
to, a self-propelled motor vehicle chassis cab or van that is an integral part of the completed vehicle. 5
(p) "Motorized tricycles" means tricycles that may be propelled by human power or helper 6
motor, or by both, with a motor rated no more than 1.5 brake horsepower that is capable of a 7
maximum speed of not more than thirty (30) miles per hour. 8
(q) "Motorized wheelchair" means any self-propelled vehicle, designed for, and used by, a 9
person with a disability that is incapable of speed in excess of eight (8) miles per hour. 10
(r) "Motor scooter" means a motor-driven cycle with a motor rated not more than four and 11
nine-tenths (4.9) horsepower and not greater than fifty (50) cubic centimeters that is capable of a 12
maximum speed of not more than thirty (30) miles per hour. 13
(s) "Motor vehicle" means every vehicle that is self-propelled or propelled by electric 14
power obtained from overhead trolley wires, but not operated upon rails, except vehicles moved 15
exclusively by human power, an EPAMD and electric motorized bicycles as defined in subsection 16
(g) of this section, and motorized wheelchairs. 17
(t) "Motor vehicle for hire" means every motor vehicle other than jitneys, public buses, 18
hearses, and motor vehicles used chiefly in connection with the conduct of funerals, to transport 19
persons for compensation in any form, or motor vehicles rented for transporting persons either with 20
or without furnishing an operator. 21
(u) "Natural gas vehicle" means a vehicle operated by an engine fueled primarily by natural 22
gas. 23
(v) "Park trailer": A camping recreational vehicle that is eligible to be registered for 24
highway use and meets the following criteria: (1) Built on a single chassis mounted on wheels; and 25
(2) Certified by the manufacturer as complying with ANSI A119.5. 26
(w) "Passenger van" means every motor vehicle capable of carrying ten (10) to fourteen 27
(14) passengers plus an operator and used for personal use or on a not-for-hire basis. Passenger 28
vans may be used for vanpools, transporting passengers to and from work locations, provided that 29
the operator receives no remuneration other than free use of the vehicle. 30
(x) "Pedal carriage" (also known as "quadricycles") means a nonmotorized bicycle with 31
four (4) or more wheels operated by one or more persons for the purpose of, or capable of, 32
transporting additional passengers in seats or on a platform made a part of or otherwise attached to 33
the pedal carriage. The term shall not include a bicycle with trainer or beginner wheels affixed to 34
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it, nor shall it include a wheelchair or other vehicle with the purpose of operation by or for the 1
transportation of a person with a disability, nor shall it include a tricycle built for a child or an adult 2
with a seat for only one operator and no passenger. 3
(y) "Pick-up camper": A camping recreational vehicle consisting of a roof, floor, and sides 4
designed to be loaded onto and unloaded from the back of a pick-up truck. 5
(z) "Rickshaw" (also known as "pedi cab") means a nonmotorized bicycle with three (3) 6
wheels operated by one person for the purpose of, or capable of, transporting additional passengers 7
in seats or on a platform made a part of, or otherwise attached to, the rickshaw. This definition shall 8
not include a bicycle built for two (2) where the operators are seated one behind the other, nor shall 9
it include the operation of a bicycle with trainer or beginner wheels affixed thereto, nor shall it 10
include a wheelchair or other vehicle with the purpose of operation by or for the transportation of 11
a person with a disability. 12
(aa) "School bus" means every motor vehicle owned by a public or governmental agency, 13
when operated for the transportation of children to or from school; or privately owned, when 14
operated for compensation for the transportation of children to or from school. 15
(bb) "Suburban vehicle" means every motor vehicle with a convertible or interchangeable 16
body or with removable seats, usable for both passenger and delivery purposes, and including motor 17
vehicles commonly known as station or depot wagons or any vehicle into which access can be 18
gained through the rear by means of a hatch or trunk and where the rear seats can be folded down 19
to permit the carrying of articles as well as passengers. 20
(cc) "Tent trailer": A towable recreational vehicle that is mounted on wheels and 21
constructed with collapsible partial side walls that fold for towing by another vehicle and unfold 22
for use and that is eligible to be registered for highway use. 23
(dd) "Trackless trolley coach" means every motor vehicle that is propelled by electric 24
power obtained from overhead trolley wires, but not operated on rails. 25
(ee) "Travel trailer": A towable recreational vehicle, not exceeding three hundred twenty 26
square feet (320 sq. ft.) in area, designed to be towed by a motorized vehicle containing a towing 27
mechanism that is mounted behind the tow vehicle's bumper and that is eligible to be registered for 28
highway use. 29
(ff) "Vehicle" means every device in, upon, or by which any person or property is or may 30
be transported or drawn upon a highway, except devices used exclusively upon stationary rails or 31
tracks. 32
31-1-23. Types of roads. 33
(a) “Bicycle lane” means a portion of highway right-of-way designated by the state and 34
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identified by official traffic control devices (pavement markings) for the exclusive use of bicyclists. 1
The operation and parking of motor vehicles is prohibited within the lane identified for exclusive 2
use by bicyclists, except when making a turn, entering or leaving the roadway or a parking lane, or 3
when required in the course of official duty. 4
(b) “Bicycle route” means a shared right-of-way along a highway, designated by the state 5
and identified by official traffic control devices (signs) for use by bicyclists. 6
(c) “Bicycle trail or path” means a bikeway physically separated from motorized vehicular 7
traffic by an open space or barrier and either within the highway right-of-way or within an 8
independent right-of-way. Bicycle trails or paths may also be used by bicycles, including electric 9
bicycles, pedestrians, skaters, wheelchair users, joggers and other nonmotorized users. 10
(d) “Laned roadway” means a roadway which is divided into two (2) or more clearly 11
marked lanes for vehicular traffic. 12
(e) “Limited access highway” means every highway, street, or roadway to or from which 13
owners or occupants of abutting lands and other persons have no legal right of access except at 14
those points and in that manner determined by the public authority having jurisdiction over it. 15
(f) “Local highway” means every street or highway other than a state highway, private 16
road, or driveway. 17
(g) “Private road or driveway” means every way or place in private ownership that is used 18
for vehicular travel only by the owner and by those others having express or implied permission 19
from the owner. 20
(h) “Roadway” means that portion of a highway improved, designed, or ordinarily used for 21
vehicular travel, excluding the sidewalk, berm, or shoulder even when used by persons riding 22
bicycles. In the event a highway includes two (2) or more separate roadways, “roadway” refers to 23
the roadway separately and not the roadways collectively. 24
(i) “Sidewalk” means that portion of a street between the curb lines, or the lateral lines of 25
a roadway, and the adjacent property lines intended for the use of pedestrians. 26
(j) “State highway” means every street or highway constructed and/or maintained by the 27
director of public works and the division of roads and bridges. 28
(k) “Street or highway” means the entire width between boundary lines of every way when 29
any part of it is open to the use of the public for purposes of vehicular traffic. 30
(l) “Through highway” means every highway or portion of a highway having entrances 31
from intersecting highways at which vehicular traffic is required by law to stop before entering or 32
crossing, and where stop signs are erected under the provisions of chapters 1 — 27 of this title. 33
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SECTION 3. This act shall take effect on January 1, 2024. 1
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EXPLANATION
BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
OF
A N A C T
RELATING TO MOTOR AN D OTHER VEHICLES -- REGULATION OF ELECTRIC
BICYCLES
***
This act would regulate electric bicycles in the same manner as human-powered bicycles, 1
classify electric bicycles into three (3) classes and require all electric bicycles to have a technical 2
information label affixed to the bicycle. The act also would require that electric bicycles be 3
equipped with a speedometer and would restrict electric bicycles to be capable of a maximum speed 4
of twenty-eight (28) miles per hour. It would also allow the use of electric bicycles on bicycle trails 5
and paths. 6
This act would take effect on January 1, 2024. 7
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