86R10885 AJZ-F
By: Buckley H.B. No. 2291
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the operation of a gas-powered bicycle.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 502.143, Transportation Code, is amended
to read as follows:
Sec. 502.143. OTHER VEHICLES. An owner may not register the
following vehicles for operation on a public highway:
(1) power sweepers;
(2) motorized mobility devices;
(3) electric personal assistive mobility devices;
[and]
(4) electric bicycles; and
(5) gas-powered bicycles, as defined by Section
541.201.
SECTION 2. Section 521.225, Transportation Code, is amended
by adding Subsection (e) to read as follows:
(e) For the purposes of this section, a gas-powered bicycle,
as defined by Section 541.201, is not a moped.
SECTION 3. Section 541.201, Transportation Code, is amended
by adding Subdivision (4-a) and amending Subdivisions (8) and (11)
to read as follows:
(4-a) "Gas-powered bicycle" means a bicycle that:
(A) is designed to be propelled by a gas motor,
exclusively or in combination with the application of human power;
(B) cannot attain a speed of more than 20 miles
per hour without the application of human power; and
(C) does not exceed 100 pounds.
(8) "Moped" means a motor-driven cycle that cannot
attain a speed in one mile of more than 30 miles per hour, has an
[and the] engine that [of which:
[(A)] cannot produce more than two-brake
horsepower, [;] and
[(B)] if the engine is an internal combustion
engine, has a piston displacement of 50 cubic centimeters or less
and connects to a power drive system that does not require the
operator to shift gears. The term does not include a gas-powered
bicycle.
(11) "Motor vehicle" means a self-propelled vehicle or
a vehicle that is propelled by electric power from overhead trolley
wires. The term does not include an electric bicycle, a gas-powered
bicycle, or an electric personal assistive mobility device, as
defined by Section 551.201.
SECTION 4. Section 551.002, Transportation Code, is amended
to read as follows:
Sec. 551.002. MOPED, [AND] ELECTRIC BICYCLE, AND
GAS-POWERED BICYCLE INCLUDED. A provision of this subtitle
applicable to a bicycle also applies to:
(1) a moped, other than a provision that by its nature
cannot apply to a moped; [and]
(2) an electric bicycle, other than a provision that
by its nature cannot apply to an electric bicycle; and
(3) a gas-powered bicycle, other than a provision that
by its nature cannot apply to a gas-powered bicycle.
SECTION 5. Section 551.351(2), Transportation Code, is
amended to read as follows:
(2) "Pocket bike or minimotorbike" means a
self-propelled vehicle that is equipped with an electric motor or
internal combustion engine having a piston displacement of less
than 50 cubic centimeters, is designed to propel itself with not
more than two wheels in contact with the ground, has a seat or
saddle for the use of the operator, is not designed for use on a
highway, and is ineligible for a certificate of title under Chapter
501. The term does not include:
(A) a moped or motorcycle;
(B) an electric bicycle, gas-powered bicycle, or
motor-driven cycle, as defined by Section 541.201;
(C) a motorized mobility device, as defined by
Section 542.009;
(D) an electric personal assistive mobility
device, as defined by Section 551.201; or
(E) a neighborhood electric vehicle, as defined
by Section 551.301.
SECTION 6. This Act takes effect September 1, 2019.