The bill amends Title 31 of the General Laws by adding a new chapter that defines three classes of electric bicycles: Class 1, which assists only while pedaling and ceases at 20 mph; Class 2, which is throttle-actuated and ceases assistance at 20 mph; and Class 3, which assists while pedaling and ceases at 28 mph. It grants the Department of Environmental Management the authority to regulate electric bicycle use on state properties and allows Class 1 electric bicycles on state bicycle trails or paths. The bill also requires operators and passengers under 21 to wear helmets on public highways and other public areas, and it updates the definition of "electric motorized bicycle" to reflect the new classifications, increasing the maximum speed from 25 mph to 28 mph for certain electric bicycles. Definitions for other vehicle types, such as "antique motor car" and "antique motorcycle," are amended for clarity. Furthermore, the bill defines a "jitney or bus" and a "low-speed motor vehicle," which is a four-wheeled electric vehicle with a speed between 20 and 25 mph and a gross vehicle weight rating of less than 3,000 lbs. It also introduces a new section, 31-1-23. Types of roads, defining a "bicycle lane" as a part of the highway for the exclusive use of bicyclists. The bill outlines the definitions for various vehicle types, including motorcycles and motor scooters, and specifies the use of "bicycle trails or paths" for Class 1 electric bicycles. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2024, and aims to define electric bicycle classes and authorize their use on state trails or paths. Specific deletions from the current law are not provided in the text excerpt.

Statutes affected:
7713: 31-19-2.1