Legislature(2021 - 2022)BUTROVICH 205
05/12/2022 03:30 PM Senate STATE AFFAIRS
Note: the audio ![]()
and video ![]()
recordings are distinct records and are obtained from different sources. As such there may be key differences between the two. The audio recordings are captured by our records offices as the official record of the meeting and will have more accurate timestamps. Use the icons to switch between them.
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB123 | |
| HB297 | |
| HB163 | |
| HB118 | |
| HB268 | |
| HB87 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | HB 234 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 123 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 297 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | HB 87 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| += | HB 47 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | HB 163 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | HB 118 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | HB 268 | TELECONFERENCED | |
HB 87-ELECTRIC-ASSISTED BICYCLES
4:37:55 PM
CHAIR SHOWER announced the consideration of CS FOR HOUSE BILL
NO. 87(JUD) "An Act relating to electric-assisted bicycles."
He noted that this was the first hearing.
4:38:13 PM
At ease
4:40:13 PM
CHAIR SHOWER reconvened the meeting.
4:40:33 PM
REPRESENTATIVE ADAM WOOL, Alaska State Legislature, Juneau,
Alaska, sponsor of HB 87, stated that this legislation defines
"electric bicycle" in statute as a mode of transportation that
does not have to be registered with the Division of Motor
Vehicles (DMV). E-bikes are separated from "electric personal
motor vehicle," "motor driven cycle," including motorcycles,
motor scooters, and "motor bicycles."
He relayed that 37 other states use this same standard language
and it is used by the Municipality of Anchorage.
CHAIR SHOWER asked whether Anchorage really needed this
legislation.
REPRESENTATIVE WOOL replied that the Municipality of Anchorage
has already adopted this definition language, and the bill will
spread that definition statewide.
4:43:37 PM
ASHLEY CARRICK, Staff, Representative Adam Wool, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, presented the sectional analysis
for HB 87 on behalf of the sponsor.
This bill amends Titles 19, 28, and 41 of the Alaska
Statutes.
Section 1 (page 1) Amends AS 19.10.399(9) to state
that the definition of motor vehicle excludes
electric-assisted bicycles
Section 2 (page 1) Amends AS 19.10.399 (16) to state
that electric-assisted bicycles are to be regulated as
bicycles in regards to operation on a way, path, or
area
Section 3 (page 1-2) Amends AS 28.05.011(a) states
that electric-assisted bicycles should be regulated as
bicycles in regards to rules of the road; also
includes electric-assisted bicycles under an existing
provision allowing municipal ordinances to separately
regulate in this area
Section 4 (page 2-3) Amends AS 28.10.011 to state that
an electric-assisted bicycle is not required to be
registered as a vehicle
Section 5 (page 3) Amends AS 28.90.990(a)(12) to state
that an electric-assisted bicycle does not fall under
the definition of an "electric personal motor vehicle"
Section 6 (page 4) Amends AS 28.90.990(a)(18) to state
that an electric-assisted bicycle does not fall under
the definition of a "motor vehicle"
Section 7 (page 4) Amends AS 28.90.990(a)(18) to state
that an electric-assisted bicycle does not fall under
the definition of a "motorcycle"
Section 8 (page 4) Amends AS 28.90.990(a)(20) to state
that an electric-assisted bicycle does not fall under
the definition of a "motor-driven cycle"
Section 9 (page 4) Amends AS 28.90.990(a)(33-36)
states that the term "bicycle" includes electric
assisted bicycles in the three following classes: (34)
Class 1: bicylces that assist only while the rider is
pedaling and that stop providing assistance at the
speed of 20 miles per hour, (35) Class 2: bicycles
that can propel whether or not the rider is pedaling
and that stop providing assistance at the speed of 20
miles per hour, and (36) Class 3: bicycles that assist
only while the rider is pedaling and that stop
providing assistance at the speed of 28 miles per
hour
Section 9 (page 4) Amends AS 28.90.990(a)(37) defines
electric-assisted bicycles as a bicycle that is
designed to travel with not more than three wheels in
contact with the ground, has fully operative pedals
for human propulsion, is equipped with an electric
motor that has a power output of not more than 750
watts, and includes Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3
electric-assisted bicycles
Section 10 (page 5) Amends AS 41.23.300 states that
"bicycling" includes the use of electric-assisted
bicycles, and that "electric-assisted bicycles" have
the meaning provided in the previous section
4:46:14 PM
MS. CARRICK stated that the use of electric-assisted bicycles is
relatively new in Alaska and there are no laws pertaining to
their use, operating and safety requirements, or definitions.
She began the presentation on slide 2 that states the goals of
HB 87:
1. Regulate electric-assisted bicycles as bicycles;
2. Update statute to reflect technological advances; and
3. Bring clarity to consumers and retailers on electric-
assisted bicycle laws
4:47:52 PM
MS. CARRICK discussed the proposed new definition for electric-
assistance bicycle outlined on slide 3:
A bicycle that is:
• Designed to travel with not more than three wheels in
contact with the ground
• Has fully operative pedals for human propulsion
• Is equipped with an electric motor that has a power
output of not more than 750 watts (1 hp)
Electric-bicycles are further defined by the following
three classes:
Class 1: bicycles that assist only while the rider is
pedaling and that stop providing assistance at the
speed of 20 miles per hour
Class 2: bicycles that can propel whether or not the
rider is pedaling and that stop providing assistance
at the speed of 20 miles per hour
Class 3: bicycles that assist only while the rider is
pedaling and that stop providing assistance at the
speed of 28 miles per hour
MS. CARRICK relayed that the industry and retailers requested
adding the description of the three classes to further define
electric-bicycles.
4:48:29 PM
MS. CARRICK turned to the color-coded state map of the U.S. on
slide 4 that shows the states colored green that had enacted
model legislation, the states colored yellow that had acceptable
legislation that regulated electric bikes as a bicycle, and
states colored red, like Alaska, whose laws were problematic or
confusing.
She pointed out that 37 (green) states had enacted model
legislation that included the three classes of electric
bicycles; several (yellow) states had laws that defined electric
bicycles, but not the three classes; and just four (red) states
that either had no language in statute about electric bicycles
or had problematic language. She noted that Alaska fell into
this last category.
MS. CARRICK pointed to the images on slide five that illustrate
what electric bikes are not, and advised that each was defined
elsewhere in statute.
E-Bikes are NOT:
Mopeds
Motor Scooters
Dirt Bikes
Segways
Motorcycles
Cars
Electric Wheelchairs
MS. CARRICK clarified that electric bicycles must have fully
operative pedals and an engine size that is not more than 750
watts.
4:49:47 PM
MS. CARRICK turned to the example of an electric-assisted
bicycle depicted on slide 6. The image illustrates that there is
an electric motor with a battery pack on the frame and fully
operable pedals. She highlighted that the industry continues to
make advances, one of which is to have the battery pack on the
inside of the frame. This makes for a much sleeker, more
sophisticated design, but it's not readily apparent that it's an
e-bike.
CHAIR SHOWER asked what the horse power (HP) equivalent is for
750 watts.
REPRESENTATIVE WOOL answered it's equivalent to one HP.
CHAIR SHOWER referenced slide 4 and asked if the states colored
yellow that have acceptable laws allow e-bikes on the road, and
whether the states colored red that have problematic or
confusing laws do not allow e-bikes on the road.
REPRESENTATIVE WOOL offered his understanding that the red
states have no definition of e-bike in statute, the yellow
states have a deviation of the model legislation, and the green
states have enacted the model legislation
CHAIR SHOWER said his understanding of Section 4 was that no DMV
registration or tag would be required for electric bicycles.
REPRESENTATIVE WOOL said that's correct, just like the standard
bicycle.
CHAIR SHOWER asked Ms. Carrick to describe the fiscal note.
MS. CARRICK said the Department of Administration (DOA)
submitted a zero fiscal note. There is no fiscal impact to the
state.
4:52:56 PM
CHAIR SHOWER turned to invited testimony. He advised that he
invited Brice Wilbanks to talk about a possible amendment that
the Municipality of Anchorage would like.
4:54:06 PM
At ease
4:54:48 PM
CHAIR SHOWER reconvened the meeting and clarified that the
amendment he referenced earlier would be discussed today but not
offered.
4:55:09 PM
BRICE WILBANKS, Mayor Bronson's Office, Anchorage, Alaska,
relayed that the City of Anchorage would like to allow
additional mobile devices such as e-scooters to be operated
without a license from DMV. The proposed amendment would remove
the words "self-balancing" and "nontandem" and add the number
three in Section 5, page 3, lines 28-29. He said multiple
operators in Anchorage had made this request.
CHAIR SHOWER asked the sponsor if he had any comment on the
proposed amendment.
4:56:34 PM
REPRESENTATIVE WOOL said he supports the amendment because it
does not affect the definition of e-bikes. The proposed
amendment would apply to the definition of "electric personal
motor vehicle" and is directed towards Segway scooters.
CHAIR SHOWER clarified that the committee was merely discussing
an idea for an amendment, and he wanted to hear from the bill
sponsor before moving forward. He asked the sponsor if the
change to apply to three wheels would require a title change.
REPRESENTATIVE WOOL replied the definition of e-bikes in the
bill is up to three wheels.
4:59:03 PM
SENATOR HOLLAND reported that the term "nontandem definitely
refers to Segue type vehicles. He expressed appreciation for the
bill.
4:59:54 PM
CHAIR SHOWER held HB 87.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| W.A.12.pdf |
SSTA 5/12/2022 3:30:00 PM |
HB 234 |
| 22-237lme.pdf |
SSTA 5/12/2022 3:30:00 PM |
HB 234 |
| 22-126boo.pdf |
SSTA 5/12/2022 3:30:00 PM |
HB 234 |
| W.A.8.pdf |
SSTA 5/12/2022 3:30:00 PM |
HB 234 |
| W.A.9.pdf |
SSTA 5/12/2022 3:30:00 PM |
HB 234 |
| W.A.10.pdf |
SSTA 5/12/2022 3:30:00 PM |
HB 234 |
| W.A.11.pdf |
SSTA 5/12/2022 3:30:00 PM |
HB 234 |
| HB123 B.pdf |
SSTA 5/12/2022 3:30:00 PM |
HB 123 |
| hb297 support Tammie Wilson.pdf |
SSTA 5/12/2022 3:30:00 PM |
HB 297 |