Legislature(2021 - 2022)BUTROVICH 205
05/12/2022 03:30 PM Senate STATE AFFAIRS
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Audio | Topic |
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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 |
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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 |