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HB 7789

AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- ELECTRIC BICYCLES

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jennifer Boylan and 8 co-sponsors

HB 7789 creates a centralized regulatory framework for powered wheeled devices, detailing classes, licensing, registration, helmet rules, and public information to improve safety a

06/09/2026 Referred to Senate Judiciary
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 7789

Overview

HB 7789 (Rhode Island, 2026) seeks to clarify and expand the regulatory framework for powered wheeled devices and related recreational vehicles. The bill consolidates definitions, adds a new class of electric bicycles, strengthens rules around wireless device use, and requires consumer education and centralized public information maintained by the DMV. It aims to improve safety, compliance, and consistent enforcement as use of micro-mobility devices grows.

Main purpose and intent

  • Create a clear, centralized regulatory structure for powered wheeled devices (e.g., electric bicycles, motorized bicycles, motor scooters, EPAMDs, etc.) and micromobility vehicles.
  • Reduce regulatory confusion by codifying definitions and requirements across registration, licensing, equipment, and operation.
  • Improve safety through helmet, equipment, and age-based requirements; encourage compliance via public information and seller notices.
  • Provide local government flexibility to regulate EPAMDs on sidewalks and public ways.

Key provisions and changes

  1. Definitions (Section 1)

    • Revisions to define and categorize a wide range of vehicles, including:
      • Antique motor cars/motorcycles
      • Various recreational and small vehicles (e.g., fifth-wheel trailers, travel trailers, kei cars)
      • Electric bicycles (Class 1–4), EPAMDs, motorized skateboards, rickshaws, school buses, etc.
    • Maintains existing terms but expands scope to include modern micromobility and power-assisted devices.

  2. Registration and exemptions (Sections 2)

    • Mandates registration for motorcycles, motorized bicycles, motorized tricycles; certain devices (e.g., EPAMDs, electric motorized bicycles) are exempt from registration under specific conditions.
    • Allows cities/towns to regulate EPAMDs.

  3. Special licenses and operator requirements (Section 3)

    • Expands license framework for motorcycles and similar vehicles; includes exemptions for motorized bicycles/scooters under certain horsepower/cc limits.
    • Maintains age minimums (16 for licensing; helmet-related provisions apply).

  4. Electric bicycles and classes (Section 4)

    • Establishes four classes of electric bikes with distinct power/speed characteristics.
    • Requires prominent display of laws by retailers and ensures the state energy office communicates relevant rules to rebate recipients.

  5. New chapter: Consolidated regulation (Section 8)

    • Creates Chapter 31-19.8 – Consolidated Regulation of Powered Wheeled Devices and Micromobility Vehicles.
    • Details licensing, registration, equipment, helmet requirements, operation, and enforcement for each class.
    • Sets helmet requirements (e.g., under 21 must wear helmets; general helmet rule for new licensees).
    • Addresses operation rules, passenger safety, and enforcement under existing traffic provisions.

  6. Public-facing information (Section 8-6)

    • DMV website to host a centralized informational page summarizing laws for each vehicle class.
    • Ensures materials are current and reflect regulatory changes.

  7. Miscellaneous

    • Section 7: Legislative findings emphasizing rapid growth in powered wheeled devices and the need for a centralized framework.

Affected parties and impacts

  • Operators of motorcycles, motorized bicycles, motorized tricycles, EPAMDs, electric bikes, e-scooters, and similar devices.
  • Retailers and manufacturers of these devices (due to required notices and consumer education).
  • Local governments (given new authority to regulate EPAMDs on sidewalks and public ways).
  • DMV and enforcement agencies (new licensing, registration, and information duties).

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Effective date: Upon passage.
  • Schedule for consideration noted in the bill’s action history, with committee and chamber readings anticipated during the 2026 session.
  • Provisions reference existing codes and standards (e.g., helmet requirements, registration timelines).

Overall, HB 7789 targets safety, clarity, and governance of an expanding set of powered micro-mobility devices while empowering local control and improving public understanding of applicable laws.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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