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Bill

A 1546

Defines bicycles with electric assist and establishes regulations for such bicycles

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jo Anne Simon

Defines electric-assisted bicycles (e-bikes) and sets regulations on use, safety standards, sale, labeling, and enforcement; affects riders, retailers, and enforcement agencies.

REFERRED TO TRANSPORTATION
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 1546

Summary: Bill A 1546 – Defines bicycles with electric assist and establishes regulations for such bicycles

Overview

Bill A 1546, introduced January 10, 2025 and referred to the Transportation Committee, would define bicycles equipped with electric assist and establish a regulatory framework governing these bicycles. The primary sponsor is Jo Anne Simon. The bill is in the early stages of the legislative process, with action recorded as "REFERRED TO TRANSPORTATION" on January 10, 2025.

What the bill would define and regulate (as indicated by the title)

  • The bill’s stated purpose is to define what constitutes a bicycle with electric assist (commonly referred to as an electric-assisted bicycle or e-bike) and to set regulations governing their use, manufacture, sale, and operation.
  • The text necessary to specify exact definitions (e.g., power limits, speed limits, and classification) is not provided in the summary, so the precise scope remains to be seen in the enacted bill language.

Potential provisions the bill might include (based on common regulatory patterns)

Note: The following items reflect typical elements in electric bicycle regulation and are not confirmed for A 1546 without the bill text.
- Definitions:
- Clear statutory definition of an “electric bicycle” or “bicycle with electric assist.”
- Possible classifications or categories (e.g., pedal-assist vs. throttle-assisted).
- Equipment and safety standards:
- Required equipment (lights, reflectors, horns/bells, brakes).
- Compliance with safety standards for electric motors and batteries.
- Operation and use:
- Where electric bicycles may be operated (e.g., streets, bike lanes, trails).
- Speed and/or power thresholds defining permissible operation.
- Age or licensing requirements for riders (if any).
- Registration, labeling, and seller requirements:
- Whether e-bikes must be labeled or registered.
- Standards for retailers and manufacturers selling electric bicycles.
- Local government authority and preemption:
- Whether state rules establish uniform standards and if localities may impose additional rules.
- Enforcement and penalties:
- Penalties for violations and the role of law enforcement.
- Transition and effective date:
- When the provisions take effect and any needed phase-in period.

Who would be affected

  • Electric bicycle riders and prospective buyers.
  • Bicycle retailers, manufacturers, and distributors of e-bikes.
  • Law enforcement and transportation agencies responsible for enforcing bicycle regulations.
  • Local governments implementing or aligning with state standards.
  • Bicycle advocacy groups and the broader cycling community.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Status: Referred to Transportation (January 10, 2025) — indicates the bill is in committee consideration stage.
  • Related bills from prior sessions: A 7995, A 2444, and A 6681 are listed as prior-session related bills, suggesting ongoing legislative interest in electric bicycle definitions and regulations.
  • Next steps: Committee hearings, potential amendments, and eventual floor votes depending on committee action and legislative calendars.

Additional context

  • The public record provided does not include the bill’s full text or explicit provisions. Readers seeking detailed obligations and regulatory specifics should monitor the Transportation Committee’s publications for the bill’s text, amendments, and hearing schedules, as well as any fiscal notes or impact assessments.

If you would like, I can compare A 1546’s likely framework to the related prior-session bills (A 7995, A 2444, A 6681) once their texts are available, to highlight similarities or notable differences.

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

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