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A 116

Establishes an electric scooter operator's safety manual, licensing requirement and insurance requirement

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Michael Benedetto and 5 co-sponsors

Bill Summary: A 116 - Electric Scooter Safety and Licensing OverviewThis bill, introduced on January 8, 2025, aims to establish safety and regulatory requirements for electric scoo

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Bill Summary · A 116

Bill Summary: A 116 - Electric Scooter Safety and Licensing

Overview

This bill, introduced on January 8, 2025, aims to establish safety and regulatory requirements for electric scooter operators in the state. The bill is a companion to a previously introduced Senate bill, S 5801, and is related to a prior-session bill, A 8079, which also addressed electric scooter regulations.

Key Provisions

The main components of A 116 include:

  1. Electric Scooter Operator's Safety Manual: The bill requires the state Department of Transportation to develop and publish a comprehensive safety manual for electric scooter operators. This manual would cover topics such as safe riding practices, traffic rules, and maintenance requirements.

  2. Operator Licensing Requirement: The bill mandates that all electric scooter operators obtain a license to legally operate their vehicles. Riders would need to pass a safety exam and meet certain age/experience criteria to qualify for a license.

  3. Insurance Requirement: Electric scooter operators would be required to maintain a minimum level of liability insurance coverage to operate their vehicles on public roads and sidewalks. This is intended to protect both riders and the general public in the event of accidents or collisions.

Impact and Timeline

The proposed legislation, if enacted, would have several key impacts:

  • It would set new standards for the safe and responsible use of electric scooters, which have grown increasingly popular in recent years but have also been involved in a number of accidents.
  • The licensing and insurance requirements could create barriers to entry for some prospective scooter riders, potentially limiting access and adoption.
  • Implementation and enforcement of the new rules would require coordination between state/local transportation authorities and the scooter rental industry.

The bill has been referred to the state's Transportation Committee for further consideration and deliberation. If passed, the new regulations would likely take effect within 6-12 months to allow time for developing the safety manual, setting up the licensing system, and educating the public.

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

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