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H 3761

School for the Deaf and Blind

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Travis Moore and 1 co-sponsor

Bill would require owners to register electric bikes and motorized scooters with the RMV, push for insurance rules, and expand who counts as a motor vehicle.

Introduced and adopted
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 3761

Summary — H 3761 (Introduced 01/16/2025 / Filed 01/17/2025)

Title shown in docket: “School for the Deaf and Blind” (docket contains unrelated SC House resolution text). Primary sponsor: Rep. Kelly W. Pease (4th Hampden). Classification: resolution (bill text appears as an Act amending motor-vehicle law). Referred to Transportation Committee; hearings scheduled and reporting deadline extended.

Purpose / Intent

The bill seeks to regulate electric bicycles, motorized scooters, and other electric/battery-powered vehicles by (1) requiring registration and (2) directing the Secretary of Transportation to promulgate regulations on registration and insurance. It also revises statutory definitions so certain e‑vehicles are treated as motor vehicles under Chapter 90.

Key provisions

  • Section 1: Directs the Secretary of Transportation to promulgate regulations governing registration and insurance for:
    • Electric bicycles and motorized scooters as defined in section 1 of Chapter 90, and
    • Any electric/battery-powered vehicle capable of speeds exceeding 30 mph.
  • Section 2: Amends Chapter 85, §11B¾ by adding subsection (i): owners must register an electric bicycle with the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) no later than 10 days after purchase.
  • Section 3: Amends Chapter 90, §1E to replace the first sentence with a new rule: a motorized scooter may not be operated on a public way unless it is registered with the RMV and the operator has a valid driver’s license or learner’s permit; also prohibits operation in excess of 20 mph.
  • Section 4: Amends Chapter 90, §34J to expand the definition of “motor vehicle” to include electric bicycles, motorized scooters, or any electric/battery device capable of being driven or ridden at speeds exceeding 20 mph.

Who is affected

  • Purchasers and owners of electric bicycles and motorized scooters (must register within 10 days).
  • Riders/operators (would need a valid driver’s license or learner’s permit to operate motorized scooters).
  • RMV (additional registration duties) and the Secretary of Transportation (rulemaking on registration and insurance).
  • Insurers (may be required to offer coverage and/or process new registrations if insurance rules are adopted).
  • Law enforcement and municipalities (enforcement of registration, licensing, and speed limits).

Procedural / timeline notes

  • Introduced/Filed: 01/16–01/17/2025.
  • Referred to Transportation: 02/27/2025 (Senate concurred same day according to record).
  • Hearing scheduled: 06/24/2025 (rescheduled notice 06/18/2025).
  • Reporting date extended to 03/18/2026.

Observations / issues to consider

  • Internal inconsistencies: Section 1 references vehicles exceeding 30 mph; Sections 3–4 use a 20 mph threshold. The bill does not harmonize these speed thresholds.
  • Section 1 mandates rulemaking on insurance but contains no substantive insurance requirements—details would depend on subsequent regulations.
  • The docket includes unrelated South Carolina House resolution text and a mismatched title; the operative statutory language concerns Massachusetts motor-vehicle law.

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

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