FINAL BILL REPORT
HB 1884
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
C 145 L 15
Synopsis as Enacted
Brief Description: Expanding the definition of an electric personal assistive mobility device to include a one-wheeled self-balancing device.
Sponsors: Representatives Vick, Bergquist, Hayes, Riccelli, Orcutt, Wilson and Pike.
House Committee on Transportation
Senate Committee on Transportation
Background:
An electric personal assistive mobility device (EPAMD) is defined as a self-balancing device with two wheels not in tandem that is designed to transport one person by electric power. The power of an EPAMD is limited to 750 watts; and the maximum speed is limited to 20 miles per hour. An EPAMD is not motor vehicles, and they are excluded from the definition of a motorcycle.
A driver's license is not required to operate an EPAMD. Additionally, an EPAMD may not be operated on a fully controlled limited access highway, but they may be operated on a sidewalk. A municipality may restrict the use of an EPAMD in locations with congested pedestrian and non-motorized traffic. Municipalities may not, however, restrict the speed of an EPAMD in the entire community or in areas in which there is infrequent pedestrian traffic. Finally, the user of an EPAMD is classified as a "vulnerable user of a public way."
Summary:
The definition of an electric personal assistive mobility device is expanded to include a self-balancing device with one wheel that is designed to transport one person. The power of such devices is limited to 2,000 watts, and their maximum speed is limited to 20 miles per hour.
Votes on Final Passage:
House | 96 | 1 | |
Senate | 46 | 1 |
Effective: | July 24, 2015 |