Brief Description: Excluding power wheelchairs from motor vehicle regulation.

Sponsors: Representatives Murray, Holmquist, Romero and Hankins.

Hearing Date: 2/27/03

Staff: Jill Satran (786-7315).

Background:

Currently operators of non-motored wheelchairs are regulated as pedestrians. It is unclear, however whether operators of power wheelchairs are also subject to regulation as pedestrians or whether these motorized devices are subject to regulation as motor vehicles.

Summary of Bill:

HB 1937 defines a "power wheelchair" as a self-propelled vehicle, capable of traveling no more than 15 miles per hour, usable indoors, and designed as a mobility aid operated by an individual with mobility impairments. The definitions of motor vehicles, motorcycles, motor-drive cycles and vehicles are revised to exclude power wheelchairs and the definition of pedestrian is altered to include anyone who is using a power wheelchair. The bill specifies that no driver's license is required to drive a power wheelchair.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.