SENATE BILL REPORT
ESB 5450
As Passed Senate, March 17, 2003
Title: An act relating to providing incentives to reduce air pollution through the licensing and use of neighborhood electric vehicles.
Brief Description: Providing incentives to reduce air pollution through the use of neighborhood electric vehicles.
Sponsors: Senators Horn, Jacobsen, Finkbeiner, Eide, Swecker, Reardon, Regala, Fairley, Kline, Fraser, Haugen, Keiser and Kohl-Welles.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Highways & Transportation: 2/18/03, 2/19/03 [DP].
Passed Senate: 3/17/03, 48-0.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HIGHWAYS & TRANSPORTATION
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Horn, Chair; Benton, Vice Chair; Swecker, Vice Chair; Esser, Finkbeiner, Haugen, Jacobsen, Kastama, Mulliken, Oke, Prentice and Spanel.
Staff: Tami Neilson (786-7452)
Background: Neighborhood electric vehicles (NEVs) are four-wheeled electric vehicles that can reach a maximum speed of 25 miles per hour. They are not permitted on public highways in Washington State.
Summary of Bill: NEVs are defined as four-wheeled motor vehicles that are self-propelled and electrically powered that reach a speed between 20 and 25 miles per hour and conform to federal regulations. Drivers and passengers of NEVs must wear seatbelts and comply with the state's child restraint system requirements.
NEVs may be operated on state highways that have a speed limit of 35 miles per hour or less if the person operating the vehicle: (a) is not driving the NEV on a state highway route; (b) has a vehicle license for the NEV and displays vehicle license number plates; (c) has a valid driver's license; (d) is insured under a motor vehicle liability policy; and (e) does not cross a roadway with a speed limit over 35 miles per hour, unless the crossing begins and ends on a roadway with a speed limit of 35 miles or less and occurs at an intersection of approximately 90 degrees. A NEV must not cross an uncontrolled intersection of streets and highways that are part of the state highway system (which includes state highway routes and interstates), unless that intersection has been authorized by local authorities accordingly.
If a person operates a NEV and violates any of the above provisions, he or she is guilty of a traffic infraction.
With respect to streets and highways under their jurisdiction and within the reasonable exercises of their police power, local authorities may regulate the operation of NEVs by resolution or ordinance of the governing body; however, such authorities may not: (a) authorize the operation of NEVs on state highway routes, interstates, and other limited access facilities; (b) prohibit the operation of NEVs on public roadways with a speed limit of 25 miles per hour or less; and (c) prohibit the establishment of any requirement for registration and licensing of NEVs.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect on August 1, 2003.
Testimony For: Most trips people take are short, which are the most polluting and least fuel efficient trips. The vehicles are easy to charge, quiet, affordable, safe, and require low maintenance. They are also practical and popular for senior citizens. These vehicles do not contribute to air pollution.
Testimony Against: None.
Testified: PRO: Linda Graham, Puget Sound Clean Cities Coalition; Phil Rathjen, Global Electric Motorcar; Jack Kennelly, Global Electric Motorcar; Donna Ewing, League of Women Voters, Washington; Bill Backlund, citizen; David Gordon, citizen; Donald Moncrieff, citizen; Graeme Sackrison, citizen; Alastair Dodwell, citizen.
House Amendment(s): Motorized foot scooters are defined as: 1) having handlebars and two wheels that are no more than ten inches or smaller in diameter; 2) designed to be stood or sat upon; and 3) are powered by an internal combustion engine or electric motor. Vehicle licensing and registration provisions do not apply to motorized foot scooters, and operators are not required to have a drivers' license. Motorized foot scooters may be operated during daylight hours and before sunrise and after sunset if they have reflectors approved by the Washington State Patrol. Most provisions regulating mopeds do not apply to motorized foot scooters.
Motorized foot-scooters have the same highway access as bicycles and may be operated on a multi-purpose trail or in bicycle lanes; however, local jurisdictions may restrict access. The Parks and Recreation Commission may regulate the use of motorized foot scooters within the boundaries of a park. Motorized scooters may not have access to bicycle paths, trails, or bikeways built with federal funding.