HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 2404
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. |
As Reported by House Committee On:
Transportation
Title: An act relating to electric personal assistive mobility devices.
Brief Description: Expanding the definition of an electric personal assistive mobility device.
Sponsors: Representatives Vick, Riccelli, Bergquist, Manweller, Hayes and Orcutt.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Transportation: 1/27/14, 1/29/14, 1/30/14, 2/4/14 [DP].
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION |
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 31 members: Representatives Clibborn, Chair; Farrell, Vice Chair; Fey, Vice Chair; Moscoso, Vice Chair; Orcutt, Ranking Minority Member; Hargrove, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Overstreet, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Bergquist, Fitzgibbon, Freeman, Habib, Hawkins, Hayes, Johnson, Klippert, Kochmar, Moeller, Morris, Muri, Ortiz-Self, Pike, Riccelli, Rodne, Ryu, Sells, Shea, Takko, Tarleton, Walkinshaw, Young and Zeiger.
Staff: Andrew Russell (786-7143).
Background:
An electric personal assistive mobility device (EPAMD) is defined as a self-balancing device, with two wheels not in tandem, which 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. The EPAMDs are 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; however, they may be operated on a sidewalk. Finally, the user of an EPAMD is classified as a "vulnerable user of a public way."
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Summary of Bill:
The definition of an EPAMD 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.
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Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) This bill clears the way for a local business to sell devices that are green and can be used for commuting. It gets the law up to speed with technology. It provides options for consumers and helps grow jobs around Washington.
Current law already allows certain mobility devices. This change just allows similar devices that provide additional safety benefits.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Representative Vick, prime sponsor; and Andrew Ross and Michael Chacon, Inventist.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.