Bill Text: CA AB2173 | 2013-2014 | Regular Session | Chaptered

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Bill Title: Vehicles: motorized bicycles.

Sponsorship: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1)

Status: (Passed) 2014-06-25 - Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 60, Statutes of 2014. [AB2173 Detail]

Download: California-2013-AB2173-Chaptered.html

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BILL NUMBER: AB 2173	CHAPTERED
	BILL TEXT

	CHAPTER  60
	FILED WITH SECRETARY OF STATE  JUNE 25, 2014
	APPROVED BY GOVERNOR  JUNE 25, 2014
	PASSED THE SENATE  JUNE 16, 2014
	PASSED THE ASSEMBLY  MAY 15, 2014
	AMENDED IN ASSEMBLY  APRIL 30, 2014
	AMENDED IN ASSEMBLY  APRIL 22, 2014
	AMENDED IN ASSEMBLY  MARCH 19, 2014

INTRODUCED BY   Assembly Member Bradford

                        FEBRUARY 20, 2014

   An act to amend Section 406 of the Vehicle Code, relating to
vehicles.



	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


   AB 2173, Bradford. Vehicles: motorized bicycles.
   Existing law prohibits the operation of a motorized bicycle on a
highway unless the owner applies for a license plate and attaches it
to the bicycle, as specified. Existing law also requires a specified
driver's license or endorsement to operate a motorized bicycle or a
moped, except as specified. For purposes of these provisions,
existing law defines a "motorized bicycle" or "moped" in one case as
any 2-wheeled or 3-wheeled device having fully operative pedals for
propulsion by human power, or having no pedals if powered solely by
electrical energy, and an automatic transmission and a motor that
produces less than 2 gross brake horsepower and is capable of
propelling the device at a maximum speed of not more than 30 miles
per hour on level ground.
   This bill would redefine a "motorized bicycle" or "moped" by
increasing the maximum gross brake horsepower that its motor produces
to less than 4.



THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:

  SECTION 1.  Section 406 of the Vehicle Code is amended to read:
   406.  (a) A "motorized bicycle" or "moped" is a two-wheeled or
three-wheeled device having fully operative pedals for propulsion by
human power, or having no pedals if powered solely by electrical
energy, and an automatic transmission and a motor that produces less
than 4 gross brake horsepower and is capable of propelling the device
at a maximum speed of not more than 30 miles per hour on level
ground.
   (b) A "motorized bicycle" is also a device that has fully
operative pedals for propulsion by human power and has an electric
motor that meets all of the following requirements:
   (1) Has a power output of not more than 1,000 watts.
   (2) Is incapable of propelling the device at a speed of more than
20 miles per hour on ground level.
   (3) Is incapable of further increasing the speed of the device
when human power is used to propel the motorized bicycle faster than
20 miles per hour.
   (4) Every manufacturer of motorized bicycles, as defined in this
subdivision, shall provide a disclosure to buyers that advises buyers
that their existing insurance policies may not provide coverage for
these bicycles and that they should contact their insurance company
or insurance agent to determine if coverage is provided.
   (c) The disclosure required under paragraph (4) of subdivision (b)
shall meet both of the following requirements:
   (1) The disclosure shall be printed in not less than 14-point
boldface type on a single sheet of paper that contains no information
other than the disclosure.
   (2) The disclosure shall include the following language in capital
letters:
   "YOUR INSURANCE POLICIES MAY NOT PROVIDE COVERAGE FOR ACCIDENTS
INVOLVING THE USE OF THIS BICYCLE. TO DETERMINE IF COVERAGE IS
PROVIDED YOU SHOULD CONTACT YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY OR AGENT."