HB399 Alabama 2019 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Rex ReynoldsRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2019

Title

Class 3 municipalities, electric foot scooters, regulation by ordinance subject to provisions of this act, penalties

Summary

HB 399 would allow Class 3 Alabama municipalities to regulate electric foot scooters by local ordinance and to impose penalties for violations.

What This Bill Does

It defines what an electric foot scooter is (a vehicle with up to two wheels of 12 inches or smaller, with handlebars, designed to be stood upon, propelled by an electric motor up to 20 mph). It authorizes Class 3 municipalities to regulate the use of these scooters within their city limits by ordinance and to enforce penalties for violations. It gives riders bicycle-like rights and duties under Title 32, with specific safety requirements (night lighting, braking), sidewalk parking rules, and the fact that scooters are not treated as motor vehicles under certain motor-vehicle laws. The act applies only to Class 3 municipalities and becomes effective three months after passage and governor approval.

Who It Affects

• People who ride electric foot scooters in Class 3 municipalities: must follow the new jurisdictional rules, safety requirements, and parking rules, and can be cited for violations.
• Class 3 municipalities and their law enforcement/municipal courts: gain authority to regulate scooter use by ordinance and to issue penalties enforceable like traffic citations.

Key Provisions

• Defines electric foot scooter as having up to two wheels no larger than 12 inches, handlebars, a stand-on design, and an electric motor with a maximum speed of 20 mph.
• Allows Class 3 municipalities to regulate use by ordinance within their limits and to impose penalties for violations enforceable in municipal court.
• Sets rider duties and safety requirements, including bicycle-like rights under Title 32, front white light visible 500 feet, rear red reflector visible 100-600 feet, a functioning brake, daytime/nighttime use rules, and sidewalk parking rules; scooters are not treated as motor vehicles for insurance/licensing purposes under Title 32.
• Effective date: becomes law on the first day of the third month after passage and governor signing; applies only to Class 3 municipalities.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Class 3 Municipalities