HB273 Alabama 2020 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Jeremy GrayRepresentative

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2020

Title

Motor vehicles, electric bicycles, operation and regulation provided, Sec. 32-5A-267 added; Secs. 32-1-1.1, 32-12-20, 32-12A-1 am'd.

Summary

HB273 creates a regulatory framework for electric bicycles in Alabama, classifying them into classes, requiring labeling and safety standards, and excluding them from motorcycle and off-road vehicle definitions.

What This Bill Does

It defines electric bicycles and classifies them into Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3, with top speeds of 20 mph for Class 1/2 and 28 mph for Class 3, and it treats electric bicycles as vehicles with the same rights as bicycles while excluding them from motorcycle and off-road vehicle definitions. Electric bicycles are not required to have driver's licenses, registrations, titles, insurance, or license plates, but local governments can restrict where certain classes may operate, including on bike paths. Manufacturers and distributors must affix a permanent label on each electric bicycle by January 1, 2021 showing its class, top speed, and motor wattage, and any modification changing speed must replace the label; bikes must meet US safety standards and disengage the motor when pedaling stops or brakes are applied. Riders may use electric bicycles on streets, roadways, shoulders, bike lanes, and bike or multi-use paths; Class 3 riders and passengers must wear a helmet, under-16 riders cannot operate Class 3, Class 3 bikes must have a speedometer, and local authorities may restrict certain classes on paths after notice and a hearing, with an exception for some non-motorized trails.

Who It Affects

• Electric bicycle riders and prospective riders in Alabama, who gain a class-based framework, helmet requirements for Class 3, and determined locations where they may ride.
• Manufacturers and distributors of electric bicycles, who must label bikes, ensure safety compliance, and follow tamper rules.

Key Provisions

• Defines electric bicycle and three classes (Class 1 up to 20 mph pedal assist, Class 2 up to 20 mph with motor propulsion, Class 3 up to 28 mph with pedal assist).
• Electric bicycles are treated as vehicles with the same rights as bicycles, but are exempt from driver’s licenses, registration, certificates or title, off-road vehicle, ATVs, motor vehicle dealers, license tags or plates, financial responsibility, and motor vehicle insurance; they are excluded from motorcycle and off-road vehicle definitions.
• Requires a permanent label on each electric bicycle by Jan 1, 2021 showing classification, top speed, and motor wattage; label must be Arial 9-point and legible; tampering or modifying to change speed requires label replacement.
• Requires compliance with US safety standards (CPSC 16 CFR Part 1512); the motor must disengage when pedaling stops or brakes are applied.
• Allows operation of electric bicycles on streets, roadways, shoulders, bike lanes, and bike or multi-use paths; counties or municipalities may prohibit Class 1/2 on paths or Class 3 on paths after notice and a public hearing, with an exception for certain non-motorized trails.
• Imposes age and helmet rules for Class 3: under 16 cannot operate Class 3; Class 3 riders and passengers must wear a helmet; Class 3 bicycles must have a speedometer.
• Excludes electric bicycles from the definitions of motorcycles and off-road vehicles in Sections 32-12-20 and 32-12A-1.
• Becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Motor Vehicles