BILL ANALYSIS Ó ----------------------------------------------------------------- |SENATE RULES COMMITTEE | SB 530| |Office of Senate Floor Analyses | | |(916) 651-1520 Fax: (916) | | |327-4478 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------- THIRD READING Bill No: SB 530 Author: Pan (D) Amended: 4/22/15 Vote: 21 SENATE TRANS. & HOUSING COMMITTEE: 10-1, 4/28/15 AYES: Cannella, Allen, Bates, Gaines, Galgiani, Leyva, McGuire, Mendoza, Roth, Wieckowski NOES: Beall SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE: Senate Rule 28.8 SUBJECT: Pedicabs SOURCE: Author DIGEST: This bill expands the definition of "pedicab" to include pedal-powered vehicles that can carry up to 15 passengers, and creates minimum operational and equipment requirements. ANALYSIS: Existing law defines various types of vehicles with differing rights and responsibilities. Bicycles, motorized bicycles, pedicabs, neighborhood electric vehicles, motorcycles, passenger vehicles, and buses are just some of the different types of vehicles allowed to use California streets and highways. This bill: 1)Expands the definition of pedicab to include a device which is SB 530 Page 2 primarily pedal-powered, has a seating capacity of not more than 15 passengers, and cannot travel faster than 15 miles per hour. This type of pedicab must be equipped with basic safety equipment including seat belts, seat backs, brakes, reflectors, headlights and grab rails, and must be operated by a 21-year-old adult with a valid California driver's license. Existing devices have until January 1, 2017, to retrofit with this equipment. 2)Provides that if a city allows alcohol to be consumed on board, the operator shall also provide an on-board adult safety monitor and both the driver and safety monitor must have completed the Licensee Education on Alcohol and Drugs program implemented by the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. Background In Sacramento, San Diego, and other California cities, these vehicles are used to offer guided riding tours through tourist and entertainment areas, often accompanied with stops at bars and restaurants. These businesses have so far been licensed by the host city without any state involvement. This has created some uncertainty about whether these vehicles can lawfully use city streets as there is no existing vehicle definition which specifically covers them, particularly if the vehicle has a motor to assist the pedaling passengers. This bill deals with four-wheeled, primarily pedal-powered vehicles that carry up to 15 passengers. These are substantial vehicles, about the size of a car, and can cost up to $100,000. Comments The author notes that the four existing quadricycle companies in California operate under conditions which vary in each municipality. This bill seeks to establish a uniform set of rules and a standard of best practices for quadricycles where alcohol will be consumed on board. The author notes that the industry is growing rapidly, and that California should address regulation at a statewide level before there are any accidents or injuries, as have been reported in other states. SB 530 Page 3 FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.:YesLocal: Yes SUPPORT: (Verified5/12/15) Off the Chain Pedal On, LLC - San Diego Roberta MacGlashan, Sacramento County Supervisor Sac Brew Bike Social Cycle Numerous individuals OPPOSITION: (Verified 5/12/15) None received Prepared by:Randy Chinn / T. & H. / (916) 651-4121 5/13/15 16:37:43 **** END ****