BILL ANALYSIS �
AB 2173
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ASSEMBLY THIRD READING
AB 2173 (Bradford)
As Amended April 30, 2014
Majority vote
TRANSPORTATION 15-0
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|Ayes:|Lowenthal, Linder, | | |
| |Achadjian, Ammiano, | | |
| |Bloom, Bonta, Buchanan, | | |
| |Daly, Frazier, Gatto, | | |
| |Holden, Logue, Patterson, | | |
| |Quirk-Silva, Waldron | | |
|-----+--------------------------+-----+--------------------------|
| | | | |
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SUMMARY : Increases the allowable engine horsepower of motorized
bicycles or mopeds from two brake horsepower to four brake
horsepower.
EXISTING LAW :
1)Defines, generally, a motorized bicycle as a device with two
or three wheels with fully operative pedals for propulsion by
human power (or no pedals for those devices with an electric
motor) with an automatic transmission and a motor or an
electric motor that travels at speeds ranging from 20 to 30
miles per hour (mph) on level ground.
2)Provides that certain motorized bicycles or mopeds have a
motor that produces a maximum of two horsepower.
FISCAL EFFECT : Unknown. This bill is keyed non-fiscal by the
Legislative Counsel.
COMMENTS : Existing law provides for two motorized bicycle
categories. These categories are generally separated into two
speed classifications with the first having a 30 mph allowable
speed, pedals for human propulsion, and a motor that produces
less than two horsepower (This category also includes devices
that are powered solely by an electric motor but do not have
pedals-like an electric-powered Vespa). The second category
includes those devices that can attain a maximum speed of 20
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mph, have a 1,000 watt (approximately 1.4 horsepower) motor, and
pedals for human propulsion.
Motorized bicycles are authorized for use on public streets and
roads as well as on some state highways, with prior
authorization by the Department of Transportation. Motorized
bicycles are prohibited from being operated on bicycle paths or
trails, bikeways, bicycle lanes, and equestrian or hiking trails
unless it is within or adjacent to a roadway or unless the local
authority having jurisdiction over the bike path or trail
approves their use, by ordinance.
This bill would authorize an increase in the power of a
motorized bicycle motor (from two to four horsepower) for those
motorized bicycles that have a maximum allowable speed of 30
mph. This change would allow these devices to have sufficient
power to maintain travel speeds on hills. Specifically, the
author notes that allowing these vehicles to have more powerful
motors would improve roadway safety because when motorized
bicycles fail to keep up with surrounding traffic they create a
substantial hazard for both the operator (who can be easily
"rear ended") as well as for other vehicles using the roadway
(e.g., who may need to stop abruptly or swerve to avoid a
collision).
Federal law governing motorized bicycles generally provides that
two-wheeled vehicles such as a bicycle with an add-on internal
combustion engine are allowed five brake horsepower or less and
a speed capability of more than 20 mph. Therefore, increasing
engine power from two horsepower to four horsepower for
motorized bicycles does not appear to place them out of
compliance with federal requirements and would improve safety
for all roadway users.
Analysis Prepared by : Victoria Alvarez / TRANS. / (916) 319-
2093
FN: 0003304
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