New Hampshire HB 1533: relative to the use of electric bicycles and alternative electric micromobility devices.

Bill Text

HB 1533-FN - AS INTRODUCED

2026 SESSION

 26-2568

 12/09

HOUSE BILL 1533-FN

AN ACT relative to the use of electric bicycles and alternative electric micromobility devices.

SPONSORS: Rep. Aures, Merr. 13; Rep. Bean, Belk. 6; Rep. Wood, Merr. 13

COMMITTEE: Transportation

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ANALYSIS

This bill:

 I. Prohibits the operation of any electric bicycle or any alternative electric micromobility device on sidewalks.

 II. Prohibits the operation of any class 3 electric bicycle or class 3 alternative electric micromobility device on bicycle or multi-use paths.

 III. Defines alternative electronic micromobility devices and classifies such devices identically to electric bicycle classifications.

 IV. Establishes a learner's permitting process for individuals between the ages of 16 and 18 seeking to operate a class 3 electric bicycle or class 3 alternative electric micromobility device.

 V. Requires that all class 3 electric bicycles and class 3 alternative electric micromobility devices be registered with the division of motor vehicles on an annual basis and that such bicycles and devices possess a speedometer and headlights while in operation.

 VI. Limits and clarifies the ability of municipalities to issue permits and licenses relative to electric bicycles and alternative electric micromobility devices.

 VII. Establishes a penalty of impoundment of an electric bicycle or alternative electric micromobility device for violations of the act. 

 VIII. Establishes that failure to satisfy the special rules and registration requirements for electric bicycles or alternative electric micromobility devices shall result in such electric bicycle or device being regulated as an off highway recreational vehicle.

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Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in bold italics.

 Matter removed from current law appears [in brackets and struckthrough.]

 Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.

 26-2568

 12/09

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twenty-Six

AN ACT relative to the use of electric bicycles and alternative electric micromobility devices.

Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:

 1 Electric Bicycles; Special Rules Modified. Amend RSA 265:144-a to read as follows: 

 265:144-a Electric Bicycles. 

 I. Except as otherwise provided in this section, electric bicycles and operators of electric bicycles shall be afforded all the rights and privileges, and shall be subject to all of the duties, of a bicycle or the operator of a bicycle. An electric bicycle is a vehicle to the same extent as a bicycle.

 II. An electric bicycle or a person operating an electric bicycle shall not be subject to the provisions of this title relating to financial responsibility, drivers' licenses, certificates of title, off highway recreational vehicles, and license plates. An electric bicycle is not a motor vehicle for these purposes, with the exception of failure to satisfy the requirements of paragraph XII of this section, which shall result in an electric bicycle being subject to RSA 215-A. 

 III. On and after January 1, 2020, manufacturers and distributors of electric bicycles shall apply a label that is permanently affixed, in a prominent location, to each electric bicycle. The label shall contain the classification number, top assisted speed, and motor wattage of the electric bicycle, and shall be printed in Arial font in at least 9-point type.

 IV. No person shall tamper with or modify an electric bicycle so as to change the motor-powered speed capability or engagement of an electric bicycle, unless he or she appropriately replaces the label indicating the classification required pursuant to paragraph III.

 V. An electric bicycle shall comply with the equipment and manufacturing requirements for bicycles adopted by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission in 16 C.F.R. section 1512.

 VI. An electric bicycle shall operate in a manner so that the electric motor is disengaged or ceases to function when the rider stops pedaling or when the brakes are applied.

 VII. An electric bicycle may be operated wherever a bicycle may be operated, subject to the following limitations:

 (a) A class 1 or class 2 electric bicycle may be ridden on bicycle paths or on multi-use paths where bicycles are permitted. However, a city, town, or state agency having jurisdiction over a bicycle or multi-use path may prohibit the operation of a class 1 or class 2 electric bicycle on that path. 

 (b) A class 3 electric bicycle shall not be ridden on a bicycle or multi-use path [unless it is within or adjacent to a highway or roadway, or unless a city, town, or state agency having jurisdiction over the path perm