New Hampshire HB 1410: creating a new classification for electric vehicles.

Bill Text

HB 1410-FN - AS INTRODUCED

2026 SESSION

 26-3084

 06/09

HOUSE BILL 1410-FN

AN ACT creating a new classification for electric vehicles. 

SPONSORS: Rep. T. Walsh, Merr. 10; Rep. St. Clair, Belk. 5; Rep. Veilleux, Hills. 34; Rep. Hill, Merr. 2

COMMITTEE: Transportation

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ANALYSIS

 This bill defines out-of-class electric vehicles, establishes disclosure requirements for sellers, restricts public operation unless reclassified, sets equipment and licensing standards, imposes age and safety requirements, and establishes penalties for violations.

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 Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.

 26-3084

 06/09

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twenty-Six

AN ACT creating a new classification for electric vehicles. 

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

 1 New Section; Out-of-Class Electric Vehicles. Amend RSA 259 by inserting after section 27-a the following new section: 

 259:27-b Out-of-Class Electric Vehicles. 

 I. “Out-of-class electric vehicle” or “OCEV” means any vehicle with fewer than 4 wheels that: 

 (a) Is powered by an electric motor with a continuous rated output of 750 watts or greater;

 (b) Is capable of attaining a speed of 20 miles per hour or greater on motor power alone; and

 (c) Is not otherwise classified as: 

 (1) A moped;

 (2) A motor-assisted scooter;

 (3) A motorcycle;

 (4) A motor-driven cycle; or

 (5) An electric personal assistive mobility device. 

 II. A vehicle shall also be considered an OCEV if it: 

 (a) Has multiple operating modes, including any mode that exceeds 20 miles per hour on motor power alone; or

 (b) Is advertised, marketed, or sold in a manner that implies it functions as an electric bicycle but does not meet the definition of “electric bicycle” under RSA 259:27-a. 

 III. OCEVs shall be considered “motor vehicles” under RSA 259:60 solely for the purposes of violations of RSA 265-A:2 and RSA 265-A:3. 

 2 New Section; Disclosures. Amend RSA 357-C by inserting after section 3-a the following new section: 

 357-C:3-b Disclosure of Out-of-Class Electric Vehicle Status Required. 

 I. Any seller of a new or used electric vehicle with fewer than 4 wheels that does not meet the definition in RSA 259:27-a shall provide the following disclosure at the point of sale and in all advertising: 

"THIS VEHICLE IS NOT AN ELECTRIC BICYCLE AS DEFINED BY NH RSA 259:27-a AND IS INSTEAD A TYPE OF MOTOR VEHICLE AND SUBJECT TO APPLICABLE MOTOR VEHICLE LAWS IF USED ON PUBLIC ROADS OR PUBLIC LANDS."

 II. This disclosure shall: 

 (a) Be in bold, capital letters;

 (b) Appear in a font size equal to or larger than the vehicle description; and

 (c) Be included in all online listings, printed materials, and social media posts for the vehicle.

 III. Failure to provide this disclosure constitutes prima facie evidence of a deceptive trade practice under RSA 358-A:2.

 3 New Sections; Operation and Classification. Amend RSA 265 by inserting after section 144-a the following new sections: 

 265:144-b Operation and Classification of Out-of-Class Electric Vehicles.

 I. An OCEV shall not be operated on any public way or non-motorized rail trail system unless: 

 (a) The vehicle is reclassified under a chapter of the RSA that permits such use;

 (b) It meets all applicable safety and registration requirements; and

 (c) The operator shall follow all applicable rules of the road.

 II. OCEVs shall be exempt from the electric vehicle registration fee established in RSA 261:141-c.

 III. No person shall operate an OCEV unless it is equipped with:

 (a) At least one, but not more than 2, headlights in working order for use from one hour after sunset to one hour before sunrise;

 (b) One or more rear taillights in working order for the same period;

 (c) Adequate brakes capable of stopping the vehicle within 40 feet at 20 miles per hour or locking the wheels to a standstill;

 (d) At least one mirror; and

 (e) Either a bell or horn.

 IV. A speedometer is required unless one was not originally installed by the manufacturer.

 V. Operators of OCEVs shall:

 (a) Hold a valid operator’s license in accordance with RSA 263:1; and

 (b) Be subject to RSA 263:64 if operating an OCEV upon a public way while under license suspension or revocation. 

 265:144-c Designated Use and Age Restrictions for Out-of-Class Electric Vehicles. 

 I. OCEVs may be operated only in designated areas as defined by RSA.

 II. Operation on public ways or non-motorized rail trails is prohi