[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 105 (Thursday, July 22, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1641-E1642]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      ELECTRIC BICYCLE LEGISLATION

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES E. ROGAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 22, 1999

  Mr. ROGAN. Mr. Speaker, today I am pleased to introduce a bipartisan, 
non-controversial, and much-needed piece of legislation. This bill will 
clarify for purposes of Federal law and regulations that electric 
bicycles are consumer products and not motor vehicles. This 
clarification is necessary, as the interpretation of existing law is 
that electric bicycles are motor vehicles and must conform to all motor 
vehicle safety standards.
  Mr. Speaker, it is important to clarify what an electric bicycle is. 
An electric bicycle is defined as a bike with all the same features of 
a conventional bike save one. It carries a small electric motor system 
that, when engaged by the flip of a switch, augments the power of the 
rider. This motor empowers the rider to easily pedal speeds up to, but 
not over, 20 mph.
  Because of this feature, electric bicycles are very popular with 
recreational riders, seniors, commuters, fitness riders, and police and 
other law enforcement agencies, just to name a few. These bicycles have 
the potential to mitigate traffic congestion and parking problems, 
enhance law enforcement agencies' ability to perform certain designated 
duties; reduce air and noise pollution; promote cost-effective 
alternative-fuel vehicles; and enhance mobility for those who are 
physically unable either to drive or access essential services on 
pedal-only bicycles. In fact, in Southern California, electric bicycles 
have already begun to demonstrate their significant contribution to 
improving the quality of life for all.

[[Page E1642]]

  It is clear that, as defined under my legislation, an electric 
bicycle is not a moped or a motorcycle, and it is certainly not a motor 
vehicle. To require it, therefore, to meet all the federal standards of 
a motor vehicle, which require the implementation of brake lights, turn 
signals, a speedometer, an odometer, wide tires, and other mandates, is 
contrary to the notion of what you and I hold as a bike.
  The bill I'm introducing today would clarify this situation once and 
for all. It simply provides that electric bicycles are consumer 
products and are subject to consumer product rules and regulations. 
This will not eliminate all safety standards for electric bicycles. My 
legislation will still provide for these products to be subject to 
strict safety standards.
  As I stated, this is a common sense, non-controversial bill. Electric 
bicycles should be held to the same federal safety standards as 
bicycles, not motor vehicles. I encourage you to join in co-sponsoring 
this bill and in supporting passage.

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