ELECTRONIC BICYCLES
House Bill 4781 as introduced
Sponsor: Rep. Holly Hughes
Committee: Tourism and Outdoor Recreation
Complete to 9-5-17
SUMMARY:
Under the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (NREPA, MCL 324.72105) the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) may operate and maintain a trail that is located on state owned land or enter into an agreement with a council or governmental agencies to provide for the operation and maintenance of the trail among other things.
House Bill 4781 would amend NREPA to allow an individual to operate a Class 1 electronic bicycle on a linear paved trail that has an asphalt, crushed limestone, or similar surface or a rail trail. The bill would allow a local authority or state agency having jurisdiction over a trail to regulate or prohibit the operation of a Class 1 electric bicycle on that trail.
An individual also could operate a Class 2 or Class 3 electric bicycle on a trail that has an asphalt, crushed limestone, or similar surface, or rail trail if authorized by the local authority or state agency having jurisdiction over the trail.
Under the bill, an individual could not operate an electric bicycle on a trail that is specifically designed as non-motorized and has a natural surface tread made by clearing and grading the native soil with no added surface materials unless authorized by a local authority or state with jurisdiction over the trail.
FISCAL IMPACT:
House Bill 4781 would have no fiscal impact for the state, specifically the state Department of Natural Resources, or for local units of government.
Fiscal Analyst: Austin Scott
■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House Fiscal Agency staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.