HB 1084

Modifies the definition of electric assisted bicycle in GS 20-401 so that it must meet the requirements of one of the following three listed classes: (1) a class 1 electric bicycle (a bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to assist once the bicycle reaches a speed of 20 miles per hour); (2) a class 2 electric bicycle (a bicycle equipped with a motor that may propel the bicycle without pedaling but ceases to assist once the bicycle reaches a speed of 20 miles per hour); and (3) a class 3 electric assisted bicycle (a bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to assist once the bicycle reaches a speed of 28 miles per hour). Enacts new GS 160A-300.2 authorizing cities to regulate electric assisted bicycles on any street, road, or highway within municipal limits to include (1) restricting the use of a class or classes of electric assisted bicycles on multiuse paths, sidewalks, or trails, and (2) establishing speed limits on greenways or shared-use paths. Enacts new GS 20-171.3 allowing the operation of an electric assisted bicycle on all roadways, bicycle lanes, and shared-use paths, except as otherwise regulated in new GS 160A-300.2 and GS 153A-245.1; requires persons under the age of 18 operating or riding class 3 bicycles to wear a helmet. Allows a city to require helmet use by a person under the age of 18 operating or riding as a passenger on a class 1 or 2 electric assisted bicycle and to impose penalties for violations. Permits counties, in new GS 153A-245.1 to regulate electric assisted bicycles in the same as cities can except that the statutory authority cannot be deemed to restrict or repeal the authority of a city to regulate the use of an electric assisted bicycle. Requires the Department of Transportation to develop educational materials on the proper use and safety considerations of electric assisted bicycles.