STATEMENT TO

[First Reprint]

SENATE, No. 731

with Assembly Floor Amendments

(Proposed by Assemblyman MUKHERJI)

ADOPTED: JANUARY 31, 2019

      These floor amendments remove provisions in the bill that establish a default position that operating a bicycle, low-speed electric bicycle, or low-speed electric scooter on a sidewalk is prohibited.  The amendments also remove provisions that allow local governments and State agencies to provide exceptions to that general prohibition.  Removal of these provisions is intended to leave the permission or prohibition of operation of these vehicles on sidewalks up to the relevant municipality, county, or State agency.

      The amendments also provide that any electric bicycle with a motor that is capable of propelling the bicycle in excess of 20 miles per hour with a maximum motor-powered speed of no more than 28 miles per hour on a flat surface is to be treated under State law as a motorized bicycle, commonly referred to as a moped.

      The amendments also change the title and synopsis of the bill and renumber the effective date section of the bill to reflect the changes.