Regulates electric personal assistive mobility devices under the traffic code. (SB1051 HD2)

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. This Act provides a definition for electric personal assistive mobility devices and amends the motor vehicle code to provide for the operation of electric personal assistive mobility devices. Furthermore, this Act responds to a major innovation in personal travel for the residents of Hawaii. It is a clean fuel and quiet technological transportation device that will improve productivity, enhance mobility for a variety of individuals, improve the environment, and reduce our dependence on foreign oil.

SECTION 2. Chapter 291C, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§291C-   Electric personal assistive mobility devices; restrictions. (a) An electric personal assistive mobility device may be operated on the sidewalks, at a speed no greater than eight miles per hour, and bicycle paths of the State; provided that, if a sidewalk does not exist or is under repair or construction, the operator may operate the electric personal assistive mobility device on the shoulder of a street whose speed limit does not exceed twenty-five miles per hour. The sale of commercial models of electric personal assistive mobility device in the state shall be limited to those models operated by a key that can set the maximum forward speed at no more than eight miles per hour.

(b) An electric personal assistive mobility device operator shall be sixteen years of age or older.

(c) An electric personal assistive mobility device operator on a sidewalk, bikepath, or street whose speed limit does not exceed twenty-five miles per hour, shall exercise due care to avoid colliding with, and shall yield the right-of-way to, persons traveling on foot and those using mobility aids.

(d) An electric personal assistive mobility device operator shall give an audible signal before overtaking and passing any pedestrian.

(e) An electric personal assistive mobility device operator shall wear or equip the electric personal assistive mobility device with reflectors and a head lamp when operating between one-half hour after sunset and one-half hour before sunrise.

(f) Any operator who operates an electric personal assistive mobility device recklessly in disregard for the safety of persons or property shall be assessed penalties as set forth in section 291C-161."

SECTION 3. Chapter 291C-1, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new definition to be appropriately inserted and to read as follows:

""Electric personal assistive mobility device" means a self-balancing, two-wheeled, non-tandem-wheeled device, designed to transport only one person, using an electric propulsion system that limits the maximum speed of the device to twelve and a half miles per hour or less."

SECTION 4. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2050.