AB 1201: Motorized bicycles.

Existing law defines a motorized bicycle or moped as a 2-wheeled or 3-wheeled device having fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power, or having no pedals if powered solely by electrical energy, with an automatic transmission and motor that produces less than 4 gross brake horsepower and is capable of propelling the device at a maximum speed of not more than 30 miles per hour on level ground. Existing law requires every manufacturer of a motorized bicycle to provide a disclosure to a buyer that his or her existing insurance policy may not provide coverage for these bicycles and that the buyer should contact his or her insurance agent to determine if coverage is provided. Existing law generally makes a violation of the Vehicle Code an infraction.

This bill would increase the allowable gross brake horsepower of motorized bicycles or mopeds from less than 4 to less than 5 in that definition. By changing the scope of an existing crime, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.

The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.

This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.