AB 1773: Vehicles: electric bicycles.

Existing law prohibits the use of a motorized bicycle on a bicycle path or trail, bikeway, bicycle lane, equestrian trial, or hiking or recreational trail, as specified, unless the governing body of a local public agency, which has jurisdiction over the path or trail, permits the operation. Existing law authorizes a governing body of a local public agency, which has jurisdiction over the path or trail, to prohibit the use of an electric bicycle on an equestrian trial, or hiking or recreational trail. A violation of the Vehicle Code is a crime and a person convicted of an infraction for a violation of either the Vehicle Code or a local ordinance adopted pursuant to the code is subject to a specified fine schedule, except as otherwise provided.

This bill would clarify that a recreational trail for these purposes includes a boardwalk, as defined, regardless of whether the facility also provides bicycle access. Notwithstanding specified law, the bill would impose a fine, not to exceed $35, against a person convicted of an infraction for a violation of an ordinance prohibiting or regulating electric bicycles on recreational trails. By expanding the scope of a 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.