- Committee -

SCS/SB 1098 - This act allows electric personal assistive mobility devices (EPAMD) to be operated on streets, highways, sidewalks and bicycle paths and grants operators the rights and duties applicable to pedestrians.

Persons under 16 years of age shall not operate an EPAMD, except for an operator with a mobility-related disability.

EPAMDs may only be operated on roadways with a speed limit of 45 mph or less. Such devices, however, may be used to cross roadways with higher speed limits.

EPMADs shall equipped with lamps and red reflectors when operated during the period from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise.

Operators of such devices shall ride the device as near to the right side of the roadway.

Any person 17 years of age who violates this act shall be guilty of an infraction with a maximum fine of $25. If a person under the age of 17 years of age violates this act, the police officer may impound the device for a period not to exceed 5 days.

This act is similar to HB 1746 (2002).

STEPHEN WITTE