HB2497 - 452R - House Bill Summary

House of Representatives

HB 2497

electric personal assistive mobility devices

Sponsors: Representatives Cooley, McClure, Giffords, Avelar et al

X	Committee on Transportation
	Committee on Health
	Caucus and COW
	Third Read
	As Passed the House

HB 2497 establishes a definition of an “electric personal assistive mobility device.” In addition the bill exempts these devices from the definition of “motor vehicle” and amends the definition of “pedestrian” in Arizona Revised Statutes, Title 28 to include a person using these devices.

History

Currently there are no provisions in Arizona Law pertaining to “electric personal assistive mobility devices” or the use of these devices. However, the statute allows users of motorized wheelchairs the rights and duties applicable to pedestrians, and allows motorized wheelchairs to operate on sidewalks. Legislation permitting use of the electric personal assistive mobility device has been approved in the states of New Jersey, New Hampshire, and New Mexico. Legislation is also pending in Alabama, Virginia, and Indiana.

Provisions

· Defines “electric personal assistive mobility device” as a self-balancing two non-tandem wheeled device, with an electric propulsion system that allows the operator to travel up to fifteen miles per hour, and is designed to transport only one person.

· Includes electric personal assistive mobility devices within the definition of “pedestrian.”

· States users of electric personal assistive mobility devices have all the rights and duties that are applicable to pedestrians including access to sidewalk.

· States that electric personal assistive mobility devices shall not be used by anyone under sixteen years of age.

· Exempts “electric personal assistive mobiltiy device” from the definition of “motor vehicle.”

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· 45th Legislature