Meeting Public Comments

Morgan Lommele [PeopleForBikes]

Dear Chairman Maxwell, Representative Bush and Representative Kressig,On behalf of PeopleForBikes, I encourage passage of HSB 80. PeopleForBikes is the national advocacy group and trade association that works for better policies and infrastructure for bike riding. Our coalition includes companies that manufacture or sell bicycles and related products, including electric bicycles; as well as 25,000 individual supporters in Iowa. Electric bicycles are an emerging technology, and need clear rules to regulate their use and create stability in the marketplace. In states where modern day electric bicycles lack a specific vehicle classification, such as Iowa, it is unclear how they are regulated, which creates significant confusion for consumers and retailers, and hinders the electric bicycle market. Electric bicycles are enjoyed by people from all walks of life. They make riding a bicycle for fun, commuting or transportation easier and faster and provide an affordable and competitive transportation option. Electric bicycles are also a dependable option for people limited by fitness, age, or disability; as well as for those who traditionally drive to work in the 520 mile range.Until recently, manufacturers were faced with inconsistent, outdated and unclear rules that governed where electric bicycle purchasers could use their product. In response to this, U.S. electric bicycle manufacturers came together to develop the threeclass system six years ago, reflected in HSB 80, to update regulations around critical issues like speed, wattage, and operation. In states where the threeclass system of electric bicycles has been promulgated, sales of electric bicycles have more than doubled. On the local level, bike retailers in states that have passed this law claim that having a threeclass electric bicycle system helps their team clearly explain where electric bicycles are and arent allowed to go. In their retail shops, electric bicycle sales have helped stores offset the loss of sales due to other declining categories. Electric bicycle laws are completely changing business models and customer bases. We created the class system that is the foundation of HSB 80 in order to align the law with the three main forms of product that are currently on the marketplace and with the federal definitions of an electric bicycle, create consistent standards and rules for these devices, and clearly distinguish between an electric bicycle and a motorcycle. A uniform labeling standard for all electric bicycles helps law enforcement and public safety officials identify the class of electric bicycle in the event of enforcement issues. Additional restrictions ensure that they are used in a safe manner. We have helped enact this system in 28 states (Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming); and bills are progressing in 17 other states this year. It has been codified and implemented with no known issues in those 28 states. PeopleForBikes supports HSB 80, and we believe it is the proper way to regulate the use of electric bicycles in Iowa. Again, we would urge a dopass recommendation on HSB 80. Thank you for your time.Sincerely, Morgan Lommele Director of State + Local Policy PeopleForBikes