This bill allows electric-assisted bicycles to be operated on all bike pathways and trails.

Section 1 prevents the prohibition of electric-assisted bicycles on any trail maintained and operated by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) where bicycles are otherwise permitted.

Section 2 prevents a local unit of government from prohibiting operation of electric-assisted bicycles on trails funded with DNR grants-in-aid, provided that the trail is designated for bicycle use.

Section 3 states that operation of electric-assisted bicycles is an exception to the prohibition of motorized vehicles on local nonmotorized trails that are funded in whole or in part by state grants-in-aid.

Section 4 prevents political subdivisions from prohibiting the operation of electric-assisted bicycles on any bikeway, roadway or shoulder.

Section 5 amends the definition of electric-assisted bicycle in the chapter of statute on traffic regulations.  It states that electric-assisted bicycles are bicycles rather than motor vehicles, and includes those electric-assisted bicycles that meet the requirements for bicycles under federal code. 

Section 6 states that a person may operate an electric-assisted bicycle on a dedicated bicycle path, a roadway or shoulder bicycle lane, a bikeway or a DNR-developed bicycle trail.

KB/BB:rer