This is the current documents page for the proposed AZ bill
https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/69054
Mostly it seems to mix operator/rider requirements with manufacturer requirements, and doesn't even mention DIY or kit stuff at all.
It does completely and definitely separate gas bikes from electric ones, and leaves the gas bikes with the same definitions and limits they had before, while enabling electric ones to potentially be better except for the new power limit, AFAICT.
Personally, I'd rather they just leave it alone, but at least it's not as bad as it could be, depending on what actually ends up passing.
The relevant legal definition text:
http://www.azleg.gov/legtext/53leg/1R/bills/SB1273P.htm
So the three big changes from the previous laws are:
--that there would be a power limit of 750W (which would make it dangerous for my purposes, as it would make most car drivers try to run me over as they waited behind me for a minute or more as I got up to the 20MPH speed).
--Like California, there will be 3 classes, with the second being basically what I do now except for the power limit, and the third allowing faster speed up to 28mph vs 20mph, but requiring PAS which the second does not. (and class 3 not allowed on bike paths / MUTs, while the second is). There's an add-on (dunno if it's in the final) that would require a driver's license (any class) to be able to operate a class 3 (only).
--that a *bicycle* helmet would be required for class 3 (not for the others) when it hasn't been required for bikes at all before. A motorcycle helmet would be illegal because it is not a bicycle helmet, even though it is actually better protection. I doubt they'd quibble about it though, as long as a helmet was worn.
https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/69054
Mostly it seems to mix operator/rider requirements with manufacturer requirements, and doesn't even mention DIY or kit stuff at all.
It does completely and definitely separate gas bikes from electric ones, and leaves the gas bikes with the same definitions and limits they had before, while enabling electric ones to potentially be better except for the new power limit, AFAICT.
Personally, I'd rather they just leave it alone, but at least it's not as bad as it could be, depending on what actually ends up passing.
The relevant legal definition text:
http://www.azleg.gov/legtext/53leg/1R/bills/SB1273P.htm
24. "ELECTRIC BICYCLE" MEANS A BICYCLE OR TRICYCLE THAT IS EQUIPPED WITH FULLY OPERABLE PEDALS AND AN ELECTRIC MOTOR OF LESS THAN SEVEN HUNDRED FIFTY WATTS AND THAT MEETS THE REQUIREMENTS OF ONE OF THE FOLLOWING CLASSES:
(a) "CLASS 1 ELECTRIC BICYCLE" MEANS A BICYCLE THAT IS EQUIPPED WITH AN ELECTRIC MOTOR THAT PROVIDES ASSISTANCE ONLY WHEN THE RIDER IS PEDALING AND THAT CEASES TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE WHEN THE BICYCLE REACHES THE SPEED OF TWENTY MILES PER HOUR.
(b) "CLASS 2 ELECTRIC BICYCLE" MEANS A BICYCLE THAT IS EQUIPPED WITH AN ELECTRIC MOTOR THAT MAY BE USED EXCLUSIVELY TO PROPEL THE BICYCLE AND THAT IS NOT CAPABLE OF PROVIDING ASSISTANCE WHEN THE BICYCLE REACHES THE SPEED OF TWENTY MILES PER HOUR.
(c) "CLASS 3 ELECTRIC BICYCLE" MEANS A BICYCLE THAT IS EQUIPPED WITH AN ELECTRIC MOTOR THAT PROVIDES ASSISTANCE ONLY WHEN THE RIDER IS PEDALING AND THAT CEASES TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE WHEN THE BICYCLE REACHES THE SPEED OF TWENTY‑EIGHT MILES PER HOUR.
28-819. Electric bicycles
A. AN OPERATOR OF AN ELECTRIC BICYCLE IS GRANTED ALL THE RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES AND IS SUBJECT TO ALL OF THE DUTIES OF A PERSON RIDING A BICYCLE.
B. AN ELECTRIC BICYCLE IS NOT SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THIS TITLE RELATING TO CERTIFICATES OF TITLE, REGISTRATION, VEHICLE LICENSE TAX, DRIVER LICENSES OR VEHICLE INSURANCE.
C. BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 2018, MANUFACTURERS AND DISTRIBUTORS OF ELECTRIC BICYCLES SHALL APPLY A LABEL THAT IS PERMANENTLY AFFIXED, IN A PROMINENT LOCATION, TO EACH ELECTRIC BICYCLE. THE LABEL SHALL CONTAIN THE CLASSIFICATION NUMBER, TOP ASSISTED SPEED AND MOTOR WATTAGE OF THE ELECTRIC BICYCLE AND SHALL BE PRINTED IN AT LEAST NINE‑POINT BOLD TYPE.
D. A PERSON MAY NOT TAMPER WITH OR MODIFY AN ELECTRIC BICYCLE TO CHANGE THE MOTOR-POWERED SPEED CAPABILITY OF THE ELECTRIC BICYCLE UNLESS THE PERSON REPLACES THE LABEL PRESCRIBED IN SUBSECTION C OF THIS SECTION WITH A NEW LABEL INDICATING THE CLASSIFICATION NUMBER.
E. AN ELECTRIC BICYCLE SHALL COMPLY WITH THE EQUIPMENT AND MANUFACTURING REQUIREMENTS FOR BICYCLES UNDER 16 CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS PART 1512.
F. A CLASS 2 ELECTRIC BICYCLE SHALL OPERATE SO THAT THE ELECTRIC MOTOR IS DISENGAGED OR CEASES TO FUNCTION WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED. A CLASS 1 AND CLASS 3 ELECTRIC BICYCLE SHALL OPERATE SO THAT THE ELECTRIC MOTOR IS DISENGAGED THROUGH A MECHANISM THAT, WHEN THE RIDER STOPS PEDALING, THE ELECTRIC MOTOR WILL DISENGAGE OR CEASE TO FUNCTION.
G. A CLASS 1 ELECTRIC BICYCLE OR A CLASS 2 ELECTRIC BICYCLE MAY BE USED IN ALL PLACES WHERE BICYCLES ARE PERMITTED TO TRAVEL, INCLUDING BICYCLE AND MULTIUSE PATHS. A LOCAL AUTHORITY OR AGENCY OF THIS STATE HAVING JURISDICTION OVER A PATH MAY PROHIBIT THE OPERATION OF A CLASS 1 ELECTRIC BICYCLE OR CLASS 2 ELECTRIC BICYCLE ON A BICYCLE PATH.
H. A CLASS 3 ELECTRIC BICYCLE MAY NOT BE OPERATED ON A BICYCLE OR MULTIUSE PATH UNLESS IT IS WITHIN OR ADJACENT TO A HIGHWAY OR ROADWAY OR UNLESS THE LOCAL AUTHORITY OR AGENCY OF THIS STATE HAVING JURISDICTION OVER THE PATH ALLOWS THE OPERATION.
I. A CLASS 3 ELECTRIC BICYCLE IS SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING:
1. A PERSON WHO IS UNDER SIXTEEN YEARS OF AGE MAY NOT OPERATE A CLASS 3 ELECTRIC BICYCLE BUT MAY RIDE AS A PASSENGER ON A CLASS 3 ELECTRIC BICYCLE THAT IS DESIGNED TO ACCOMMODATE PASSENGERS.
2. AN OPERATOR OF AND ANY PASSENGER ON A CLASS 3 ELECTRIC BICYCLE SHALL WEAR A PROPERLY FITTED AND FASTENED BICYCLE HELMET THAT MEETS THE STANDARDS PROVIDED BY EITHER THE UNITED STATES CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION OR THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR TESTING AND MATERIALS.
3. A CLASS 3 ELECTRIC BICYCLE MUST BE EQUIPPED WITH A SPEEDOMETER THAT DISPLAYS THE SPEED THE BICYCLE IS TRAVELING IN MILES PER HOUR.
So the three big changes from the previous laws are:
--that there would be a power limit of 750W (which would make it dangerous for my purposes, as it would make most car drivers try to run me over as they waited behind me for a minute or more as I got up to the 20MPH speed).
--Like California, there will be 3 classes, with the second being basically what I do now except for the power limit, and the third allowing faster speed up to 28mph vs 20mph, but requiring PAS which the second does not. (and class 3 not allowed on bike paths / MUTs, while the second is). There's an add-on (dunno if it's in the final) that would require a driver's license (any class) to be able to operate a class 3 (only).
--that a *bicycle* helmet would be required for class 3 (not for the others) when it hasn't been required for bikes at all before. A motorcycle helmet would be illegal because it is not a bicycle helmet, even though it is actually better protection. I doubt they'd quibble about it though, as long as a helmet was worn.