Hello Scott and all,

Just a little update, the final version of H.R. 727 became Federal law as P. L. 107-319 in December 2002.

I researched it a bit as Vermont also has no recognition of electric bicycles, and I'm seriously considering buying one as gasoline approaches $4/gallon. I'm not a lawyer buy the following passage may help:

"This section shall supersede any State law or requirement with respect to low-speed electric bicycles to the extent that such State law or requirement is more stringent than the Federal law or requirements referred to in subsection (a)."

As I understand the word supersede, it means that this law and definition takes precedence over more strict State law and regulations concerning low-speed electric bicycles.

The law's definition of "low-speed electric bicycles" might interest some.

"For the purpose of this section, the term `low-speed electric bicycle' means a two- or three-wheeled vehicle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts (1 h.p.), whose maximum speed on a paved level surface, when powered solely by such a motor while ridden by an operator who weighs 170 pounds, is less than 20 mph."

I was surprised in a pleasant way when President Bush signed this green bill this into law, since he's often very neglectful environmentally, but at least he's an avid bicyclist. )

Ride safe, Frank