Keep Up With Legislative Action on Bikes

KEEP UP WITH LEGISLATIVE ACTION ON BIKES!

The NH Legislature is in session again!

We have several sources at this time for bike-ped related legislation that is up for consideration in 2026 - the Bike-Walk Alliance of NH and Representative Seth Miller (D-NH-Strafford County No. 21).

The Bike-Walk Alliance of NH recently sent out a list of legislation that it's following, along with its position. Review BWA-NH's list here.

At SABR's annual meeting, Rep. Miller provided an update on bicycling-related legislation now coming up for consideration by the NH State Legislature. See Rep. Miller's list below, along with his comments. 

HB1594 - establishing a weight-based tiered registration fee schedule for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles -https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/billinfo.aspx?id=2150

Allows for optional registration of an e-bike with no electric vehicle surcharge (currently a strict reading of the law requires a $100 fee)

HB1682 - relative to registration and road access for low-capacity and low-weight battery-operated vehicles -https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/billinfo.aspx?id=2324

Requires $20 annual registration if 15+ mph, which is all of them. 

HB1533 - relative to the use of electric bicycles and alternative electric micromobility devices -https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/billinfo.aspx?id=1773

Effectively classifies Class 3 e-Bikes as mopeds, with the associated restrictions on their use, registration requirements, restriction from use on bike paths, and other limitations. Also creates new restrictions on some other electric-powered mobility devices.

HB1410 - creating a new classification for electric vehicles - https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/billinfo.aspx?id=2296

This creates a new definition for what should rightfully be either a moped or a motorcycle. It creates extra/different rules, simply because they are electric, including prohibition of operation on public roads "unless explicitly authorized." Much more restrictive than rules for comparable non-electric vehicles.   

HB1703 - relative to establishing a registration fee for bicycles and electric bicycles using state or municipally funded bike paths, trails, or roadways - https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/billinfo.aspx?id=2370

This will require a $50/bike registration fee, among other bad things. It promises that the money will go to cycling infrastructure, but that's a bad deal to strike, assuming they even manage to adhere to it.

SB559 & SB630 - Allowing for localities to set 20mph speed limits 

HB1178 - Allowing darker window tinting

Also, four of the e-bike related bills are scheduled for hearings Tuesday afternoon, 1/18: HB1533, HB1410, HB1594, and HB1682 will all be heard starting at 1p in Room 234 of the Granite Place complex (1 Granite Place, Concord, NH).Weigh in with your legislators! And let us know what legislation you think is worth pushing for or pushing against!

See below for ways to reach and comment on legislation.

Thanks,

The SABR Board of Directorsinfo@seacoastbikes.org

info@seacoastbikes.org

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WAYS TO REACH NH LEGISLATORS & COMMENT

To support or oppose a bill in New Hampshire, sign in online via the NH General Court website during a scheduled hearing, selecting the date, committee, and bill, then choosing "I Support this Bill" or “I Oppose this Bill” to register your position, or you can attend in person to fill out a pink card or sign-up sheet, or submit written testimony online or via email before the deadline.

ONLINE SIGN-IN (Quickest Method): Find the hearing: Go to the NH General Court website and find the bill's public hearing date and committee.

Access the portal: Navigate to the Senate Remote Sign-In or House Online Testimony Submission portal.

Fill out the form: Select the date, committee, and bill number.

Indicate position: Choose "I Support this Bill," or “I Oppose this Bill.” Enter your name/info, and submit. 

IN-PERSON TESTIMONY

Attend the hearing: Go to the State House for the scheduled hearing.

Sign up: Find the pink card (House) or sign-up sheet (Senate) near the entrance.

Mark your decision: Indicate your support or opposition and provide your details.

Speak (optional): Sign up to speak for a few minutes during the hearing. 

WRITTEN TESTIMONY

Submit Online: Use the online portals (House has a PDF upload; Senate allows email via the committee page) to add more detail.

Email Committee: You can often email the entire committee or submit testimony up to the end of the hearing day.