Editor's note: This is an update to a story that originally posted last week, following the bill's signing.
CHEYENNE, Wyo. (BRAIN) — On Tuesday afternoon, Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon signed legislation that recognizes electric bikes as bicycles and enables e-bike riders to enjoy the same paths and trails as other bicycle riders in Wyoming.
The Wyoming Legislature passed the bill last week. It establishes the three-class system of e-bikes that has been advanced by the Bicycle Product Suppliers Association and PeopleForBikes in 11 other states.
Wyoming is now the 12th state to institute a standardized e-bike law. The law will go into effect July 1.
In 2015, the BPSA and PeopleForBikes began a national campaign to introduce clear e-bike legislation in all 50 states. This legislation organizes e-bikes into three categories — based on design, top motor-assisted speed and how they are regulated at the federal level — and allows most e-bike riders to use the same infrastructure as other bicycle riders.
"The Bicycle Product Suppliers Association and PeopleForBikes would like to thank Gov. Gordon for signing the bill, recognize state Sen. Tara Nethercott for championing this bill through the legislative process, and express sincere gratitude toward Cheyenne retailer Patrick Collins for his steadfast work advancing the bill on behalf of all. This newly adopted e-bike law will benefit Wyoming businesses and bike riders alike. Clear e-bike laws help reduce confusion for businesses who sell e-bikes, and the customers interested in purchasing and riding e-bikes," PeopleForBikes said in a statement after Gordon signed the bill.
Collins has owned Cheyenne's Bicycle Station since 1982, and his resume also includes a stint as president of the Cheyenne City Council, as well as involvement in many other civic engagements.
In a statement after the Legislature passed the bill, Collins said, "One gratifying byproduct of this effort was Wyoming bicycle dealers working together to educate our local legislators about the importance of this bill to our small businesses. The Wyoming Legislature and the transportation committees in both chambers understood our needs and voted to support our small businesses."
With support from the BPSA and other bike advocates, e-bike bills are also progressing in Georgia, Indiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas and Wisconsin.
