Bill 211.

Summary.

The bill proposes to promote and regulate personal electric mobility vehicles on public roads throughout the country. Its stated objectives include sustainable mobility, road safety, reduced emissions and noise, accessibility, and adaptation of infrastructure in Panama. It would apply to individuals and legal entities that rent, market, manufacture or use these vehicles on public roads and in urban spaces in the Republic of Panama. It defines dedicated cycling routes, temporary cycling lanes, road shoulders, rental businesses and operators. It also describes electric scooters, electric unicycles and Segways, and characterizes the vehicles by electric propulsion, capacity, weight and speed; it prohibits exceeding the speeds specified for them.

The Transit and Land Transportation Authority (Autoridad del Tránsito y Transporte Terrestre) would have to create a virtual National Registry of Personal Electric Mobility Vehicles to keep vehicle and owner information current. Each vehicle would receive a unique identification number; registration would be online, free of charge and would not require renewal. Instead of a metal license plate, the vehicle would display a numbered sticker or code containing the information on the standard vehicle plate, with the owner paying for the sticker. A driver found at fault in a traffic accident would be answerable to the competent authorities under the laws and other rules of the Republic of Panama.

The bill requires two independent brakes operated from the same actuator, capable of stopping the vehicle and working at its maximum speed, with a minimum deceleration of 3,5 mls2. Vehicles with fewer than three wheels would need a stabilizing device when parked. Parking in spaces for persons with disabilities or where a vehicle obstructs traffic flow would be prohibited. Wheels would need a minimum diameter of 203,2 mm, including the tire, and a material that grips the ground; slick tires would not be permitted. A white front light, red rear light, brake light, audible warning device and a rider-visible battery and speed display would also be required. A permanent factory label or marking would show maximum speed, identification, year of manufacture, brand and model.

To enter public roads used by automobiles, an operator would have to be over 18 years old and wear a helmet. The vehicle would have to be registered with the Transit and Land Transportation Authority (Autoridad de Tránsito y Transporte Terrestre) and display its registration sticker. Single-person vehicles weighing up to 50 kilogramos and traveling at up to 30 kilómetros por hora could use designated paths and pedestrian mobility areas while giving pedestrians priority. Electric scooters and vehicles carrying one to three passengers, weighing up to 300 kilogramos and traveling at up to 45 kilómetros por hora could travel beside the shoulder of the right lane, subject to the Vehicle Traffic Regulations (Reglamento de Tránsito Vehicular) and additional requirements for wheels, steering, brakes, mirrors and audible warnings. The Ministry of Public Works (Ministerio de Obras Públicas) would have to mark cycling lanes where sufficient space exists.

Driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotic or psychotropic substances, traveling on highways, freeways or express corridors, sharing a vehicle, and using headphones, mobile phones or screens while driving would be prohibited; the scooter’s integrated display could be used to view vehicle information. For sanctions, the bill refers to Executive Decree No. 206 of April 30, 2021 (Decreto Ejecutivo No. 206 de 30 de abril de 2021) and regulations issued by the Executive Branch (Órgano Ejecutivo). No driver’s license would be required. Users would have to comply with the Administrative Regulations of El Metro de Panamá S.A. The Executive Branch would have no more than cuatro meses from promulgation to issue implementing regulations, and the proposed law would take effect seis meses after promulgation. Its provisions concern the transit and public works authorities and the Executive Branch, as well as vehicle manufacturers, sellers and rental businesses, users, pedestrians and other drivers.