On Friday May 15, the Senate passed an e-bike and motorized bicycle safety bill to update state law in response to the rising use of these vehicles and to help protect Minnesotans from injuries.

“This legislation is in response to the rising use of these bikes and to the increasing rates of injuries we’re seeing in our communities from accidents involving them. After a serious injury in Hastings involving one of my constituents who was critically injured by an illegally operated motorized bike, I signed on to this bill in the Senate. I've heard complaints up and down my district about these bikes being operated in dangerous and reckless ways, and it was time to start addressing these concerns,” said Senator Judy Seeberger (DFL-Afton). “ This is a smart, responsible, and necessary update to our state’s laws, and I’m proud to support it.”

According to the Star Tribune, E-bike crashes sent 466 people to clinics and emergency rooms in Minnesota hospitals last spring and summer. In response, the Senate’s bill includes important new requirements, clarifications to definitions, and other updates that seek to protect Minnesotans.

The bill includes:
• Requires all e-bike operators under 18 to wear a helmet
• Expands accident reporting requirements to help gather data regarding e-bike and motorized bicycle crashes
• Makes clarifying changes to motorized bicycle regulations and bans motorized bicycles on shared paths
• Funds a public information campaign on e-bike safety
• Clarifies definitions of “micromobility device, “motorcycle,” and “motorized bicycle.”
• Sets electrical safety standards for e-bikes and motorized bicycles powered by an electric motor.

While the bill passed the Senate by a vote of 34-33, it awaits action in the House of Representatives.