SF 3236
1st Engrossment - 94th Legislature (2025 - 2026)
Posted on 05/08/2026 10:16 a.m.
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A bill for an act
relating to public safety; requiring helmets for operators of electric-assisted bicycles
under the age of 18; imposing requirements on the operation and sale of motorized
bicycles; establishing a motorized bicycle safety coordinator; appropriating money;
amending Minnesota Statutes 2024, sections 169.011, subdivision 44; 169.09,
subdivision 8; 169.222, subdivisions 1, 6a, 6b; 169.223; 171.02, subdivision 3;
proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 169.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:
Section 1.
Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 169.011, subdivision 44, is amended to read:
Subd. 44.
Motorcycle.
new text begin (a) new text end "Motorcycle" means every motor vehicle having a seat or
saddle for the use of the rider and designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact
with the grounddeleted text begin , including motor scooters and autocyclesdeleted text end .
new text begin
(b) Motorcycle includes:
new text end
new text begin
(1) motor scooters;
new text end
new text begin
(2) autocycles; and
new text end
new text begin
(3) bicycles that are capable of being propelled by an electric or liquid fuel motor at
speeds in excess of 30 miles per hour on a flat surface with not more than one percent grade
in any direction when the motor is engaged.
new text end
new text begin (c)new text end Motorcycle does not includenew text begin :
new text end
(1) motorized bicycles as defined in subdivision 45deleted text begin ,deleted text end new text begin ;
new text end
(2) electric-assisted bicycles as defined in subdivision 27deleted text begin ,deleted text end new text begin ;
new text end
(3) a tractordeleted text begin ,deleted text end new text begin ;new text end or
(4) roadable aircraft.
Sec. 2.
Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 169.09, subdivision 8, is amended to read:
Subd. 8.
Officer to report accident to commissioner.
(a) A peace officer who
investigates in the regular course of duty an accident that is required to be reported under
this section must submit an electronic or written report of the accident to the commissioner
of public safety within ten days after the date of the accident. Within two business days
after identification of a fatality that resulted from an accident, the reporting agency must
notify the commissioner of the basic circumstances of the accident. A report or notification
under this subdivision must be in the format as prescribed in subdivision 9.
(b) Accidents on streets, highways, roadways, sidewalks, shoulders, shared use paths,
or any other portion of a public right-of-way must be reported under the requirements of
this section if the accident results in:
(1) a fatality;
(2) bodily injury to a person who, because of the injury, immediately receives medical
treatment away from or at the scene of the accident;
(3) one or more of the motor vehicles incurring disabling damage that requires a vehicle
to be transported away from the scene of the accident by tow truck or other vehicle; or
(4) damage to fixtures, infrastructure, or any other property alongside or on a highway.
(c) An accident involving a school bus, as defined in section 169.011, subdivision 71,
must be reported under the requirements of this section and section 169.4511.
(d) An accident involving a commercial motor vehicle, as defined in section 169.781,
subdivision 1, paragraph (a), must be reported under the requirements of this section and
section 169.783.
(e) Accidents occurring on public lands or trail systems that result in the circumstances
specified in paragraph (b) must be reported under the requirements of this section.
new text begin
(f) An accident involving an electric-assisted or a motorized bicycle, as defined in section
169.011, subdivisions 27 and 45, that results in the circumstances specified in paragraph
(b) must be reported under the requirements of this section.
new text end
Sec. 3.
Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 169.222, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
Subdivision 1.
Traffic laws apply.
(a) Every person operating a bicycle has all of the
rights and duties applicable to the driver of any other vehicle by this chapter, except in
respect to those provisions in this chapter relating expressly to bicycles and in respect to
those provisions of this chapter which by their nature cannot reasonably be applied to
bicycles. This deleted text begin subdivisiondeleted text end new text begin paragraphnew text end applies to a bicycle operating on the new text begin roadway or the
new text end shoulder of a roadway.
(b) A person lawfully operating a bicycle (1) on a sidewalk, or (2) across a roadway or
shoulder while using a crosswalk has all the rights and duties applicable to a pedestrian
under the same circumstances.
Sec. 4.
Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 169.222, subdivision 6a, is amended to read:
Subd. 6a.
Electric-assisted bicycle; riding rules.
(a) A person may operate an
electric-assisted bicycle in the same manner as provided for operation of other bicycles,
including but not limited to operation on the shoulder of a roadway, a bicycle lane, and a
bicycle route, and operation without the motor engaged on a bikeway or bicycle trail.
(b) A person may operate a class 1 or class 2 electric-assisted bicycle with the motor
engaged on a bicycle path, bicycle trail, or shared use path unless prohibited under section
85.015, subdivision 1d; 85.018, subdivision 2, paragraph (d); or 160.263, subdivision 2,
paragraph (b), as applicable.
(c) A person may operate a class 3 electric-assisted bicycle or multiple mode
electric-assisted bicycle with the motor engaged on a bicycle path, bicycle trail, or shared
use path unless the local authority or state agency having jurisdiction over the bicycle path
or trail prohibits the operation.
(d) The local authority or state agency having jurisdiction over a trail or over a bike park
that is designated as nonmotorized and that has a natural surface tread made by clearing
and grading the native soil with no added surfacing materials may regulate the operation of
an electric-assisted bicycle.
(e) A person under the age of 15 must not operate an electric-assisted bicycle.
new text begin
(f) A person under the age of 18 must wear protective headgear that meets the standards
under Code of Federal Regulations, title 16, part 1203, or successor requirements while
operating an electric-assisted bicycle.
new text end
Sec. 5.
Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 169.222, subdivision 6b, is amended to read:
Subd. 6b.
Electric-assisted bicycle; equipment.
(a) The manufacturer or distributor of
an electric-assisted bicycle must apply a label to the bicycle that is permanently affixed in
a prominent location. The label must contain the class number, top assisted speed, and motor
wattage of the electric-assisted bicycle, and must be printed in a legible font with at least
9-point type. A multiple mode electric-assisted bicycle must have labeling that identifies
the highest class or each of the electric-assisted bicycle classes in which it is capable of
operating.
(b) A person must not modify an electric-assisted bicycle to change the motor-powered
speed capability or motor engagement so that the bicycle no longer meets the requirements
for the applicable class, unless:
(1) the person replaces the label required in paragraph (a) with revised information; or
(2) for a vehicle that no longer meets the requirements for any electric-assisted bicycle
class, the person removes the labeling as an electric-assisted bicyclenew text begin and replaces it with
labeling that conforms with the requirements of section 169.223, subdivision 6new text end .
(c) An electric-assisted bicycle must operate in a manner so that the electric motor is
disengaged or ceases to function: (1) when the brakes are applied; or (2) except for a class
2 electric-assisted bicycle or a multiple mode electric-assisted bicycle operating in class 2
mode, when the rider stops pedaling.
(d) A class 3 electric-assisted bicycle or multiple mode electric-assisted bicycle must
be equipped with a speedometer that displays the speed at which the bicycle is traveling in
miles per hour.
(e) A multiple mode electric-assisted bicycle equipped with a throttle must not be capable
of exceeding 20 miles per hour on motorized propulsion alone in any mode when the throttle
is engaged.
Sec. 6.
Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 169.223, is amended to read:
169.223 MOTORIZED BICYCLE.
Subdivision 1.
deleted text begin Safety equipment; parkingdeleted text end new text begin Rules for motorcycles apply;
exceptionsnew text end .
Section 169.974 relating to motorcycles is applicable to motorized bicycles,
except as otherwise provided in this section and except that:
(1) protective headgear includes headgear that meets the standards under Code of Federal
Regulations, title 16, part 1203, or successor requirementsnew text begin and is only required for operators
under 18 years of agenew text end ;new text begin and
new text end
deleted text begin
(2) a motorized bicycle equipped with a headlight and taillight meeting the requirements
of lighting for motorcycles may be operated during nighttime hours;
deleted text end
deleted text begin
(3) protective headgear is not required for operators 18 years of age or older; and
deleted text end
deleted text begin (4)deleted text end new text begin (2)new text end the provisions of section 169.222, subdivision 9, governing the parking of bicycles
apply to motorized bicycles.
Subd. 2.
License or permit.
deleted text begin (a)deleted text end A motorized bicycle deleted text begin maydeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end be operated under deleted text begin eitherdeleted text end
a driver's license deleted text begin ordeleted text end new text begin withnew text end a motorized bicycle permit issued under section 171.02, subdivision
3.
deleted text begin
(b) A person under the age of 16 operating a motorized bicycle under a motorized bicycle
permit is subject to the restrictions imposed by section 169.974, subdivision 2, on operation
of a motorcycle under a two-wheel instruction permit, except that:
deleted text end
deleted text begin
(1) a parent or guardian of an operator under the age of 16 may also ride on the motorized
bicycle as a passenger or operator if the motorized bicycle is equipped with a seat and
footrests for a second passenger;
deleted text end
deleted text begin
(2) a motorized bicycle equipped with a headlight and taillight meeting the requirements
of lighting for motorcycles may be operated during nighttime hours;
deleted text end
deleted text begin
(3) protective headgear includes headgear described in subdivision 1; and
deleted text end
deleted text begin
(4) protective headgear is required only until the operator reaches the age of 18 years.
deleted text end
Subd. 3.
Sidewalknew text begin , path,new text end and passenger prohibitions.
deleted text begin No person shalldeleted text end new text begin (a) A person
must notnew text end operate a motorized bicycle upon a sidewalk at any time, except when such
operation is necessary for the most direct access to a roadway from a driveway, alley or
building. deleted text begin No person shall
deleted text end
new text begin
(b) A person must not operate a motorized bicycle on a bicycle path or shared use path
at any time.
new text end
new text begin (c) A person must not new text end operate a motorized bicycle that is carrying any person other than
the operator, except as allowed under subdivision 2.
Subd. 4.
Headlight requirement.
The provisions of section 169.974, subdivision 5,
paragraph deleted text begin (k)deleted text end new text begin (l)new text end , apply to motorized bicycles deleted text begin that are equipped with headlights. A new
motorized bicycle sold or offered for sale in Minnesota must be equipped with a headlightdeleted text end .
Subd. 5.
Other operation requirements and prohibitions.
(a) A person operating a
motorized bicycle on a roadway shall ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or
edge of the roadway except in one of the following situations:
(1) when overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction;
(2) when preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway;
or
(3) when reasonably necessary to avoid conditions, including fixed or moving objects,
vehicles, pedestrians, animals, surface hazards, or narrow width lanes, that make it unsafe
to continue along the right-hand curb or edge.
(b) Persons operating motorized bicycles on a roadway may not ride more than two
abreast and may not impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic. On a laned
roadway, a person operating a motorized bicycle shall ride within a single lane.
(c) deleted text begin This section does not permit the operation ofdeleted text end A motorized bicycle new text begin must not be operated
new text end on a bicycle path or bicycle lane that is reserved for the exclusive use of nonmotorized
traffic.
new text begin Subd. 6. new text end
new text begin Labeling. new text end
new text begin
The manufacturer or distributor of a motorized bicycle must apply
a label to the motorized bicycle that is permanently affixed in a prominent location. The
label must contain the top assisted speed and the motor wattage of the motorized bicycle,
and must be printed in a legible font with at least 9-point type.
new text end
Sec. 7.
new text begin
[169.2231] MOTORIZED BICYCLE SAFETY COORDINATOR.
new text end
new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end
new text begin Motorized bicycle safety coordinator. new text end
new text begin
There is established a position
of motorized bicycle safety coordinator in the Department of Public Safety, within the
Division of State Patrol. The commissioner of public safety shall designate the coordinator.
new text end
new text begin Subd. 2. new text end
new text begin Duties. new text end
new text begin
The duties of the coordinator include:
new text end
new text begin
(1) educating state and local law enforcement and the public about the laws governing
electric-assisted bicycles, motorized bicycles, motorized foot scooters, other micromobility
devices, and motorcycles;
new text end
new text begin
(2) assisting state and local law enforcement in identifying and categorizing the vehicles
described in clause (1);
new text end
new text begin
(3) creating and maintaining a database of manufacturers of the vehicles in clause (1)
that classifies the manufacturer's products under state law;
new text end
new text begin
(4) providing timely support to law enforcement to assist in identifying vehicles and
applicable state law and rules; and
new text end
new text begin
(5) providing technical assistance and advice related to the investigation and enforcement
of sections 169.222, 169.223, and 325F.661.
new text end
new text begin Subd. 3. new text end
new text begin Requirements. new text end
new text begin
The motorized bicycle safety coordinator must consult with
the active transportation advisory committee regarding educational materials, vehicle
classifications, and any policy recommendations provided under subdivision 2.
new text end
new text begin Subd. 4. new text end
new text begin Staff. new text end
new text begin
The commissioner of public safety may authorize the motorized bicycle
safety coordinator to hire staff as necessary to carry out the duties provided under subdivision
2.
new text end
Sec. 8.
Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 171.02, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
Subd. 3.
Motorized bicycle.
(a) A motorized bicycle deleted text begin maydeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end not be operated on any
public roadway by any person who does not possess a valid driver's licensedeleted text begin , unless the
person has obtaineddeleted text end new text begin andnew text end a motorized bicycle operator's permit or motorized bicycle
instruction permit from the commissioner of public safety. The operator's permit may be
issued to any person who has attained the age of deleted text begin 15deleted text end new text begin 16new text end years and who has passed the
examination prescribed by the commissioner. The instruction permit may be issued to any
person who has attained the age of deleted text begin 15deleted text end new text begin 16new text end years and who has successfully completed an
approved safety course and passed the written portion of the examination prescribed by the
commissioner.
(b) This course must consist of, but is not limited to, a basic understanding of:
(1) motorized bicycles and their limitations;
(2) motorized bicycle laws and rules;
(3) safe operating practices and basic operating techniques;
(4) helmets and protective clothing;
(5) motorized bicycle traffic strategies; and
(6) effects of alcohol and drugs on motorized bicycle operators.
(c) The commissioner may adopt rules prescribing the content of the safety course,
examination, and the information to be contained on the permits. A person operating a
motorized bicycle under a motorized bicycle permit is subject to the restrictions imposed
by section 169.974, subdivision 2, on operation of a motorcycle under a two-wheel instruction
permit.
(d) The fees for motorized bicycle operator's permits are as follows:
| (1) |
Motorized bicycle operator's permit before age 21 and valid until age 21 |
$ |
9.75 |
| (2) |
Renewal permit age 21 or older and valid for four years |
$ |
15.75 |
| (3) |
Duplicate of any renewal permit |
$ |
5.25 |
| (4) |
Written examination and instruction permit, valid for 30 days |
$ |
6.75 |
Sec. 9. new text begin PUBLIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN.
new text end
new text begin
(a) The commissioner of public safety must implement a statewide information campaign
to educate the public about the safe and lawful operation of electric-assisted and motorized
bicycles.
new text end
new text begin
(b) $....... in fiscal year 2027 is appropriated from the active transportation account in
the special revenue fund to the commissioner of public safety for the purposes of this section.
This is a onetime appropriation.
new text end
Sec. 10. new text begin APPROPRIATION.
new text end
new text begin
$....... in fiscal year 2027 is appropriated from the active transportation account in the
special revenue fund to the commissioner of public safety for the costs of the motorized
bicycle safety coordinator under Minnesota Statutes, section 169.2231.
new text end