1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to public safety; requiring helmets for operators of electric-assisted bicycles 
1.3 	under the age of 18; imposing requirements on the operation and sale of motorized 
1.4 	bicycles; establishing a motorized bicycle safety coordinator; appropriating money;
1.5 	amending Minnesota Statutes 2024, sections 169.011, subdivisions 40b, 44, 45; 
1.6 	169.02, subdivision 1; 169.09, subdivision 8; 169.222, subdivisions 1, 6a, 6b; 
1.7 	169.223; 169.974, by adding a subdivision; proposing coding for new law in 
1.8 	Minnesota Statutes, chapter 169.
1.9 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.10 	Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 169.011, subdivision 40b, is amended to read:
1.11 		Subd. 40b.Micromobility device. (a) "Micromobility device" means a vehicle that:
1.12 	(1) is capable of: (i) being propelled solely by human power; (ii) being powered solely 
1.13 	by an electric motor drawing current from rechargeable storage batteries, fuel cells, or other 
1.14 	portable sources of electrical current; or (iii) both (i) and (ii);
1.15 	(2) when solely powered by an electric motor, is not capable of propelling the vehicle 
1.16 	at a speed greater than 30 20 miles per hour on a paved level surface; and
1.17 	(3) has an unloaded weight of up to 500 100 pounds.
1.18 	(b) Micromobility device includes a bicycle, a motorized foot scooter, and an electric 
1.19 	personal assistive mobility device. Micromobility device includes a motorized bicycle that 
1.20 	meets the requirements under paragraph (a).

1.21 	Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 169.011, subdivision 44, is amended to read:
1.22 		Subd. 44.Motorcycle. (a) "Motorcycle" means every motor vehicle having that:
2.1 	(1) has a seat or saddle for the use of the rider and;
2.2 	(2) is designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground, 
2.3 	including; and
2.4 	(3) is propelled by an electric or liquid fuel motor.
2.5 	(b) Motorcycle includes but is not limited to:
2.6 	(1) a vehicle under paragraph (a) or a bicycle that has an electric motor of at least 1,500 
2.7 	watts or that is capable of being propelled by an electric or liquid fuel motor at speeds in 
2.8 	excess of 30 miles per hour on a flat surface with not more than one percent grade in any 
2.9 	direction;
2.10 	(2) motor scooters; and
2.11 	(3) autocycles.
2.12 	(c) A vehicle is not a motorcycle does not include if it meets the requirements of:
2.13 	(1) a motorized bicycles bicycle as defined in subdivision 45,;
2.14 	(2) an electric-assisted bicycles bicycle as defined in subdivision 27,;
2.15 	(3) a motorized foot scooter;
2.16 	(4) a tractor,; or
2.17 	(4) (5) a roadable aircraft.

2.18 	Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 169.011, subdivision 45, is amended to read:
2.19 		Subd. 45.Motorized bicycle. (a) "Motorized bicycle" means a bicycle or other vehicle 
2.20 	that has a seat for the use of the rider and is designed to travel on not more than two wheels 
2.21 	in contact with the ground, that is:
2.22 	(1) propelled by an electric motor of more than 750 watts but less than 1,500 watts or a 
2.23 	liquid fuel motor of a piston displacement capacity of 50 cubic centimeters or less, and a 
2.24 	maximum of two brake horsepower, which is; and
2.25 	(2) capable of a maximum speed of not more than 30 miles per hour on a flat surface 
2.26 	with not more than one percent grade in any direction when the motor is engaged.
2.27 	(b) Motorized bicycle does not include an electric-assisted bicycle as defined in 
2.28 	subdivision 27.

3.1 	Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 169.02, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
3.2 		Subdivision 1.Application to persons, places, and vehicles. (a) The provisions of this 
3.3 	chapter relating to the operation of vehicles refer exclusively to the operation of vehicles 
3.4 	upon highways, and upon highways, streets, private roads, and roadways situated on property 
3.5 	owned, leased, or occupied by the regents of the University of Minnesota, or the University 
3.6 	of Minnesota, except:
3.7 	(1) where a different place is specifically referred to in a given section;
3.8 	(2) the provisions of sections 169.09 to 169.13 apply to any person who drives, operates, 
3.9 	or is in physical control of a motor vehicle within this state or upon the ice of any boundary 
3.10 	water of this state, and to any person who drives, operates, or is in physical control of a 
3.11 	snowmobile on a snowmobile trail within this state.
3.12 	(b) A person must not operate a vehicle upon the highways of Minnesota unless, at the 
3.13 	time of operation, the vehicle satisfies the specifications of a type of vehicle that is defined 
3.14 	in section 169.011.  For the purposes of this paragraph, it is not sufficient for the vehicle to 
3.15 	only meet the definition of vehicle, as that term is defined in section 169.011, subdivision 
3.16 	92.

3.17 	Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 169.09, subdivision 8, is amended to read:
3.18 		Subd. 8.Officer to report accident to commissioner. (a) A peace officer who 
3.19 	investigates in the regular course of duty an accident that is required to be reported under 
3.20 	this section must submit an electronic or written report of the accident to the commissioner 
3.21 	of public safety within ten days after the date of the accident. Within two business days 
3.22 	after identification of a fatality that resulted from an accident, the reporting agency must 
3.23 	notify the commissioner of the basic circumstances of the accident. A report or notification 
3.24 	under this subdivision must be in the format as prescribed in subdivision 9.
3.25 	(b) Accidents on streets, highways, roadways, sidewalks, shoulders, shared use paths, 
3.26 	or any other portion of a public right-of-way must be reported under the requirements of 
3.27 	this section if the accident results in:
3.28 	(1) a fatality;
3.29 	(2) bodily injury to a person who, because of the injury, immediately receives medical 
3.30 	treatment away from or at the scene of the accident;
3.31 	(3) one or more of the motor vehicles incurring disabling damage that requires a vehicle 
3.32 	to be transported away from the scene of the accident by tow truck or other vehicle; or
4.1 	(4) damage to fixtures, infrastructure, or any other property alongside or on a highway.
4.2 	(c) An accident involving a school bus, as defined in section 169.011, subdivision 71, 
4.3 	must be reported under the requirements of this section and section 169.4511.
4.4 	(d) An accident involving a commercial motor vehicle, as defined in section 169.781, 
4.5 	subdivision 1, paragraph (a), must be reported under the requirements of this section and 
4.6 	section 169.783.
4.7 	(e) Accidents occurring on public lands or trail systems that result in the circumstances 
4.8 	specified in paragraph (b) must be reported under the requirements of this section.
4.9 	(f) An accident involving an electric-assisted or a motorized bicycle, as defined in section 
4.10 	169.011, subdivisions 27 and 45, that results in the circumstances specified in paragraph 
4.11 	(b) must be reported under the requirements of this section.

4.12 	Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 169.222, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
4.13 		Subdivision 1.Traffic laws apply. (a) Every person operating a bicycle has all of the 
4.14 	rights and duties applicable to the driver of any other vehicle by this chapter, except in 
4.15 	respect to those provisions in this chapter relating expressly to bicycles and in respect to 
4.16 	those provisions of this chapter which by their nature cannot reasonably be applied to 
4.17 	bicycles. This subdivision paragraph applies to a bicycle operating on the roadway or the 
4.18 	shoulder of a roadway.
4.19 	(b) A person lawfully operating a bicycle (1) on a sidewalk, or (2) across a roadway or 
4.20 	shoulder while using a crosswalk has all the rights and duties applicable to a pedestrian 
4.21 	under the same circumstances.

4.22 	Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 169.222, subdivision 6a, is amended to read:
4.23 		Subd. 6a.Electric-assisted bicycle; riding rules. (a) A person may operate an 
4.24 	electric-assisted bicycle in the same manner as provided for operation of other bicycles, 
4.25 	including but not limited to operation on the shoulder of a roadway, a bicycle lane, and a 
4.26 	bicycle route, and operation without the motor engaged on a bikeway or bicycle trail.
4.27 	(b) A person may operate a class 1 or class 2 electric-assisted bicycle with the motor 
4.28 	engaged on a bicycle path, bicycle trail, or shared use path unless prohibited under section 
4.29 	85.015, subdivision 1d; 85.018, subdivision 2, paragraph (d); or 160.263, subdivision 2, 
4.30 	paragraph (b), as applicable.
5.1 	(c) A person may operate a class 3 electric-assisted bicycle or multiple mode 
5.2 	electric-assisted bicycle with the motor engaged on a bicycle path, bicycle trail, or shared 
5.3 	use path unless the local authority or state agency having jurisdiction over the bicycle path 
5.4 	or trail prohibits the operation.
5.5 	(d) The local authority or state agency having jurisdiction over a trail or over a bike park 
5.6 	that is designated as nonmotorized and that has a natural surface tread made by clearing 
5.7 	and grading the native soil with no added surfacing materials may regulate the operation of 
5.8 	an electric-assisted bicycle.
5.9 	(e) A person under the age of 15 must not operate an electric-assisted bicycle.
5.10 	(f) A person under the age of 18 must wear protective headgear that meets or exceeds 
5.11 	the standards under Code of Federal Regulations, title 16, part 1203, or successor 
5.12 	requirements while operating an electric-assisted bicycle.

5.13 	Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 169.222, subdivision 6b, is amended to read:
5.14 		Subd. 6b.Electric-assisted bicycle; equipment. (a) The manufacturer or distributor of 
5.15 	an electric-assisted bicycle must apply a label to the bicycle that is permanently affixed in 
5.16 	a prominent location. The label must contain the class number, top assisted speed, and motor 
5.17 	wattage of the electric-assisted bicycle, and must be printed in a legible font with at least 
5.18 	9-point type. A multiple mode electric-assisted bicycle must have labeling that identifies 
5.19 	the highest class or each of the electric-assisted bicycle classes in which it is capable of 
5.20 	operating.
5.21 	(b) A person must not modify an electric-assisted bicycle to change the motor-powered 
5.22 	speed capability or motor engagement so that the bicycle no longer meets the requirements 
5.23 	for the applicable class, unless:
5.24 	(1) the person replaces the label required in paragraph (a) with revised information; or
5.25 	(2) for a vehicle that no longer meets the requirements for any electric-assisted bicycle 
5.26 	class, the person removes the labeling as an electric-assisted bicycle and replaces it with 
5.27 	labeling that conforms with the requirements of section 169.223, subdivision 6.
5.28 	(c) An electric-assisted bicycle must operate in a manner so that the electric motor is 
5.29 	disengaged or ceases to function: (1) when the brakes are applied; or (2) except for a class 
5.30 	2 electric-assisted bicycle or a multiple mode electric-assisted bicycle operating in class 2 
5.31 	mode, when the rider stops pedaling.
6.1 	(d) A class 3 electric-assisted bicycle or multiple mode electric-assisted bicycle must 
6.2 	be equipped with a speedometer that displays the speed at which the bicycle is traveling in 
6.3 	miles per hour.
6.4 	(e) A multiple mode electric-assisted bicycle equipped with a throttle must not be capable 
6.5 	of exceeding 20 miles per hour on motorized propulsion alone in any mode when the throttle 
6.6 	is engaged.

6.7 	Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 169.223, is amended to read:
6.8 	169.223 MOTORIZED BICYCLE.
6.9 		Subdivision 1.Safety equipment; parking Rules for motorcycles apply; 
6.10 	exceptions.  Section 169.974 relating to motorcycles is applicable to motorized bicycles, 
6.11 	except as otherwise provided in this section and except that:
6.12 	(1) protective headgear includes headgear that meets or exceeds the standards under 
6.13 	Code of Federal Regulations, title 16, part 1203, or successor requirements and is only 
6.14 	required for operators under 18 years of age; and
6.15 	(2) a motorized bicycle equipped with a headlight and taillight meeting the requirements 
6.16 	of lighting for motorcycles may be operated during nighttime hours;
6.17 	(3) protective headgear is not required for operators 18 years of age or older; and
6.18 	(4) (2) the provisions of section 169.222, subdivision 9, governing the parking of bicycles 
6.19 	apply to motorized bicycles.
6.20 		Subd. 2.License or permit. (a) A motorized bicycle may be operated under either a 
6.21 	driver's license or a motorized bicycle permit issued under section 171.02, subdivision 3.
6.22 	(b) A person under the age of 16 operating a motorized bicycle under a motorized bicycle 
6.23 	permit is subject to the restrictions imposed by section 169.974, subdivision 2, on operation 
6.24 	of a motorcycle under a two-wheel instruction permit, except that:
6.25 	(1) a parent or guardian of an operator under the age of 16 may also ride on the motorized 
6.26 	bicycle as a passenger or operator if the motorized bicycle is equipped with a seat and 
6.27 	footrests for a second passenger;.
6.28 	(2) a motorized bicycle equipped with a headlight and taillight meeting the requirements 
6.29 	of lighting for motorcycles may be operated during nighttime hours;
6.30 	(3) protective headgear includes headgear described in subdivision 1; and
6.31 	(4) protective headgear is required only until the operator reaches the age of 18 years.
7.1 		Subd. 3.Sidewalk, path, and passenger prohibitions. No person shall (a) A person 
7.2 	must not operate a motorized bicycle upon a sidewalk at any time, except when such 
7.3 	operation is necessary for the most direct access to a roadway from a driveway, alley or 
7.4 	building. No person shall
7.5 	(b) A person must not operate a motorized bicycle on a bicycle path or shared use path 
7.6 	at any time.
7.7 	(c) A person must not operate a motorized bicycle that is carrying any person other than 
7.8 	the operator, except as allowed under subdivision 2.
7.9 		Subd. 4.Headlight requirement. The provisions of section 169.974, subdivision 5, 
7.10 	paragraph (k) (l), apply to motorized bicycles that are equipped with headlights. A new 
7.11 	motorized bicycle sold or offered for sale in Minnesota must be equipped with a headlight.
7.12 		Subd. 5.Other operation requirements and prohibitions. (a) A person operating a 
7.13 	motorized bicycle on a roadway shall ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or 
7.14 	edge of the roadway except in one of the following situations:
7.15 	(1) when overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction;
7.16 	(2) when preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway; 
7.17 	or
7.18 	(3) when reasonably necessary to avoid conditions, including fixed or moving objects, 
7.19 	vehicles, pedestrians, animals, surface hazards, or narrow width lanes, that make it unsafe 
7.20 	to continue along the right-hand curb or edge.
7.21 	(b) Persons operating motorized bicycles on a roadway may not ride more than two 
7.22 	abreast and may not impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic. On a laned 
7.23 	roadway, a person operating a motorized bicycle shall ride within a single lane.
7.24 	(c) This section does not permit the operation of A motorized bicycle must not be operated 
7.25 	on a bicycle path or bicycle lane that is reserved for the exclusive use of nonmotorized 
7.26 	traffic.
7.27 		Subd. 6.Labeling. The manufacturer or distributor of a motorized bicycle must apply 
7.28 	a label to the motorized bicycle that is permanently affixed in a prominent location. The 
7.29 	label must contain the top assisted speed and the motor wattage of the motorized bicycle, 
7.30 	and must be printed in a legible font with at least 9-point type.
7.31 		Subd. 7.Electrical safety standards. No person may sell a motorized bicycle powered 
7.32 	by an electric motor unless the motorized bicycle:
8.1 	(1) has been certified by an independent third party ISO-17065 certified laboratory for 
8.2 	compliance with ANSI/CAN/UL Standard 2272 and bears the certification mark of the 
8.3 	laboratory; or
8.4 	(2) has been certified by the vehicle manufacturer for compliance with SAE International 
8.5 	standard J2929 or a similar applicable electrical safety standard approved by the 
8.6 	commissioner of public safety.

8.7 	Sec. 10. [169.2231] MOTORIZED BICYCLE SAFETY COORDINATOR.
8.8 		Subdivision 1.Motorized bicycle safety coordinator. There is established a position 
8.9 	of motorized bicycle safety coordinator in the Department of Public Safety, within the Office 
8.10 	of Traffic Safety. The commissioner of public safety shall designate the coordinator.
8.11 		Subd. 2.Duties. The duties of the coordinator include:
8.12 	(1) educating state and local law enforcement and the public about the laws governing 
8.13 	electric-assisted bicycles, motorized bicycles, motorized foot scooters, other micromobility 
8.14 	devices, and motorcycles;
8.15 	(2) assisting state and local law enforcement in identifying and categorizing the vehicles 
8.16 	described in clause (1);
8.17 	(3) creating and maintaining a database of manufacturers of the vehicles in clause (1) 
8.18 	that classifies the manufacturers' products under state law;
8.19 	(4) providing timely support to law enforcement to assist in identifying vehicles and 
8.20 	applicable state law and rules; and
8.21 	(5) providing technical assistance and advice related to the investigation and enforcement 
8.22 	of sections 169.222, 169.223, and 325F.661.
8.23 		Subd. 3.Requirements. The motorized bicycle safety coordinator must consult with 
8.24 	the active transportation advisory committee regarding educational materials, vehicle 
8.25 	classifications, and any policy recommendations provided under subdivision 2.

8.26 	Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 169.974, is amended by adding a subdivision 
8.27 	to read:
8.28 		Subd. 8.Electrical safety standards. No person may sell a motorcycle powered by an 
8.29 	electric motor unless the motorcycle has been certified by the vehicle manufacturer for 
8.30 	compliance with:
8.31 	(1) the latest revision of SAE International standard J2929; or
9.1 	(2) a similar applicable standard from SAE International, International Organization for 
9.2 	Standardization (ISO), United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), or 
9.3 	International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), or another electrical safety standard.
9.4 	A standard under clause (2) must be approved by the commissioner of public safety.

9.5 	Sec. 12. PUBLIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN; ELECTRIC-ASSISTED AND 
9.6 	MOTORIZED BICYCLE SAFETY.
 9.7 	The commissioner of public safety must implement a statewide information campaign 
9.8 	to educate the public about the safe and lawful operation of electric-assisted and motorized 
9.9 	bicycles.

9.10 	Sec. 13. APPROPRIATIONS; DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY.
 9.11 	(a) The appropriations in this section are from the active transportation account in the 
9.12 	special revenue fund to the commissioner of public safety.
9.13 	(b) $121,000 in fiscal year 2027 is appropriated for the costs of the motorized bicycle 
9.14 	safety coordinator under Minnesota Statutes, section 169.2231. The base for this appropriation 
9.15 	is $119,000 in each of fiscal years 2028 and 2029.
9.16 	(c) $200,000 in fiscal year 2027 is appropriated for the public education campaign on 
9.17 	electric-assisted and motorized bicycle safety under section 12. This is a onetime 
9.18 	appropriation.
9.19 	(d) $26,000 in fiscal year 2027 is appropriated for updates to the statewide crash reporting 
9.20 	system to allow reporting of crashes involving electric-assisted or motorized bicycles. This 
9.21 	is a onetime appropriation.
9.22 	(e) $2,000 in fiscal year 2027 is appropriated for updates to the driver's manual related 
9.23 	to requiring helmets for electric-assisted bicycle riders under age 18. This is a onetime 
9.24 	appropriation.