MinnesotaProposal sets safety certification rules for electric bike and motorcycle sellers
The proposal describes which electric bicycles count as motorized bicycles and would require sellers of electric bicycles and motorcycles to meet safety certification rules.
What it does
The proposal defines a motorized bicycle by its motor and speed: an electric motor over 750 watts but under 1,500 watts, or a small liquid-fuel motor, with a top speed of 30 miles per hour.
Sellers could offer electric motorized bicycles only if they meet one of two certification paths: testing by an independent lab or certification by the maker.
Sellers could offer electric motorcycles only if the vehicle maker certifies them to meet an accepted electrical safety standard.
Vehicles could not be driven on Minnesota highways unless they meet the requirements for their vehicle type, as made or after modification.
The proposal would set aside $30,000 for signs and public information about the act, from the off-highway motorcycle account.
Argument forBuyers could have more assurance about electrical safety because sellers could offer only vehicles certified under accepted standards.
Argument againstSellers might have fewer electric bikes or motorcycles to offer if manufacturers do not certify them under an accepted safety standard.
More detail
The proposal describes motorized bicycles as having an electric motor over 750 watts but under 1,500 watts, or a small liquid-fuel motor, and a top speed of 30 miles per hour. The definition applies to bicycles powered by the described electric or liquid-fuel motors. The liquid-fuel motor must have a piston capacity of 50 cubic centimeters or less and no more than two brake horsepower. Electric-assisted bicycles are excluded.
The proposal would bar selling an electric motorized bicycle unless it meets one of the listed electrical safety certifications. This applies to anyone selling a motorized bicycle powered by an electric motor. The bicycle must be certified by an independent, qualified testing lab under UL Standard 2272, or by its maker under SAE standard J2929 or another applicable standard approved by the public safety commissioner.
The proposal would bar selling an electric motorcycle unless its maker certifies it meets an accepted electrical safety standard. This applies to motorcycles powered by an electric motor. The maker must certify compliance with the latest SAE standard J2929 or another applicable standard approved by the public safety commissioner.
The proposal would bar operating a vehicle on Minnesota highways if it does not meet the requirements for its vehicle type. This applies to vehicles operated on Minnesota highways. The vehicle must meet the requirements for its type and the general vehicle definition referenced in the text, whether as originally made or after modification.
The proposal would set aside money for signs, public information, and outreach materials about the act. The money would go to the commissioner of natural resources from the off-highway motorcycle account in the natural resources fund. The money is for fiscal year 2027 and is a one-time appropriation.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed 1st Chamber
- Passed 2nd Chamber
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- May 16Motion did not prevailLatest
- Vote recorded FOR CALENDAR FOR THE DAY FOR SUNDAY, MAY 17, 2026. Result: fail.Lower
- May 16Motion to suspend rules
- May 14Author stricken Rehm
- May 12Notice of intent to place on Calendar for the Day
- Apr 22Author added Koznick
- Apr 22Second readingMinor
- Apr 22Committee report, to adopt as amendedMinor
- Apr 7Committee report, to adopt as amended and re-refer to Ways and MeansMinor
- Mar 12Author added Myers
- Feb 26Introduction and first reading, referred to Transportation Finance and PolicyIntroduced
- May 16Motion did not prevailLatest
TransportationPublic Safety