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SF3236 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Helmets requirement for operators of electric-assisted bicycles under the age of 18

Related bill: HF2811

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to enhance public safety by mandating helmet use for young operators of electric-assisted bicycles in Minnesota and establishing a penalty for noncompliance.

Main Provisions

  • Helmet Requirement: Individuals under the age of 18 must wear a helmet while operating an electric-assisted bicycle. The helmet must be approved by the commissioner of public safety.

  • Age Restriction for Operation: Persons under the age of 15 are prohibited from operating electric-assisted bicycles.

  • Fine for Noncompliance: Those who fail to adhere to the helmet requirement are subject to a financial penalty.

  • Operating Rules for Electric-Assisted Bicycles:

    • Electric-assisted bicycles can be used in the same manner as regular bicycles, including on the shoulder of roadways, bicycle lanes, and routes.
    • Class 1 and Class 2 electric-assisted bicycles are allowed with the motor engaged on bicycle paths, trails, and shared-use paths, unless specifically prohibited.
    • Local authorities or state agencies can regulate or prohibit the use of Class 3 or multiple-mode electric-assisted bicycles in certain areas.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

  • Introduces a mandatory helmet requirement for operators of electric-assisted bicycles under the age of 18, which was not previously specified.
  • Establishes a ban on the operation of electric-assisted bicycles by individuals under the age of 15, enhancing safety regulations.

Relevant Terms

electric-assisted bicycle, helmet, public safety, penalty, bicycle path, local authority, sub-18 operators, Class 1 bicycle, Class 2 bicycle, Class 3 bicycle, shared use path.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
April 01, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
April 01, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toTransportation

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill amends the existing rules for electric-assisted bicycle riding under section 169.222, subdivision 6a.",
      "modified": [
        "Introduces helmet requirement for operators under the age of 18."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "169.222",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 6a"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Reference to existing regulation on the operations on specific paths and trails under section 85.015, subdivision 1d.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "85.015",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1d"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Reference to existing regulation on the operations on specific paths and trails under section 85.018, subdivision 2, paragraph d.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "85.018",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 2"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Reference to existing regulation on the operations on specific paths and trails under section 160.263, subdivision 2, paragraph b.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "160.263",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 2"
  }
]

Sponsors