SF 3236 Minnesota Senate · 2025-2026 Regular Session

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

This bill requires all operators of electric-assisted bicycles under age 18 in Minnesota to wear a helmet approved by the public safety commissioner while riding. It directly affects minors aged 15-17 who currently operate e-bikes, adding this safety requirement to existing rules. The law amends Minnesota Statutes section 169.222 to include this helmet mandate, with violators facing a fine (amount unspecified in the bill text). The bill also prohibits anyone under age 15 from operating electric-assisted bicycles.

Issues: ✓ Transportation

Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Apr 2025

Committee Review

May 2026

Senate Passage

May 2026

House Passage

Governor

Introduced Apr 2, 2025 Last action May 16, 2026

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What changed between versions

1st Engrossment → 2nd Engrossment · 5 edits · May 13, 2026

MODERATE

This bill was updated from the 1st to the 2nd engrossment, incorporating significant policy changes to Minnesota's motorized bicycle and micromobility laws. The most notable substantive change is the redefinition of 'micromobility devices' to lower the maximum speed limit from 30 to 20 mph and the weight limit from 500 to 100 pounds, effectively narrowing the legal definition of these vehicles. Additionally, the bill adds new electrical safety certification requirements for selling motorized bicycles and establishes a dedicated safety coordinator position within the Office of Traffic Safety.

Scope change

The bill's scope was narrowed regarding vehicle definitions by lowering the speed and weight thresholds for 'micromobility devices,' which may exclude some previously legal vehicles from the new regulatory framework. The scope of enforcement was expanded by adding mandatory electrical safety certification standards for manufacturers and distributors.

DEFINITION

The definition of 'micromobility device' was changed to limit maximum speed to 20 mph (down from 30 mph) and maximum weight to 100 pounds (down from 500 pounds).

The definition of 'motorcycle' was updated to explicitly include motorized bicycles and electric-assisted bicycles that meet specific power and speed criteria.

REQUIREMENT

New requirements mandate that motorized bicycles sold in the state must be certified by an independent laboratory for compliance with specific electrical safety standards (ANSI/CAN/UL 2272 or SAE J2929).

ENFORCEMENT

The Motorized Bicycle Safety Coordinator position was moved from the Division of State Patrol to the Office of Traffic Safety.

FISCAL

Specific funding amounts were added for the safety coordinator ($121,000 in FY2027), public education campaigns ($200,000 in FY2027), and crash reporting system updates ($26,000 in FY2027).

Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

May 16, 2026

Committee

Senate file first reading, referred to Transportation Finance and Policy

lower

May 16, 2026

Introduced

Received from Senate

lower

May 15, 2026

Upper · Passed

Third reading Passed

upper

May 13, 2026

Upper · Passed

Comm report: To pass as amended

upper

May 7, 2026

Upper · Passed

Senate Concurrent Resolution 6 Suspended adopt previous committee report

upper

Apr 13, 2026

Committee

Pursuant to Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 6, referred to Rules and Administration

upper

Apr 13, 2026

Upper · Passed

Comm report: To pass as amended and re-refer to Finance

upper

Apr 2, 2025

Committee

Referred to Transportation

upper

Apr 2, 2025

Introduced

Introduction and first reading

upper

1 primary · 5 co-sponsors