Senate narrowly approves e-bike and micromobility safety bill after debate over helmets and outreach funding

The Minnesota Senate passed Senate File 3236 on May 15, 2026, enacting a package of measures intended to address safety concerns from rising use of e-bikes and other micromobility devices.

Sen. Johnson Stewart described the bill as creating clearer statutory definitions, requiring labeling about speed and wattage, setting electrical safety standards for motorized bicycles, mandating helmets for operators under age 18 in certain contexts, expanding accident reporting to capture e-bike crashes, and funding a public information campaign and a motorized-bicycle safety coordinator funded from the active-transportation account.

Floor debate focused heavily on the helmet requirement and on the coordinator position and related appropriations. Sen. Lucero and others offered an A11 amendment to remove the helmet requirement; proponents argued that helmet mandates substitute government judgment for parental discretion and were inappropriate. Opponents cited a rise in serious head and internal injuries among children on motorized devices and urged retaining the requirement. The A11 amendment produced a 33–33 result and was not adopted. A later amendment to remove the coordinator and its funding (A12) was also debated and failed. Supporters cited local mayor and police-chief requests for clarity and outreach; opponents said the coordinator and funding were unnecessary and an example of government overreach.

After extended debate and roll calls, the final tally was 34 yeas and 33 nays; the bill passed. Sponsors said the bill provides definitions and tools for enforcement and public safety outreach; critics warned of costs and paternalistic rules.