SF4186

Definitions and registration requirements modification for motorized bicycles and motorcycles powered by electric motors
Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026)

Related bill: HF3785

AI Generated Summary

Purpose

Update Minnesota law to better define and regulate high-speed electric devices called EMotos, clarify how they are classified (as motorized bicycles, offhighway motorcycles, or micromobility devices), and set rules for selling, registration, and use on public roads and lands. The bill also addresses safety certification for sales and creates dealer licensing provisions.

Key Definitions and Classifications

EMoto: A broad term for high-speed electric cycle devices, which may be regulated as different legal vehicle types depending on motor power and speed.
Offhighway motorcycle: A motorized two-wheeled vehicle that may be electric or gasoline powered, used off roads, and may also be registered for highway use if it meets certain requirements.
Micromobility device: A vehicle that is human-powered or electric-powered (or both), not capable of exceeding a specified speed, and relatively lightweight. Includes a motorized bicycle that meets these rules.
Motorized bicycle: A bicycle propelled by an electric motor (exceeding 750 watts but under 1500 watts) or a small gasoline motor, with a maximum speed limit and other specific features.
Public right-of-way: The bill emphasizes that devices not defined by existing statutes may not be used on public roads or rights-of-way.

Main Provisions

Classification and regulatory approach for EMotos
- Depending on motor power and speed, EMotos may be classified and regulated as a motorized bicycle, an offhighway motorcycle, or a micromobility device.
- The bill clarifies that devices not defined in state law (169.011) are not allowed for use on public rights-of-way.
Offhighway motorcycles
- The definition includes a vehicle that may also be registered for highway use if it meets highway standards.
- For offhighway motorcycles registered for highway use, certain safety and equipment requirements apply (mirrors, headlights, taillights, horn, etc.) if the vehicle wasn’t originally built for highway use.
Dual registration
- An offhighway motorcycle may be registered either as an offhighway vehicle or as a motorcycle/motorized bicycle for use on public roads, subject to safety and standards.
Safety and highway-use standards
- When used on public roads, offhighway motorcycles must meet applicable safety standards and be equipped as required by highway regulations.
Electric safety certification for sales
- No person may sell a motorized bicycle powered by an electric motor unless certified by an independent third-party ISO 17065 certified laboratory for compliance with ANSI/UL Standard 2272 and bearing the lab’s certification mark.
- No person may sell a motorcycle powered by an electric motor unless certified by an independent ISO 17065 certified laboratory for compliance with ANSI/UL Standard 2272 and bearing the lab’s certification mark.
Micromobility device limits
- A micromobility device is capped by speed and weight limits described in the bill (text references indicate a maximum speed and a weight limit, with numbers shown as 30/20 mph and 500/100 pounds, reflecting device-type variations).
Dealer licensing and plates
- Dealers who sell motorized bicycles, trailers, and related devices may obtain a dealer license (valid for the remainder of the calendar year for a $10 fee; renewals due by January 2 of each year for another $10).
- Dealers may receive up to 50 dealer plates (fee: $5 per plate) and in-transit plates (fee: $5 per plate).
- The section sets exclusions for certain trailer types and clarifies relationships with manufacturers and distributors.
Definitions added to motor vehicle/statute lists
- The bill amends 168.27 and related sections to include motorized bicycles in the broader motor vehicle definitions and to clarify how these vehicles are treated under various licensing and registration provisions.
Relationships to electric-assisted bicycles
- The act does not modify laws governing electric-assisted bicycles and does not conflict with ongoing youth operation studies related to electric-assisted bicycles.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

New broad EMoto framework: Establishes that EMotos may be classified as motorized bicycles, offhighway motorcycles, or micromobility devices based on power and speed.
Public road restrictions for undefined devices: Devices not defined in the current statutes are not allowed on public rights-of-way.
Expanded definitions: Adds motorized bicycles to the definitions used for vehicle and licensing purposes, and expands the set of vehicles covered by registration and safety rules.
Safety certification requirement: Sells of motorized bicycles and motorcycles powered by electric motors require independent third-party certification to ANSI/UL 2272, with labeling.
Dual registration and highway compliance for offhighway motorcycles: Allows dual registration and imposes highway-safety standards if used on public roads.
Dealer licensing for trailers and motorized bicycles: Creates a formal dealer licensing framework, plate issuance, and associated fees for the sale and distribution of motorized bicycles and related trailers.

Implementation & Administration

Licensing authority: Registrar of motor vehicles for dealer licenses and plates.
Certification and testing: Requires ISO 17065 certification and ANSI/UL 2272 labeling for applicable electric-powered devices.
Compliance with other statutes: The act maintains consistency with existing electric-assisted bicycle laws and related youth operation studies.

Practical Impact (What this means for residents)

People who sell or operate high-speed electric devices may face new classification rules, safety standards, and certification requirements.
Offhighway motorcycles can be used on roads only if they meet highway safety standards and may require dual registration.
Public use of devices not defined in current law on roads is restricted.
Dealers selling motorized bicycles and certain trailers are subject to new licensing, plate issuance, and fee structures.

Relevant Terms

EMotos
motorized bicycle
micromobility device
offhighway motorcycle
dual registration
public rights-of-way
ANSI/UL Standard 2272
ISO 17065
independent third-party certification
motor vehicle licensing (registration year, dealer license)
dealer plates
in-transit plates
trailers (motorized bicycle trailers, snowmobile trailers, etc.)
electric-assisted bicycle (contextual reference)

Relevant Terms - EMotos - motorized bicycle - micromobility device - offhighway motorcycle - dual registration - public right-of-way - ANSI/UL Standard 2272 - ISO 17065 - independent third-party certification - dealer license - dealer plates - in-transit plates - registration year - trailers - electric-assisted bicycle

Bill text versions

Introduction PDF PDF file

Past committee meetings

Transportation on: April 08, 2026 15:00

Actions

Date	Chamber	Type	Name	Committee Name
March 05, 2026	Senate	Action	Introduction and first reading
March 05, 2026	Senate	Action	Referred to	Transportation
March 09, 2026	Senate	Action	Author added
April 13, 2026	Senate	Action	Comm report: To pass as amended and re-refer to	Environment, Climate, and Legacy
April 13, 2026	Senate	Action	Pursuant to Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 6, referred to	Rules and Administration

Citations

[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Defines offhighway motorcycle; clarifies that when used for offhighway operation a motorized bicycle as defined in 169.011 subdivision 45 may be treated as an offhighway motorcycle."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Amends Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 84.787 subdivision 7 to define an offhighway motorcycle and clarify classification for EMotos, including linkage to motorized bicycles defined in 169.011(45).",
      "modified": [
        "Expands the definitions affecting EMoto classifications and use on public right-of-ways."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "84.787",
    "subdivision": "7"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Offhighway motorcycle may be registered as a motorcycle or a motorized bicycle under chapter 168 for use on public roads and highways."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Amends Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 84.788 subdivision 12 to provide dual registration options for offhighway motorcycles.",
      "modified": [
        "Creates dual registration pathway for offhighway motorcycles."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "84.788",
    "subdivision": "12"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Definitions for auctioning motor vehicles; brokering motor vehicles; commercial building; commercial office space; dealer; horse trailer; junked vehicle; leasing motor vehicles; motor vehicle; motor vehicle broker; new motor vehicle; registration year; used motor vehicle; wholesaling motor vehicles."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Adds and clarifies definitions related to motor vehicles and related businesses in 168.27(1), including auctioning, brokering, dealer concepts, and motor vehicle classifications.",
      "modified": [
        "Expands definitions to include motorized bicycles and related terms impacting licensing and registration."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "168.27",
    "subdivision": "1"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "New motor vehicle means a motor vehicle other than described in paragraph n."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Part of the 168.27 definitions related to motor vehicles; includes clarification around ‘New motor vehicle’ terminology.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "168.27",
    "subdivision": "16"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Registration year means the 12-month period for which a dealer license is issued."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Part of the 168.27 definitions related to plate and registration provisions.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "168.27",
    "subdivision": "17"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Dealer license for trailers motorized bicycles plates fees exemptions; up to 50 dealer plates; intransit plates; related fees."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Adds dealer license provisions for trailers and motorized bicycles, including plate fees and exemptions.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "168.27",
    "subdivision": "22"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Micromobility device defined; includes motorized bicycle meeting 169.011(45) within micromobility scope."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Amends 169.011 to establish micromobility device definitions and include motorized bicycles within the micromobility scope.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "169.011",
    "subdivision": "40b, 45"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Amends 169.02 subdivision 1 to clarify operation of vehicles on highways and related areas; references operation of snowmobiles and other vehicles as applicable.",
      "modified": [
        "Broadens context of where the operation provisions apply (highways and related areas)."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "169.02",
    "subdivision": "1"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "No person may sell a motorized bicycle powered by an electric motor unless certified by an independent ISO 17065 certified laboratory for compliance with ANSI/UL Standard 2272 and bears the laboratory’s certification mark."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Adds Subdivision 6 to 169.223 setting safety-certification requirements for motorized bicycles.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "169.223",
    "subdivision": "6"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "No person may sell a motorcycle powered by an electric motor unless certified by an independent ISO 17065 certified laboratory for compliance with ANSI/UL Standard 2272 and bears the laboratory’s certification mark."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Adds Subdivision 8 to 169.974 setting safety-certification requirements for motorcycles powered by electric motors.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "169.974",
    "subdivision": "8"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "References to 168A.151 define unrepairable vehicles, used in context of junked/obsolete vehicles within the definitions of motor vehicle handling.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "168A.151",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Note references metropolitan boundaries defined in section 473.121, providing geographic context for the statute’s applicability.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "473.121",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Cross-reference to a prior law requirement for a study on electric-assisted bicycles involving youth operation."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Cross-reference noting an electric-assisted bicycle youth operation study required under Laws 2024 chapter 127 article 3 section 127.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "Laws 2024 ch 127 art 3 sec 127",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Federal law referenced as the basis for safety standards applicable to micromobility devices and motorized vehicles, linked to the Code of Federal Regulations cited in the bill.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Federal regulation cited in connection with safety standards under the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "49 C.F.R. Part 571",
    "subdivision": ""
  }
]

Progress through the legislative process

17%

In Committee