HF3785

Purpose

• Update Minnesota law to address high-speed electric cycle devices called EMotos.
• Clarify how EMotos are classified and regulated, including when they can operate on public roads.
• Set rules for dealers, licensing, and safety standards for motorized bicycles and motorcycles powered by electric motors.
• Explicitly state that motorized devices not defined in state law are not allowed on public rights of way.

Main Provisions

• EMoto classification and regulation

  • EMoto is a broad term for high-speed electric cycle devices. Depending on motor power and speed, an EMoto may be regulated as a motorized bicycle, an offhighway motorcycle, or a micromobility device.
  • Some EMotos may be illegal to operate on public roads if they are not defined or properly regulated under state law.
  • The act updates legal definitions and requirements for EMotos and their dealers and clarifies that devices not defined in statute by 169.011 are not allowed on public rights of way.

• Offhighway motorcycle definitions and rules

  • The definition of an offhighway motorcycle includes certain motorized bicycles when used offhighway on trails or unimproved terrain.
  • This section also states that offhighway motorcycles may be registered for road use under certain conditions, with required safety equipment (mirrors, headlights, taillights, horn) and compliance with federal motor vehicle safety standards when used on public roads.

• Dual registration for offhighway motorcycles

  • Offhighway motorcycles may be registered for both offhighway use and use on public roads.
  • If originally not built for road use, they must be equipped to meet road-use safety standards (mirrors, headlight, taillight, horn) and comply with applicable safety regulations.

• Vehicle classifications and definitions

  • Revisions to how motor vehicles are defined to include motorized bicycles, with specific cross-references to related definitions.
  • Clarifications on operation of certain vehicles on Minnesota highways and private property.

• Motorized bicycle and micromobility device definitions

  • A motorized bicycle is defined by specific motor power and speed characteristics (electric motor within a defined power range or a small piston-displacement motor) and a maximum speed on flat surfaces.
  • A micromobility device is defined as a vehicle that can be powered by human power, electric power, or both; when powered by an electric motor, it must not exceed a specified speed on a paved level surface and has a defined unloaded weight.
  • Micromobility devices include bicycles, motorized foot scooters, and electric personal assistive mobility devices, and include motorized bicycles that meet micromobility criteria.

• Electrical safety and certification requirements

  • No person may sell a motorized bicycle powered by an electric motor unless it has been certified by an independent third-party laboratory, tested to an ANSI/CAN/UL 2272 standard, and bears that laboratory’s certification mark.
  • No person may sell a motorcycle powered by an electric motor unless it has the same independent third-party certification and standard compliance.

• Dealer licensing and plates

  • Creates a dealer license for businesses selling motorized bicycles and related trailers; sets license fees and renewal rules.
  • Allows the registrar to issue up to 50 dealer plates to each licensed dealer, with fees per plate.
  • Provides intransit plates for dealers, with a separate fee.
  • Clarifies that these provisions apply to sellers of motorized bicycles, boat trailers, horse trailers, and certain other trailers, with specific exceptions.

• Registration and vehicle scope

  • Amends various statutes to ensure motorized bicycles and micromobility devices are treated within the broader motor vehicle framework when appropriate.
  • Distinguishes between vehicles designed for highway use and those limited to offhighway use, and sets rules for operation on roadways, trails, and private property.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• New EMoto framework

  • Introduces EMotos as a regulatory category and clarifies how they may be classified for legal use on roads or trails.

• Expanded definitions and cross-references

  • Adds or updates definitions for offhighway motorcycle, micromobility device, motorized bicycle, and related terms, linking them to other sections of the motor vehicle statutes.

• Road-use and safety requirements

  • Establishes requirements for road use of offhighway motorcycles, including safety equipment and compliance with federal safety standards.

• Certification and safety standards for sale

  • Establishes mandatory third-party electrical safety certification for motorized bicycles and electric motorcycles sold in Minnesota, using ISO/IEC/AN standards and specific UL/NRTL testing criteria.

• Dealer licensing and operations

  • Creates a dealer licensing framework for motorized bicycles and related trailers, including license/plate fees and plate issuance, expanding dealer responsibilities beyond traditional motor vehicles.

• Public-rights-of-way restrictions

  • Adds explicit language clarifying that motorized devices not defined in statute are not permitted on public rights-of-way.

• Administrative alignment

  • Requires alignment across multiple statutes (sections in 84.787, 84.788, 168.27, 169.011, 169.02, 169.223, and 169.974) to accommodate the new classifications and procedures.

Terminology and Concepts to Note

• EMotos
• motorized bicycle
• micromobility device
• offhighway motorcycle
• dual registration
• dealer license
• intransit plates
• ISO 17065 certified laboratory
• ANSI/CAN/UL 2272 (safety standard)
• motor vehicle registration and plate systems
• public right-of-way

Relevant Terms - EMotos - motorized bicycle - micromobility device - offhighway motorcycle - dual registration - dealer license - intransit plates - ISO 17065 - ANSI/CAN/UL 2272 - public roads / public right-of-way - motor vehicle definitions (168.27, 169.011, 169.02, 169.223, 169.974) - safety standards and certification - electrical safety standards - third-party certification