LANSING, Mich. (News 10) – A bill at the Michigan Capitol would require teens to obtain a state-issued license before riding certain electric bikes.
Lawmakers and health officials say these machines blur the line between bicycles and motorcycles. And oftentimes parents don’t know what they are buying for their children.
House Bill 6166 targets Class 2 and Class 3 e-bikes, as well as micro-mobility devices with more than 500 watts of power or speeds over 20 miles per hour.
“I see some kid on a one-wheel going 25, just as fast as all the cars, 25, 30. No helmet, with a backpack, with a soccer ball sticking out. It’s dangerous out there,” said State Rep. Phil Skaggs, D-East Grand Rapids, who sponsored the bill.
License requirements
Under the proposal, riders under 18 would need to be at least 15-years of age and obtain a special restricted license through the Secretary of State to operate Class 2 or 3 e-bikes.
The bill also would cap micromobility devices, such as scooters, at 20 mph, require helmets for riders under 19, and give local governments the authority to ban high-speed devices from sidewalks, highways, streets and crosswalks.
“For us in cars or even on mopeds, we have some steel in between us and things we might hit. Out there on a scooter or a one wheel, you’re basically hopeless there and going at a pretty strong speed.” Skaggs said. “I see this as a tool to help them make a decision and know that their child is going to be safer out there in the community,” Skaggs said.
He said he wants this legislation to educate young teens on the rules of the road.
Cost and requirements
Under the bill, the restricted license would cost $7.50. It would not require a behind-the-wheel road test, but applicants would have to prove competency to the state.
The bill outlines penalties for violations. A first violation would be a civil infraction with a fine of up to $250. A violation that occurs after one or more prior judgments would be a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in prison, a fine of up to $500, or both.
E-bike rider and Physician weigh in
Dr. Michael Estes, of 98Point6 Emergicenter, said the number of e-bike-related emergency room visits has increased.
“The amount of accidents has just skyrocketed from, I guess, 2019-ish, let’s say, to 2024, which is about the most available data,” Estes said. “I sort of count on it going up from there as it becomes more expected and more popular. They are becoming faster… and becoming more affordable, so more people are having access to them,” Estes said.
Estes said e-bikes should be treated like motor vehicles. He encourages people to practice, learn their bike, and make sure all of its parts are up to date and working properly.
He also says helmets should be mandatory.
“Everyone needs to be using a helmet. It’s crazy the difference in how that will affect your overall health,” Estes said. “[A person that wears a helmet] walks out with no problems at all. And the other one sort of is in a different scenario.”
Tucker Gates, 18, said he uses one as his primary way to get around because it is cheap and convenient.
“I use it to get to school. I use it to get to work. I use it for all of my transportation needs,” Gates said.
But, Gates said he understands the danger firsthand and believes licensing would give younger riders a reality check.
“When you’re going, you know, 28, almost 30 miles an hour, and you know, you see kids without helmets and stuff, it’s like, yeah, you can go over the handlebars and you’re not going to have a good time,” Gates said.
Companion legislation
A companion bill in the Senate would require manufacturers to label e-bike speeds and motor wattage so parents know what they are buying, since some models can keep pace with cars.
Skaggs says this would also help police determine the type of vehicle and enforce the law.
Both bills are before the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
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