E-Bike license, registration and insurance requirement proposed in state law
The bill would get rid of the different classifications for e-bikes and require anyone who owns one to register and insure them.
E-Bikes have become popular but are also scrutinized over safety concerns. A proposed state law could help alleviate concerns.
The bill would get rid of the different classifications for e-bikes and require anyone who owns one to register and insure them. It would also require riders to be licensed.
State Senate President Nicholas Scutari (D) is sponsoring the bill.
“We are in a new era of e-bike use that requires updated safety standards to help prevent accidents, injuries and fatalities. Requiring registration and licensing will improve their safe use and having them insured will protect those injured in accidents," he said in a prepared statement.
But e-bike users have concerns. This pitch would reclassify even the lower-class e-bikes as “motorized bicycles” - a category that currently includes mopeds. The way they see it, their pedal bike that also has a throttle shouldn’t cost the same to insure as an e-motorcycle.
“These low-speed e-bikes really are a class of their own,” said cyclist Martin Cepereley. “They should be treated separately.”
Cyclist advocates in Maplewood say that the headlines people read about dangerous “e-bikes” are more likely about “e-motos.” Class 1 and 2 e-bikes reach 20 mph, and no e-bike legally tops 28 mph.
“There is a serious safety concern on our streets, but it's not right here in the e-bike,” said cyclist Rob Howley. “This lets us reduce traffic, have fun with our kids, get outside, make our lives a little easier and more cost-effective.”
Riders would have six months to insure and register their e-bikes if the law passes. The MVC would waive all fees for the first year.
