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Legislation Introduced To Address Growing E-Bike Safety Concerns
Tate Survance
Tue, 15 Sep 2026 10:53:18 EDT
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Michigan lawmakers are considering tougher rules for young e-bike riders, as concerns grow over the speed and power of some electric bikes.
House Bill 6166 would require riders under 18 to obtain a special restricted license before operating Class Two or Class Three e-bikes on a roadway, unless they already have a valid driver's license. Applicants would have to be at least 15 and demonstrate to the Secretary of State that they can safely operate an e-bike. No road test would be required, and the license would cost $7.50.
Violations would carry consequences. A first offense could bring a civil fine of up to $250. Subsequent violations could become misdemeanors, punishable by up to one year in jail, a fine of up to $500, or both.
The safety debate hits close to home. In August, a 15 year old died following an e-bike crash on M-142 in Verona Township near Bad Axe. Investigators said two teens were riding without lights at speeds around 25 miles per hour when they entered a business driveway and encountered a cable stretched across it.
The legislation remains under consideration in Lansing.
