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Minnesota cracks down on e-bikes after near-fatal pedestrian crash sparks reform

One woman's harrowing recovery turned into a crusade for safety. Now, her city is rewriting the rules on electric bikes—before another crash strikes.

,   and  Administrator
2 min read
The image shows a sign that reads "e-cycling is for residents only" sitting on the side of a road,...
The image shows a sign that reads "e-cycling is for residents only" sitting on the side of a road, surrounded by traffic cones and other objects. In the background, there is a vehicle, trees, and a clear blue sky.

Minnesota cracks down on e-bikes after near-fatal pedestrian crash sparks reform

A severe e-bike crash in Minnesota has led to stricter local regulations after a rider struck a pedestrian at high speed. Janet Stotko, the victim, suffered life-threatening injuries but survived after weeks of medical treatment. Her advocacy has now resulted in a new city ordinance limiting e-bike speeds and banning them from sidewalks. In June 2023, a 14-year-old riding an electric bicycle at 25 mph collided with Janet Stotko, leaving her unconscious with a fractured skull, brain injuries, and a broken eardrum. She spent two days on a ventilator, underwent emergency brain surgery, and remained hospitalised for three weeks. The incident prompted Stotko to campaign for tighter e-bike rules in her community.

E-bikes are divided into three classes under U.S. standards: Class 1 (20 mph pedal-assist), Class 2 (20 mph with throttle), and Class 3 (28 mph pedal-assist). However, faster models—sometimes called e-motos—can reach 40 mph and may be regulated like motorcycles in some states. Federal law treats most e-bikes as nonmotorized vehicles, meaning no license, insurance, or helmet is required. In response to rising injuries, some regions have introduced new restrictions. New York City set a 15 mph speed limit for all e-bikes in October 2023. Connecticut also passed a law that month requiring helmets for all riders and mandating a driver's license for bikes without pedals if their batteries exceed 750 watts. Nationwide, e-bike injuries have surged. A University of California, San Francisco study found that rider injuries nearly doubled each year from 2017 to 2022. In San Diego alone, injuries among under-18s jumped 300% from 2019 to 2023. Despite these trends, no U.S. state has yet banned e-bikes under 15 mph from pedestrian areas or sidewalks. Stotko's efforts led to her Minnesota city approving an ordinance in early 2024. The new rules cap e-bike speeds at 15 mph on trails and prohibit their use on sidewalks entirely.

The Minnesota ordinance marks one of the first local measures to directly address e-bike speeds near pedestrians. While federal and state laws remain broad, cities like New York and communities in Minnesota are now setting their own limits. The changes come as injury rates climb, particularly among younger riders.

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