E-bikes and e-scooters have become a common sight on sidewalks, trails and roads — but a growing number of serious accidents and fatalities have one Michigan lawmaker pushing for new safety regulations to catch up with the trend.
WDIV ClickOnDetroit · Pamela Osborne, Jacob Nagel · September 8, 2026
Michigan lawmaker pushes e-bike, e-scooter safety bill after rise in accidents, deaths
Pamela Osborne, Anchor/Reporter
Jacob Nagel, Photojournalist
Published: September 8, 2026 at 6:47 PM
# Michigan lawmaker pushes e-bike, e-scooter safety bill after rise in accidents, deaths
## Currently, there is no minimum age requirement for Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes in Michigan
Pamela Osborne, Anchor/Reporter
Jacob Nagel, Photojournalist
Published: September 8, 2026 at 6:47 PM
E-bikes and e-scooters have become a common sight on sidewalks, trails and roads — but a growing number of serious accidents and fatalities have one Michigan lawmaker pushing for new safety regulations to catch up with the trend.
State Rep. Phil Skaggs, a Democrat representing the Grand Rapids area in District 80, recently introduced legislation that would define e-bikes and scooters under state law and implement a series of safety measures for riders.
“In my community, we’ve seen a whole lot of near misses. In fact, we even saw a death recently. And so this is a safety issue on our streets. And it’s up to both the state and local governments to make some common-sense measures to keep everyone safe, but also be able to get around,” Skaggs said.
### Laws lagging behind technology
Part of the challenge, Skaggs says, is that Michigan’s current laws simply don’t account for these newer devices.
“We just don’t have the definitions. This is why we’re so far behind on things. So what we have a definition for is a bicycle, a motorcycle, a moped and something called an electronic skateboard,” he said.
“So what the bill does is try to catch up with technology.”
The legislation would cover a broad range of devices increasingly seen on Michigan roads.
“We’re regulating e-bicycles and scooters, one-wheelers, all sorts of different devices that are on the road now,” Skaggs said.
### What the bill would do
The proposed legislation targets several key safety areas.
Currently, there is no minimum age requirement for Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes in Michigan.
Under Skaggs’ bill, riders would need to be at least 14 years old, and minors would be required to obtain a license and wear helmets.
“For minors, we’d have to require licensing. For minors, we’d also require a helmet law if you’re 17 or younger,” Skaggs said.
The bill also addresses equipment and occupancy standards.
“Make sure that you’re only riding one person per device. Make sure that there is a reflective tape or a taillight or a headlight to make sure that other vehicles on the road can see you.
And then leave some of the other specifics up to local government so they can make decisions on what’s best for their community as far as where they want these devices on the sidewalks, roads, etc.,” he said.
### A rapidly growing danger
The urgency behind the legislation is underscored by a troubling national trend — and a local tragedy.
On Monday, two 13-year-olds riding an e-bike together in Bloomfield Township were critically injured after being struck by a pickup truck.
“I think we’re seeing about a death a week nationwide. So this is a real serious issue and it is coming on us very quickly. So I think that the goal would be to get these safety measures in place so we can start saving lives,” Skaggs said.
### Riders weigh in
Not everyone on an e-bike is unaware of the risks. Marty Johnson, an avid e-bike rider, says he stays mindful of others when he’s out.
“Yeah, so e-bikes, fun, fast. I’m very lazy, so I have the option to paddle or not. I generally don’t paddle,” Johnson said.
Even so, he’s careful in shared spaces.
“So when it comes to walkways or driveways, I’m not doing 45 miles. I’m just kind of cautious because I don’t know if somebody’s going to come out anywhere,” he said.
Bob Kollen says he’s seen firsthand how quickly things can get out of hand, particularly with younger riders.
“I’ve seen it in the school parking lot by us. They’re riding, doing wheelies and all that. I don’t mind it in the parking lot, but when it gets in traffic, that’s when it’s a problem,” Kollen said.
Kollen doesn’t want to see anyone get hurt and hopes more restrictions would lead to safer riding practices.
Skaggs echoed that sentiment, saying the responsibility ultimately falls on adults to protect younger riders.
“I think we are seeing a lot of kids on the road these days, and we want to make sure that as adults, we’re doing everything that we can to keep them safe,” he said.
### What’s next
Skaggs hopes to earn bipartisan support for the bill. The next steps include a committee hearing and a committee vote.
If it passes, the bill would head to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s desk — a process Skaggs believes could be completed before the end of the year.
Notably, local rules already adopted by cities and townships on e-bike and e-scooter use would still be allowed to remain in place under the proposed legislation.
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