Requires persons the ages of 16 or 17 to wear a helmet when riding a class one or class two bicycle with electric assist

Showing the cosponsors who are on Agora, A to Z. The official record may list more.

• Democratic2

Shown in neutral colors by design; Agora is non-partisan.

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Rachel May says this is needed

Current law requires helmet usage for operators and passengers of class three electric bicycles. However, there is no helmet requirement in the law for class one and class two e-bikes. Operators and passengers on any class of c-bike must be aged sixteen or older. This legislation will require operators and passengers of class one and two e-bikes who are ages sixteen and seventeen to wear a helmet. Addressing this gap in the law is necessary to ensure that everyone riding on any class of e-bike has the protection of a helmet in the event of a fall or collision. Furthermore, although e-bikes are being increasingly adopted as an eco- friendly, cheaper alternative to driving, they do pose risks of injury that could be mitigated through helmet use. As compared to traditional bicycles, e-bike riders involved in accidents have a higher rate of traumatic brain injuries and nearly twice the rate of internal injuries as compared to cyclists. This legislation is necessary to enhance the safety of those using class one and two e-bikes and to prevent avoidable injuries. FISCAL IMPACT: None.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.