As a member of the League of Michigan Bicyclists and a constituent in your district, I am writing to urge you to co-sponsor and support the Safe Standards for Personal E-bike and E-moto Device Specifications (Safe SPEEDS) Act.
Michigan’s roads and trails are seeing a massive increase in electric-powered devices. While e-bikes are a fantastic tool for mobility and recreation, a "grey market" of high-powered electric motorcycles (e-motos) is creating significant safety risks. These devices are often marketed as "e-bikes" but can reach speeds that are dangerous for bike lanes and non-motorized paths.
The Safe SPEEDS Act addresses these concerns through three critical pillars:
- Consumer Protection: It ensures Michigan families know exactly what they are buying. By requiring permanent labels with motor power, top speed, and age recommendations, it prevents consumers from unknowingly purchasing an unregulated motorcycle disguised as a bicycle.
- Traffic Safety: The bill closes loopholes that allow "out-of-class" vehicles on our streets. By requiring e-motos to be labeled "not for on-road use," it gives our local communities and law enforcement the clarity they need to keep high-speed vehicles off our sidewalks and trails.
- Data-Driven Safety: This legislation provides much-needed funding for crash data collection and public education. We cannot build safer infrastructure if we don't have accurate data on the devices involved in traffic incidents.
I believe that every Michigander deserves to use our transportation network with confidence. The Safe SPEEDS Act is a common-sense, pro-consumer step toward making that a reality.
I look forward to seeing your name among the supporters of this vital safety legislation.
