SAFE Ride Act of 2025

This bill would create a national program to help states make e-bike riding safer. States could get federal grants if they run strong e-bike safety efforts, like enforcing rules for shared e-bike systems, teaching the public about helmets and safe riding, and collecting crash data from e-bike companies and sharing it with the federal government. The U.S. Department of Transportation would also set national guidance that recommends helmet use for riders under 18 and publish easy-to-use safety lessons for communities and schools.

States that qualify must also support local police in stopping unsafe underage riding, which can include issuing penalties, impounding unsafe vehicles, and doing outreach to educate kids and families. The department would set any other guidelines needed to run the program.

Key points

• Who is affected: E-bike riders (especially under 18), shared e-bike companies, state and local agencies, and community groups.
• What changes: Federal grants for states with strong e-bike safety programs; national helmet recommendations for minors; new safety education materials; required reporting of e-bike crash data by demographics; local enforcement support against unsafe underage riding.
• When: Takes effect once the Department of Transportation sets up the grant program and issues guidelines and safety materials.