MN woman nearly killed in an e-bike crash is pushing for stricter laws

Sarah Raza
Mon March 30 2026
Posted Mar 31
367

Update 3/31/26 per a FB msg from Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota

Hey Friends! This crash actually didn't involve any e-bikes. At the time the police report falsely identified an e-moto as being an e-bike and it's been wack-a-mole ever since. We're proud to be championing an e-moto bill that will help state regulators and enforcement agencies to better address the dangers of off-highway electric motorcycles.

See their new post -Media Keeps Getting it Wrong on E-Motos and E-Bikes - And It’s Doing Real Damage

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A MN woman nearly killed in an e-bike crash is pushing for stricter laws as injuries rise and states race to update regulations.

The 14-year-old was riding an electric bicycle at an estimated 25 mph when he slammed into Janet Stotko during her evening walk, leaving her unconscious and bleeding on a sidewalk in her Minnesota neighborhood.

The 2024 crash nearly killed Stotko, who was raced to a hospital with severe brain injuries, a facial fracture and broken eardrum. But after being on a ventilator for two days, spending three weeks in the hospital and enduring brain surgery, she survived, surprising even her doctors.

At a checkup, she said, her doctors told her, "Wow, we can't believe you're here."

Now, she's pushing for stricter laws regulating e-bikes in hopes that others won't be hurt.

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BIKEIOWA NOTE:What This Means for Iowa

Stories like this are becoming more common across the country - and it’s likely only a matter of time before similar incidents, discussions, and regulatory responses take shape here in Iowa.

As e-bike use continues to grow, so will conversations around safety, speed, access, and accountability. The question isn’t if- it’s how communities choose to respond.

At BIKEIOWA, we’ve been actively covering these evolving discussions, offering real-world perspectives, policy context, and examples of how communities can approach this thoughtfully.

• The Great E-Bike Panic: What’s Really Happening on Our Trails
https://www.bikeiowa.com/Review/2122/the-great-e-bike-panic-whats-really-happening-on-our-trails

• West Des Moines Launches “Ride Smart” Campaign for E-Bike & E-Moto Safety
https://www.bikeiowa.com/Feature/2123/west-des-moines-launches-ride-smart-campaign-for-e-bike-e-moto-safety

• Iowa’s HSB 637: A Bill That Bikes Should Fear
https://www.bikeiowa.com/Feature/2118/iowas-hsb-637-a-bill-that-bikes-should-fear

• New Rules for E-Bikes and Scooters? Here’s What Matters
https://www.bikeiowa.com/News/11234/new-rules-for-e-bikes-and-scooters-heres-what-matters

•Cyclists & Trail Users – Ankeny City Council Discussion
https://www.bikeiowa.com/News/11225/cyclists-trail-users-ankeny-city-council-discussion-mon-mar-16th

• Why Aren’t Bicycles Registered in Iowa?
https://www.bikeiowa.com/Feature/2120/why-arent-bicycles-registered-in-iowa

• IOWA MOPED OPERATOR'S MANUAL (On IDOT Site - last updated 2008)
https://iowadot.gov/media/7176/download?inline

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As this conversation continues to evolve, staying informed - and engaged - will be key to ensuring Iowa’s trails remain safe, accessible, and welcoming for everyone.