E-Bikes and Electric Scooters

Motorized Foot Scooters (Minnesota Statute 169.225) 

• Must be at least 12 years old to operate.
• Passengers are prohibited.
• Maximum speed is 15 MPH.
• Helmet required for riders under 18 years old.
• Headlight and taillight required sunset to sunrise, during precipitation and during low visibility (fog/smoke).
• No person may operate a motorized foot scooter upon a sidewalk, except when necessary to enter or leave adjacent property.
• A person operating a motorized foot scooter on a roadway shall ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway.
• A person may operate a motorized foot scooter on a bicycle path, bicycle lane, bicycle trail or bikeway that is not reserved for the exclusive use of non-motorized traffic.

Electric-assisted Bicycle (Minnesota Statute 169.222)

• Has a saddle and fully operable pedals for human propulsion.
• Must be 15 years old to operate.
• Passengers are prohibited unless designed and equipped to carry.
• Must be equipped with white light to front and red light to rear when riding at night.
• Has an electric motor with power output of less than 750 watts.
• Operates less than 28 MPH.
• It is no longer considered an electric-assisted bicycle if it is configured or modified to include the following:
  • A mechanical switch or button;
  • A modification or change to the electric motor or the electric drive system;
  • The use of an application to increase or override the electric drive system; or
  • Through any other means represented or intended by the manufacturer or seller to modify the vehicle to no longer meet the requirements or classification of a Class 1, 2 or 3 electric-assisted bicycle.
• Must follow all bicycle operation laws under Minnesota Statute 169.222.

Motorized Bicycles (Minnesota Statute 169.223)

• Has an electric motor with power output of less than 1500 watts (2HP).
• Operates less than 30 MPH.
• Helmet required for riders under 18 years old.
• Passengers are prohibited.
• Must have a valid driver’s license or a motorized bicycle permit to operate.
• Must be equipped with a headlight and taillight meeting the requirements of lighting for motorcycles when operated during nighttime hours.
• No person shall operate a motorized bicycle upon a sidewalk at any time, except when such operation is necessary for the most direct access to a roadway from a driveway, alley or building.
• A person operating a motorized bicycle on a roadway shall ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway.

Off-Highway Motorcycle (OHM)

• Does not have pedals.
• Has an electric motor with power output of more than 1500 watts (2HP).
• Operates more than 30 MPH.
• General Operations ( Minnesota Statute 84.795)
  • May not be operated in ditches unless designated for use.
  • Must be registered to operate on roadways.
  • Must have a valid driver’s license with a motorcycle endorsement to operate on roadway.
  • Must wear eye protection.
  • Must wear a helmet under 18.
  • Must be equipped with headlight, taillight and brakes to operate on roadway.
• Youth Operators Under 16 (Minnesota Statute 84.793)
  • Must wear eye protection and approved DOT rated helmet.
  • Must have a valid HM safety certificate when operating on public land and frozen waters.
  • May make a direct crossing of a public road if accompanied by a person 18 with a valid license.
• Youth Operators Under 12
  • Must wear eye protection and approved DOT rated helmet.
  • Must have a valid HM safety certificate when operating on public land and frozen waters.
  • May not make a direct crossing of a public road right of way.
  • May not operate on a public road or public road right of way.
  • May not operate on public lands or frozen waters unless accompanied by a person 18 with a valid license.