The Law: E-Bikes, Scooters and More

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.

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.
No person may operate an electric-assisted bicycle upon a sidewalk, except when necessary to enter or leave adjacent property. Local authorities can prohibit operation on sidewalks, as we do in Lakeville, but they are allowed on trails.
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.

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.

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.