05/30/2026
We have been seeing a ton of scooters and e-bikes around town. We have responded to serious injury accidents, and we have responded to stolen scooters. Please make sure if you have a child that is riding around town, they are in compliance with the state law
Motorized Foot Scooters/ Electric 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.
*No person may operate an electric-assisted bicycle upon a sidewalk, except when necessary to enter or leave adjacent property, 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.
Motorized Bicycles (Minnesota Statute 169.223)
*Must be 16 to operate
*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.
