Minnesota laws related to electric bikes and scooters
Electric bikes and electric scooters continue to grow in popularity across the state, including Olmsted County. Our goal is to help keep everyone safe on our roadways, shared-use paths, and sidewalks. Below are some reminders regarding Minnesota laws related to electric bikes and scooters.
- The minimum age to ride an electric bike is 15.
- The minimum age to ride an electric scooter is 12.
- Those using Rochester's Lime electric bikes and electric scooters must be at least 18.
- Anyone under 18 riding an electric scooter must wear a helmet.
- Like pedal bicycles, helmets are strongly recommended for electric bike riders of all ages.
- When operated at night, electric bikes must have headlights or headlamps and a rear reflector. Electric scooters must have a headlight and a taillight.
Where you can ride:
- Electric bikes and electric scooters are allowed on roadways, riding on the far-right side. While on the roadway, users should signal turns and slow at all intersections, and be ready to stop completely if needed.
- Electric bikes and electric scooters are allowed on shared use paths/bike paths.
- Electric bikes are allowed on sidewalks unless banned in business districts (sidewalks are marked in business districts), and all bike riders must yield to pedestrians on sidewalks.
- Electric scooters are not allowed on sidewalks except when necessary to enter or leave adjacent property.
Please check with your city for additional ordinances on where electric bikes and electric scooters are allowed. Depending on the class of the bike or scooter, some communities limit use on sidewalks and shared use paths.
Complete Minnesota statutes:
- Electric bikes: §169.222
- Requires a saddle, fully operable pedals, no more than 750 watts, conformity to Class 1, 2, 3, or multiple mode, and a battery or electric drive system tested to an applicable safety standard by a third-party laboratory. Modifying a device to exceed the limits removes it from the definition.
- Electric scooters: §169.225
- Electric bikes with foot pegs or pedals that do not function must obey traffic laws related to motorized bicycles - Minnesota Statute: §169.223.
Lastly, as mentioned above, our priority is the safety of everyone on our roadways, shared-use paths, and sidewalks. We encourage responsible use of all means of travel, including electric bikes and electric scooters. Parents and guardians with youth using these electric bikes and electric scooters should make sure rules are followed for their children's safety.
The Olmsted County Sheriff's Office will continue to educate riders on safe practices and laws, and address violations when needed.
Please be safe and enjoy the rest of your summer!