Bicycling and e-Bikes FAQ

• Are e-Bikes allowed at the City's Skate Plaza or Bike Park Playground?

  The City's Bike Park Playground and Skate Plaza are limited to manually operated bicycles. No electric-assisted or motorized bikes or scooters are permitted.

• Are e-motos or motorized bicycles permitted on sidewalks and trails?

  Per State Statute 169.223, e-motos/moto-bikes/motorized bicycles are not allowed on concrete sidewalks or multi-use trails.

• Are there laws about operating bicycles or e-Bikes on multi-use trails?

  Yes, all riders must give an audible signal on approach before passing another bicycle or pedestrian, and pass with a safe distance.

• Are there restrictions on where bicycles and e-Bikes can be used?

  The rules for operating manual and electric-assisted bicycles are the same.

  • Bikes are allowed to operate on paved multi-use trails and roadways, including the unpaved Minnesota River Bluffs Regional Trail
  • While riding bikes on concrete sidewalks is legal, it is not recommended; riding on asphalt trails is encouraged
  • Bikes are not permitted on unpaved nature trails or "off-road" in City parks and conservation areas
  • When operating bikes on roadways, users must follow all traffic laws, including speed limits and traffic signals

• Do you need a license to operate an e-Bike?

  No, a driver's license is not required to operate an e-Bike.

• Is it legal for my child under 15 to operate an e-Bike with parental supervision?

  Anyone under the age of 15 is prohibited by state law from operating an e-Bike, even with supervision.

• Is there an age restriction for operating e-Bikes?

  Yes, Minnesota state law prohibits anyone under 15 years of age from operating e-Bikes.

• What are the laws and rules related to electric foot scooters?

  Electric foot scooters are granted the same rights and responsibilities as bicycles per State Statute 169.225.

  • No person under age 12 may operate electric foot scooters
  • Minors between the ages of 12 and 18 are required to wear a helmet

• What is an e-Bike?

  An electric-assisted bicycle (e-Bike) is defined as a bicycle with two or three wheels, a seat, fully operational pedals for human propulsion and an electric motor with an output of no more than 750 watts.

  To be legal, e-Bikes must meet the requirements of a Class 1, 2 or 3 e-Bike as defined in Minnesota law:

  Class 1 — Motor assists up to 20 mph while pedaling (no throttle)

  Class 2 — Motor assists up to 20 mph with or without rider pedaling (throttle)

  Class 3 — Motor assists up to 28 mph only when rider is pedaling (no throttle)*

  *Class 3 e-Bikes with throttles do exist, but they are technically illegal in Minnesota

• What should I do if I see reckless bike-riding behavior?

  Call 911.