Laws by state / Minnesota
Minnesota
What Minnesota's statutes say about riding each kind of personal electric vehicle. Local rules can be stricter.
E-bikes
How the law defines it: Three-class system ("electric-assisted bicycle"): two or three wheels, a saddle, working pedals, motor of 750 W or less, battery/drive system tested by a third-party lab. Class 1 (pedal assist) and Class 2 (throttle) stop at 20 mph; Class 3 (pedal assist) at 28 mph; multiple-mode bikes allowed. Legally a bicycle, not a motor vehicle. A bike built or sold to be modified out of these limits is not an e-bike.
Road
Allowed
Operated like other bicycles: keep right as far as safe, including on shoulders and bicycle routes.
Bike lane
Allowed
Allowed in bicycle lanes.
Sidewalk
Allowed with limits
Bicycle rules apply: allowed outside business districts (yield to pedestrians, signal before passing); not in business districts unless permitted. Local authorities may ban sidewalk riding.
Paths and trails
Local rules decide
Class 1/2 allowed with the motor on bike paths, trails and shared-use paths unless banned under state trail statutes. Class 3 and multiple-mode bikes allowed unless the local or state agency prohibits them. Agencies may regulate e-bikes on natural-surface non-motorized trails.
- Helmet
- Not addressed in statute.
- Minimum age
- 15 (all classes)
- Speed limit or cap
- Motor assist stops at 20 mph (Class 1/2) or 28 mph (Class 3); throttle may not exceed 20 mph in any mode.
- Motor power cap
- 750 W
- License, registration, insurance
- Not a motor vehicle; no license or registration provisions apply.
- Also worth knowing
- Labels must show class, top assisted speed and wattage. Class 3 and multiple-mode bikes need a speedometer.
Checked October 26, 2026
Statutes: Minn. Stat. § 169.011, subds. 4, 15a-15c, 27, 42, 45a; Minn. Stat. § 169.222, subds. 4, 6a, 6b
Something wrong in this section? Tell us.E-scooters
How the law defines it: "Motorized foot scooter": device with handlebars, ridden standing or sitting, gas or electric motor, no more than two wheels of 12 in. or smaller, top motor speed 15 mph on flat ground. Not a bicycle.
Road
Allowed
Bicycle rights and duties; ride as close as practicable to the right. Left turns: stop, dismount and cross on foot.
Bike lane
Allowed
Allowed in bike lanes, paths and bikeways not reserved for non-motorized traffic, unless the local authority bans them.
Sidewalk
Not allowed
Not allowed on sidewalks except to enter or leave adjacent property.
Paths and trails
Local rules decide
Allowed on bicycle trails and bikeways not reserved for non-motorized use, unless the managing authority prohibits it.
- Helmet
- Required for riders under 18.
- Minimum age
- 12
- Speed limit or cap
- 15 mph (device limit).
- Motor power cap
- None in statute.
- License, registration, insurance
- Not addressed in statute.
- Also worth knowing
- No passengers. Headlight and taillight required when vehicle lights are required. Scooters faster than 15 mph or with wheels over 12 in. fall outside this definition.
Checked October 26, 2026
Statutes: Minn. Stat. § 169.011, subd. 46; Minn. Stat. § 169.225
Something wrong in this section? Tell us.Electric boards (incl. Onewheel-style)
Not addressed in statute. We found no Minnesota statute that covers this vehicle by name or by a definition that clearly fits it. That isn't permission: police and cities may treat it under another category.
Checked October 26, 2026
Something wrong in this section? Tell us.Electric unicycles
Not addressed in statute. We found no Minnesota statute that covers this vehicle by name or by a definition that clearly fits it. That isn't permission: police and cities may treat it under another category. EPAMD covers only self-balancing devices with two side-by-side wheels, so electric unicycles are not covered.
Checked October 26, 2026
Statutes: Minn. Stat. § 169.011, subd. 26
Something wrong in this section? Tell us.