E-Vehicle Information

E-bikes and other powered two-wheel vehicles are becoming more common in Prior Lake parks, trails, and neighborhoods.

Residents have raised concerns about fast or unsafe riding on sidewalks and trails. Most riders are courteous and follow the rules, but it’s important for everyone to know what state law and city code say about e-bikes, scooters, and similar vehicles.

On streets: Riders of e-bikes and similar vehicles must follow the same traffic laws as bicycles, including obeying traffic signals, respecting pedestrian right of way, and riding in the same direction as traffic. Hand signals are required when turning or stopping.
On sidewalks and trails: Riders must yield to people walking and slow down when passing. Only certain types of e-bikes are allowed on shared-use paths. Electric scooters are not allowed on sidewalks by state code.
In parks and recreation areas: Some trails allow pedal-assist e-bikes, while others prohibit motorized vehicles. Watch for signs that show what’s allowed.

This page offers details on types of e-bikes and similar powered devices, what the law allows in Prior Lake, and how riders and pedestrians can safely share public spaces.

Minnesota State Statutes

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.

Electric-assisted Bicycle (Minnesota Statute 169.222)

Has a saddle and fully operable pedals for human propulsion.
Must be 15 years old to operate.
Helmet required for riders under 18 years old.
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.
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.
E-bikes can be used on road shoulders, bicycle trails, bicycle paths and in bicycle lanes.
E-bikes are not subject to registration, licensing or insurance requirements that apply to motor vehicles.

Motorized Bicycles (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.

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.

E-Bike Classification

Class 1 electric-assisted bicycle - 20 mph maximum speed means an electric-assisted bicycle equipped with an electric motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour.
Class 2 electric-assisted bicycle - 20 mph maximum speed means an electric-assisted bicycle equipped with an electric motor that is capable of propelling the bicycle without the rider pedaling and ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour.
Class 3 electric-assisted bicycle - 28 mph maximum speed means an electric-assisted bicycle equipped with an electric motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 28 miles per hour.
Motorized Bike - 30 mph maximum speed.