Electric bikes or e-bikes have grown in popularity in recent years, with more of these vehicles sharing the road with drivers than ever before. Unfortunately, this has also led to an increase in electric bicycle accidents. An understanding of Minnesota’s e-bike laws is essential for preventing bicycle accidents in Minneapolis if you plan on riding.
What Laws Apply to E-Bicyclists in Minnesota?
In general, all of the same laws that apply to standard, non-motorized bicycles in Minnesota also apply to e-bikes. Electric bicycles of all classes are permitted on bike paths and shared-use paths where bicycles are permitted. E-bikes are also allowed to share the road with motor vehicle traffic when bicycle lanes are not available.
E-bike users must obey all the same traffic laws and regulations as other road users, including traffic lights, signs and signals. E-bikers must ride in the same direction as existing vehicle traffic, come to complete stops when signaled to do so at lights and stop signs, and yield the right-of-way to others when appropriate.
Who Can Operate an E-Bike in Minnesota?
An individual must be at least 15 years old to operate an electric bicycle in Minnesota. Unlike motor vehicles, e-bikes do not require driver’s licenses, vehicle registrations or mandatory vehicle insurance. Any e-bike rider under the age of 18 is legally required to wear a helmet in Minnesota. Over the age of 17, helmets are highly recommended but not required.
What Is the Definition of an E-Bike in Minnesota?
Minnesota’s e-bike laws only apply to bicycles that meet the state’s definition of “electric-assisted bicycle.” Under Minnesota Statutes § 169.011 Subd. 27, this means a bicycle with:
- Two or three wheels
- A saddle and fully operable pedals for human propulsion
- Parts that meet the federal definition of a motor-driven cycle or bicycle
- An electric motor that has a power output of no more than 1000 watts, is incapable of propelling the vehicle at a speed of more than 20 miles per hour (mph) and shuts off when the vehicle’s brakes are applied
If you are operating a vehicle that meets Minnesota’s definition of an e-bike, you are required to abide by all relevant rules, traffic laws and statutes while riding.
E-Bike Classifications
Minnesota further categorizes electric bicycles into three classes based on the type of motor the vehicle uses:
- Class 1: the motor only provides assistance when the operator is pedaling, and stops its assistance when the e-bike reaches 20 mph.
- Class 2: the motor is throttle-actuated and ceases to provide assistance to the rider when the bike reaches 20 mph.
- Class 3: the motor provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and stops its assistance when the e-bike reaches 28 mph.
Different laws may apply to different classes of e-bikes in Minnesota. Check the municipal rules in your city for further details.
What Happens When Someone Doesn’t Follow Minnesota’s E-Bike Laws?
Breaking a traffic law while riding an electric bicycle in Minnesota can result in a traffic citation and fine for a moving violation. If a motor vehicle driver breaks a traffic law and crashes into an e-bike, the driver can be held responsible for the biker’s losses. If an insurance company assigns a percentage of fault to the electric bicycle user, however, this could reduce the victim’s financial recovery. If you get injured in an e-bike accident, don’t hesitate to contact a Minneapolis injury attorney for a free consultation about your rights and legal options.