Minnesota law enforcement and the general public currently have many questions related to the increased use of motorized bicycles, scooters, and electric-assisted bicycles. The following information is a brief overview of current state law on the subject of motorized bicycles. For more complete regulations, consult state statutes and rules.

To legally operate a motorized bicycle or electric-assisted bicycle the operator must be licensed, the motorized bicycle/electric-assisted bicycle must be registered in one of the following definitions, and meet the required safety equipment. If the operator or the motorized bicycle/electric-assisted bicycle does not meet all requirements, they will not be legal for street/highway use (including the sidewalk).

	This is an example of a motorized or electric-assisted bicycle, if it meets the definition and all the safety and equipment standards set forth in state and federal law.
	This is an example of a mini motorcycle or "Pocket Bike" (engine sizes are about 47 to 50 cc's). Individuals need to have an MC endorsement on their driver's license, the same as other motorcycles.
	Please refer to our Motorized Scooters section for more information.

DEFINITIONS

To qualify as a motorized bicycle under state law, they need to have:

	Motor of a piston displacement capacity of 50 cubic centimeters or less.
	Maximum of two brake horsepower.
	Maximum speed or not more than 30 mph on a flat surface.
	Fully operable pedals for human propulsion are not required, but may be a part of the machine.

To qualify as an electric-assisted bicycle under state law, they need to :

	Have a seat and fully operable pedals for human propulsion.
	Meet federal motor vehicle safety standards.
	Have an electric motor that has a power output of not more than 1,000 watts.
	Have a maximum speed of not more than 20 mph (electric motor and human power combined).
	Disengage or cease to function when the vehicle's brakes are applied.
	Have two or three wheels.

To qualify as a pocket bike under state law, they need to have:

	Motor of a piston displacement capacity of 50 cubic centimeters or less.
	Maximum of two brake horsepower.
	Maximum speed or not more than 30 mph on a flat surface.
	Fully operable pedals for human propulsion are not required, but may be a part of the machine.

DRIVERS LICENSE REQUIREMENTS AND RESTRICTIONS:

To operate a motorized/electric-assisted bicycle or pocket bike on the streets or highways, a person must:

Have a valid driver's license or a motorized bicycle permit.

A person under the age of 16 operating a motorized/electric-assisted bicycle or pocket bike under a motorized bicycle permit is subject to the following restrictions:

	No passengers (a parent or guardian may ride if the motorized/electric-assisted bicycle is equipped with a seat and footrests for a passenger).
	No night driving.
	No driving on any highway marked as an interstate.
	Must wear a helmet.
	Foot rests for passengers (if designed for passenger(s).

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT

	Headlight and taillight (headlight must be on at all times when operated on streets or highways).
	At least one rear view mirror.
	Helmet use required of any operator or passenger of a motorized bicycle if under the age of 18.
	Helmet use required for any operator of an electric-assisted bicycle regardless of age and any passenger under the age of 18.
	Must have a permanent seat (no passenger(s) unless designed to accommodate passenger(s)).
	Eye protection is required by the operator (not required for electric-assisted bicycles).
	Directional signals if operated at night.
	Working horn.
	Working brake.

INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

A motorized bicycle or pocket bike would need the same coverage as a motorcycle would in this state. An electric-assisted bicycle would NOT need coverage.

PARKING RULES

A person may park a motorized/electric-assisted bicycle or pocket bike on a sidewalk unless prohibited or restricted by local authorities. It must not impede the normal and reasonable movement of pedestrians or other traffic.

DRIVING RULES

Operators are subject to driving rules and equipment requirements (if applicable) when operated on the public streets or highways (which includes the main traveled portion of the road, shoulder, and sidewalk). This means that an operator could be cited for speeding, failure to signal, unsafe change of course, driving on the sidewalk, DWI (this would apply to anywhere in the state and not just the streets/highways), and all other driving rules contained within state law that would apply. They may also not ride more than two abreast and may not impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic. On a laned roadway, they must operate within a single lane.

The operator of a motorized bicycle or pocket bike must ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway with several exceptions (may not operate on the shoulder of the roadway).

The operator of an electric-assisted bicycle may operate on the shoulder of a roadway if the electric-assisted bicycle is traveling in the same direction as the adjacent vehicular traffic.