Minnesota Electric Bike Laws

Three-class law · State parks: Where bicycles allowed

The 2021 transportation law (Laws 2021, 1st Spec. Sess., ch. 5, art. 4) added Class 1, 2 and 3 to the electric-assisted bicycle definition; a 2023 law cut the motor limit to 750 W, and a 2024 law (Laws 2024, ch. 127) added multiple-mode e-bikes. A compliant e-bike is a bicycle under state law. No one under 15 may operate any class of e-bike. The Legislature considered an e-moto definition (HF 3785/SF 4186), a youth helmet mandate (SF 3236) and local e-bike speed limits (SF 3280) in 2026, and none became law.

E-bike classes
Three
E-bike license
No
Class 3 minimum age
15
E-bike helmet
No state rule
State parks
Where bicycles allowed
Moped registration
Yes

By vehicle

Rules for E-Bikes, Stand-Up E-Scooters and Mopeds in Minnesota

Minnesota rules by vehicle
VehicleDefinitionMinimum ageLicenseRegistrationInsuranceHelmetSidewalksTrails
E-bike, Class 1 and 2Class 1, 2; 750 W, 20 mph15NoNoNoNo state ruleYes, unless local ban or business districtPaths unless DNR or local ban
E-bike, Class 3Class 3; 750 W, 28 mph15NoNoNoNo state ruleYes, unless local ban or business districtPaths unless local or state ban
Stand-up e-scooterMotorized foot scooter: 15 mph, wheels 12 in or less12NoNoNoUnder 18NoBikeways unless nonmotorized or local ban
Seated e-scooter (moped)Motorized bicycle: 30 mph, 50 cc or electric15 with permitYes (license or permit)YesYesUnder 18NoNo

Where to ride

Where Each Vehicle May Ride

  • E-bike, Class 1 and 2. Motor use allowed on bike paths and trails
  • E-bike, Class 3. Speedometer required
  • Stand-up e-scooter. Ride near right edge; lights at night; no passengers; barred from state trails
  • Seated e-scooter (moped). Barred from nonmotorized bike paths and lanes and from state trails

Equipment

Equipment Rules for E-Bikes

Permanent label showing class, top assisted speed and motor wattage; motor cutoff when brakes are applied and, except Class 2, when pedaling stops; speedometer on Class 3 and multiple-mode e-bikes; throttle on a multiple-mode e-bike may not exceed 20 mph; modifying the motor without relabeling is barred.

City rules

What Cities and Counties Can Change

Local authorities may ban bicycles, including e-bikes, from sidewalks and crosswalks, may ban Class 3 motor use on paths they manage, and may regulate e-bikes on natural-surface trails and bike parks. Three Rivers Park District sets rules for e-bikes on its regional trails in Hennepin County.

Parks and trails

State Parks, Federal Lands and Rail Trails in Minnesota

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources allows Class 1, 2 and 3 e-bikes on state trails wherever bicycles are allowed, and bars motorized foot scooters and motorized bicycles. At Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area only Class 1 is allowed on the dirt singletrack; all classes may use the paved Cuyuna Lakes State Trail. State law lets the DNR restrict motor use on trails it manages.

Record

Sources

E-bike, Class 1 and 2
Minn. Stat. 169.011 subd. 15a, 15b, 27; 169.222 subd. 6a
E-bike, Class 3
Minn. Stat. 169.011 subd. 15c; 169.222 subd. 6a-6b
Stand-up e-scooter
Minn. Stat. 169.011 subd. 46; 169.225
Seated e-scooter (moped)
Minn. Stat. 169.011 subd. 45; 169.223
Status
Partly verified
Open items
No single DNR page states the e-bike rule for state park units (as distinct from state trails); motorized bicycle minimum age (15 with permit) taken from Minn. Stat. 171.02 knowledge, not refetched
Last verified
Q4 2026