ST. PAUL, MN — Minnesota is drawing a sharper line between e-bikes and higher-powered "e-motos" under a new state law aimed at safety, speed and accountability.
The law creates a new category for “motorized bicycles,” distinct from legal electric-assisted bicycles.
Under the law, a motorized bicycle includes certain electric vehicles with motors of more than 750 watts but less than 1,500 watts. The vehicles must have a maximum speed of no more than 30 mph when the motor is engaged.
Legal electric-assisted bicycles in Minnesota are generally limited to motors of 750 watts or less.
The new category matters because motorized bicycles will face restrictions that do not apply to standard legal e-bikes.
Motorized bicycles will be barred from sidewalks, except when needed for direct access to a roadway from a driveway, alley or building.
They also cannot be operated on bicycle paths or shared-use paths.
The law also requires anyone under 18 to wear protective headgear while operating an electric-assisted bicycle. Existing Minnesota law already bars anyone under 15 from operating a standard e-bike.
The changes come as lawmakers and local officials across the country wrestle with the growing popularity of e-bikes and higher-powered electric vehicles, especially among younger riders.
Minnesota is not alone in trying to sort out the difference between legal e-bikes and faster electric vehicles.
In California, cities and lawmakers have been facing similar questions over safety, speed and accountability as e-bike use grows among children and teenagers.
The debate has included concerns about modified bikes, high-powered “e-motos” and whether existing laws are clear enough for parents, riders and police.
Supporters for clearer rules have said the concern is not with standard legal e-bikes, but with faster and heavier electric vehicles that can look like bikes while operating more like mopeds or motorcycles.
The Minnesota law also creates a motorized bicycle safety coordinator within the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.
That position will focus on public education and law enforcement training related to electric-assisted bicycles, motorized bicycles, motorized foot scooters, other micromobility devices and motorcycles.
The coordinator will also help law enforcement identify and categorize vehicles and maintain a database of manufacturers and how their products are classified under state law.
The bottom line for riders: Minnesota is not banning e-bikes, but the state is drawing a clearer line between e-bikes and higher-powered "e-motos."
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