Bicycling is an easy and efficient way to get around Minneapolis and electric bikes have increased its popularity and made it more accessible. Unfortunately, having more cyclists on our roadways leads to an increase in bicycle accidents.
Understanding Minnesota’s e-bike laws is essential for staying safe and avoiding fines. If you have been in a bicycle crash, don’t hesitate to contact us today. We are advocates for all cyclists and will help protect your rights and work to you get the compensation you deserve.
What Is an E-Bike?
An e-bike, or electric bike, is a bicycle that is equipped with a small electric motor and battery to assist the cyclists with propulsion. It makes cycling easier and more accessible. There are three classifications based on speed and how the motor is activated.
- Class 1: Assists only when pedaling, stops assisting at 20 mph.
- Class 2: Can be powered by a throttle, stops assisting at 20 mph.
- Class 3: Assists only when pedaling, stops assisting at up to 28 mph.
Minnesota Laws & Requirements for E-Bikes
Generally speaking, the same laws that apply to standard, non-motorized bicycles in Minnesota apply to e-bikes. They can be ridden on bike paths and multi-use trails as well as bike lanes and city streets, so long as they do not exceed posted speed limits or the speed allowed for their class. However, local governments can impose restrictions on certain trails, paths or classes, so it’s always best to check signage or city ordinances before riding.
Traffic Laws
E-bikes are required to follow the same traffic rules and signals as regular bicycles. That includes:
- Riding in the same direction as existing vehicle traffic
- Coming to complete stops at stop lights
- Slowing at all stop signs and stopping if other vehicles are present
- Signaling turns and lane changes unless both arms are needed to control the bicycle
- Using a light when riding at night
- Yielding the right-of-way to pedestrians in crosswalks
- Biking as close to the right edge of the road as practical
Age Restrictions
E-bike riders must be at least 15 years old to operate an e-bike in Minnesota.
Helmet Use
E-bike riders under the age of 18 must wear a helmet approved by the Minnesota Commissioner of Public Safety. Adult riders are not legally required to wear a helmet, but it is strongly recommended.
Sidewalks
In Minneapolis, you cannot bicycle on the sidewalk in business districts, this includes both downtown and Uptown, nor sidewalks on the University of Minnesota campus. When riding on sidewalks in other areas where it is allowed, bicyclists must:
- Yield to pedestrians
- Give audible signals when passing
- Approach intersections slowly and safely
Licensing and Registration
E-bikes do not require a driver’s license, registration or insurance.
Safe Cycling Tips
Breaking a traffic law while riding an electric bicycle in Minnesota can result in a traffic citation and fine for a moving violation. It also puts you and others at risk of an accident. Always ride with courtesy and be aware of your surroundings. Use bike lanes when available, wear a helmet, signal your turns and keep your speed in check, especially in crowded areas and on shared paths. Make sure you’re seen by equipping your e-bike with lights and reflectors. Even when you do everything right, accidents can still happen.
What to do if You are in an E-Bike Accident?
If the driver of a motor vehicle breaks a traffic law and crashes into or causes an e-bike user to crash, the driver can be held responsible for the biker’s losses. However, cause and fault are not always clear and if an insurance company assigns a percentage of fault to the electric bicycle user, it could end up reducing the victim’s financial recovery.
If you’ve been injured in an e-bike accident, don’t hesitate to contact Brazil Sweeney Law Group in Uptown. We understand the unique issues faced by cyclists and are here to advocate for you and your rights. We’ll work with the police to get the facts right and determine fault, guide you through medical treatment and bills, negotiate with insurance companies, and, when necessary, file a lawsuit and go to trial. Call today to speak with one of our experienced bicycle accident lawyers for a free, no-obligation case review. There’s no fee unless we win.