Electric bicycles or e-bikes have become incredibly popular in the Twin Cities and across Minnesota. Teenagers and adults turn to e-bikes as an efficient and affordable form of local transportation.
However, their increasing prevalence on local roads has led to a rise in the number of crashes involving e-bikes. Riders may have a more difficult time seeking compensation after an e-bike crash if the other party involved in the incident can reasonably claim that they violated the law in some way.
Many people have questions about how Minnesota regulates e-bikes. The three questions below are among the most common. Riders and those considering an e-bike purchase may benefit from learning about the rules that apply to these fun and efficient devices.
Are e-bikes bicycles or motorcycles?
Technically, Minnesota recognizes three different classes of street-legal e-bikes. The maximum speed possible and other design factors determine what class of e-bike a particular vehicle is. The state treats Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes the same way it does standard bicycles. There are a few additional restrictions on Class 3 e-bikes when it comes to state trails. Generally speaking, the state treats e-bikes like bicycles rather than motorcycles.
Do riders need a license?
Technically, e-bikes do not require any testing or licensing. There is also no requirement to carry liability insurance when operating an e-bike on public streets. Those who do not have a driver’s license yet or who have lost a driver’s license can potentially operate an e-bike without violating state statutes. That being said, there are still restrictions on riding e-bikes. Children under the age of 15 cannot legally operate e-bikes in Minnesota.
Is a helmet required?
The law in Minnesota does not mandate the use of a helmet when operating an e-bike. However, given their maximum potential speeds and how easy it is for those in bigger vehicles to overlook e-bikes in traffic, consistently wearing helmets can help protect people from serious injury or worse in the event of a collision.
Should a collision occur, the insurance coverage of the driver who caused the crash could potentially help compensate the injured e-bike rider for the damage to their bike and any medical costs that they incur. Reviewing the circumstances of an e-bike collision at length with a skilled legal team can help people better assert themselves following a crash. Riders familiar with state statutes can use their knowledge to assert themselves when drivers cause crashes that injure them or damage their property.