What Are The Laws For E-Bikes And E-Scooters In Duluth?

Over the last few years, the number of motorized electronic bicycles, commonly known as e-bikes, has grown quite a bit in the Twin Ports area.

There are many reasons people might want to own an e-bike. A common one is to make handling Duluth's hills less daunting. Making commuting or casual recreational riding easier or being able to ride further distances, are also common answers people give.

Regardless of the reason a person might own one of these motorized bicycles, there are laws and local ordinances you need to know about if you're going to ride trails or streets in Duluth.

What are the different types of e-bikes and similar vehicles?

If you're brand new to e-bikes, it's important to know there are a few different categories that sometimes get confused. E-bikes are pedal bicycles with an electronic motor that is no more than 750 watts in power and cannot exceed a speed of 28 mph. E-bikes come in Class 1 (pedal-assisted up to 20 mph), Class 2 (pedal-assisted or throttle-propelled up to 20 mph), and Class 3 (pedal-assisted up to 28 mph) designations.

READ MORE: Minnesota Power Now Offering Rebates On E-bikes And Other Motorized Electronic Equipment

These are different than an e-moto (e-motorcycle) or e-mopeds, which have more powerful motors and are capable of higher speeds. Scooters are also a separate category, powered either by an electric motor and/or by pushing with the rider's foot.

Who can ride e-bikes, e-scooters, and e-motos in Duluth?

In order to operate an e-bike, you must be at least 15 years old (which is Minnesota state law), and anyone under the age of 18 must also wear a helmet while riding an e-bike.

While not legally required for those 18 and older, a helmet is still an extremely good idea. The normal risks that come with riding a bike are amplified at the potentially higher speeds possible with an e-bike.

For e-scooters, riders must be at least 12 years old and must wear a helmet if you are under the age of 18.

E-motos and e-mopeds are much like regular motorcycles and require proper licensing and insurance in order to ride.

Where can you ride e-bikes, e-scooters, and e-motos in Duluth?

E-bikes generally can be ridden where nonmotorized bikes can be ridden (bike lanes, bike routes, road shoulders, trails, etc.), assuming they are operated at the correct speeds for the area in which you are riding. You can ride on trails and must follow any posted trail speed limits, including on the Lakewalk.

E-bikes cannot be ridden on sidewalks in business districts. It is not prohibited elsewhere on sidewalks in Duluth, but is highly discouraged in favor of riding on streets/shoulders. Bicycles are required to yield to and respect pedestrians on sidewalks, which have the right-of-way.

Get our free mobile app

Whether on a trail or roadway, proper turn/lane-change/other signaling and other traffic laws still apply.

E-scooters cannot be ridden at all on sidewalks in Duluth, but can be ridden on paved trails like the Lakewalk and on roads/shoulders. E-scooters cannot exceed 15 mph and also have to follow any other posted speed limits in locationsl ike the Lakewalk.

E-motos and e-mopeds can only be ridden on city streets and roadways, so long as they are properly licensed and insured. They cannot be ridden on sidewalks, trails, or the Lakewalk.

Registration, licensing, and other things to know

Registration for e-bikes and e-scooters is not required, but is strongly recommended through the City of Duluth in the event that they are stolen to help with recovery. You can do this for free through the Duluth Police Department's website.

Licensing and insurance are required for e-motos and e-mopeds, much like gas-powered motorcycles and mopeds. This is done through the State of Minnesota.

You can read the entirety of the City of Duluth's ordinance on bikes, e-bikes, scooters, and similar vehicles here.