RG Insurance Agency

If you have an E-bike, this is something you need to pay attention to.

As electric bikes (e-bikes) continue to grow in popularity, more cyclists have taken to city streets, sidewalks and trails with electric power, and unfortunately, it’s been happening illegally and unsafely in many areas of our city. There is a lot of information here, so please familiarize yourself with it. Parents especially.

Chaska does not currently have a city ordinance; however, state law is still enforced here. South Lake Minnetonka Police Department has a flow chart to help understand all of this, which is shown below.

There are 3 classes of e-bikes based on how the electric motor (up to 750 watts) assists with pedaling. Anything over 750 watts is no longer considered a “bicycle” and is subject to additional regulation:

Class 1 electric-assisted bicycle - no throttle, only pedal assist, max motor assisted speed of 20mph

Class 2 electric-assisted bicycle - throttle and pedal assist, max motor speed of 20mph, motor may be used exclusively but will stop at 20mph

Class 3 electric-assisted bicycle - no throttle, pedal assist, can reach speed of 28mph when using pedals. **If equipped with throttle, throttle alone will only allow speed of 20mph**

Motorized bicycle - electric or a liquid fuel motor of a piston displacement capacity of 50 cubic centimeters or less, and a maximum of two brake horsepower, which is capable of a maximum speed of not more than 30 miles per hour on a flat surface with not more than one percent grade in any direction when the motor is engaged. MUST have a driver’s license or a motorized bicycle permit to operate this.

Here are a few e-bike laws and safety reminders:

- According to State law, cyclists must be 15 or older to operate an e-bike.
- According to State law, cyclists must follow the rules of the road including speed limits and traffic signals. E-bikes cannot be modified to bypass the speed limit control.
- Cyclists must alert pedestrians of their approach and be courteous to others sharing the sidewalks, trails and roads.
- Cyclists should always wear a bike helmet and other appropriate safety gear.

Penalties for not following the e-bike laws and regulations can result in fines. For more information, read more about applicable state laws 169.011, 169.222, 169.223, 169.225: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/169.011