“If it doesn’t have pedals, it isn’t legal.”
Both enforcement actions and electric equipment have taken a step forward this e-bike/e-motorcycle season. Three law enforcement vehicles were on the Lake Minnetonka Regional Trail (LMRT) near Excelsior, late in the afternoon of Mar. 27. The Three Rivers Park District (TRPD) officers had four bikes “corralled” for what appeared to be a very serious discussion.
This is an improvement for enforcement activity on the LMRT from summer 2024. South Lake police have stated they do not have enforcement authority on the trail. For this reason, the trail can be an “anything goes” space for the vehicles until TRPD steps in.
As a reminder, the TRPD rules for operation on all park district trails are as follows:
E-bicycles (electric-assist or pedal-assist bicycles) can be used wherever traditional bicycles are allowed, including regional trails, paved in-park trails and single track trails, if they meet the state’s definition and requirements (sections 47-50), which includes bicycles that have:
- Two or three wheels
- A saddle (seat) and fully operable pedals
- An electric motor that is 750 watts or less
- Meet the requirements of a Class 1, Class 2 or Class 3 electric-assist bicycle.
An electric motor powered two-wheel vehicle that has all the characteristics of a motorcycle does not meet the definition above, and is not allowed on any Park District trail.
While enforcement has picked up steam, so has the equipment being used. Electric motorcycles (these are not bicycles) are now running the streets and trails in the South Lake area. The mini motorcycles, as pictured above, have average speeds of 50 mph. This e-powered equipment exceeds the majority of the electric bicycles operated by youth on the trail. Electric motorcycles are never legal on local trails and streets. Enforcement will need to rise to the occasion. Local city park, trail and sidewalk enforcement relies on South Lake Minnetonka Public Safety.
A search indicates that the only Legislature discussion of e-bicycles for the 2025 session is related to the Rebate Program when purchasing new.
More reading:
Are 2024 E-Bike Rule Changes Enough?
Class II E-Bikes: Parents, Policing and Policy
They Said It Couldn’t Be Done
