On Three Rivers’ regional trails, no topic currently sparks more conversation and questions than e-bikes.

The questions are understandable. As electric-assist bikes, or e-bikes, have become more readily available and affordable in recent years, seeing riders zipping by on one on the trails is a common occurrence. As trail users encounter e-bikes each time they visit, it makes sense to wonder:

Are e-bikes even allowed on the trails?

Yes, as long as they meet the criteria set in state law.

Recognizing that e-bike use was a growing issue that needed to be addressed, in 2021, the Minnesota Legislature updated the laws governing bicycles to include details on e-bikes. Legal e-bikes can be used anywhere a traditional bicycle can be ridden. 

What makes an e-bike legal?

To be legal, an e-bike must have:

• Two or three wheels
• A seat
• Pedals that work
• An electric motor that is 750 watts or less

Additionally, legal e-bikes are divided into one of three classes depending on how fast they can go and whether they have a throttle. A legal e-bike must fit into one of these categories:

• Class 1 e-bikes have a motor that assists up to 20 miles an hour without a throttle.
• Class 2 e-bikes also have the motor assist up to 20 mph but do have a throttle.
• Class 3 e-bikes do not have a throttle but can get assistance from the electric motor up to 28 mph.

E-bikes that fall into one of those three classes and meet the criteria listed above can go anywhere bicycles are allowed, including on Three Rivers trails.

How old must you be to ride an e-bike?

The 2021 legislation also established that e-bike users must be at least 15 years old.

If an e-bike is legal, then what?

It’s important to point out that many of the questions and complaints we are getting are not about the use of legal e-bikes. Instead, many of the concerns are related to off-highway vehicles that are not legal e-bikes and are not allowed on non-motorized trails. The most common features of these off-highway vehicles are that they do not have working pedals and go faster than 28 mph.

What rights do e-bikes have on the trails and roads?

When they meet the state’s criteria, e-bikes are given the same rights as regular bicycles. This means they are allowed to operate anywhere bicycles are allowed, including most multi-use trails, bike lanes and shoulders of roadways. 

Users of all bicycles (including e-bikes) must ride at a safe speed, regardless of how fast their bike can go, should give an audible signal prior to passing another bicycle or pedestrian and maintain a safe distance when passing.

Regardless of whether they are operating an e-bike or regular bicycle, all bicyclists must follow traffic laws and local trail rules and ordinances. Local cities may also have additional regulations related to e-bike operations. Riders should be familiar with these rules anywhere they plan to ride.

Sharing the Trails in Three Rivers

Three Rivers’ regional trail system is immensely popular, with more than 6.5 million visits each year. When we all share the trails and ride, walk, run or roll in a respectful, safe and courteous manner, we can ensure that everyone’s experiences on the trails are enjoyable. 

Check out tips for sharing the trails and learn more about the use of e-bikes and other low-powered vehicles in Three Rivers.

About the Author

Jason McGrew-King is the Intergovernmental Relations and Communications Supervisor at Three Rivers. He graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and from Hamline University with a Master’s in Public Administration. 

He first worked for the Park District as a seasonal employee at Baker National Golf Course in the mid-1990s, and after working for community newspapers for nearly a decade, joined the Park District full time in 2007. 

When not working, Jason enjoys spending time with his family hiking, photographing nature, trying new restaurants, attending concerts and theater performances and cheering for Wisconsin sports teams.