House Research Department Updated: October 2012
Low-Power Vehicles Page 9
Electric-Assisted Bicycles
Classification
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Electric-assisted bicycles, also referred to as “e-bikes,” are a
subset of bicycles that are equipped with a small attached motor.
To be classified as an “electric-assisted bicycle” in Minnesota, the
bicycle must have a saddle and operable pedals, two or three
wheels, and an electric motor of up to 1,000 watts, as well as meet
certain federal motor vehicle safety standards. The motor must
disengage during braking and havea maximum speed of 20 miles
per hour (whether assisted by humanpower or not). Minn. Stat. §
169.011, subd. 27.
Legislative changes in 2012 significantly altered the classification and regulatory structure for ebikes. The general effect was toestablish electric-assisted bicycles as a subset of bicycles and
regulate e-bikes in roughly the same manner as bicycles instead of other motorized devices with
two (or three) wheels. Laws 2012, ch. 287, art. 3, §§ 15-17, 21, 23-26, 30, 32-33, and 41. The
2012 Legislature also modified and clarified regulation of e-bikes on bike paths and trails. Laws
2012, ch. 287, art. 4, §§ 1-4, 20.
Regulations
Following the 2012 change, electric-assisted bicyclesare regulated similarly to other bicycles.
Most of the same laws apply. Minn. Stat. §§ 169.011, subd. 27; 169.222.
Registration The bicycle does not need to be registered, and a title is no longer necessary.
Minn. Stat. §§ 168.012, subd. 2d; 168A.03, subd. 1. A license plate is no longer
required to be displayed on the rear. See Minn. Stat. § 169.79, subd. 3. It is not
subject to motor vehicle sales tax (the general sales tax would instead be owed on
e-bike purchases).
Operator
licensing
A driver’s license or permit is not required. Unlike a nonpowered bicycle, the
minimum operator age is 15 years old. Minn. Stat. § 169.222, subd. 6.
Insurance The device does not need to be insured. See Minn. Stat. § 65B.43, subds. 2, 13.
Operation Electric-assisted bicycle operators must follow the same traffic laws as operators
of motor vehicles (except those that by their nature would not be relevant).
The bicycles may be operated two abreast. Operators must generally ride as
close as is practical to the right-hand side of the road (exceptions include when
overtaking another vehicle, preparing for a left turn, and to avoid unsafe
conditions). The bicycle must be riddenwithin a single lane. Travel on the
shoulder of a road must be in the same direction as the direction of adjacent
traffic.
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Image sources: http://www.egovehicles.com; http://www.electric-bikes.com/others.htm
House Research Department Updated: October 2012
Low-Power Vehicles Page 10
Some prohibitions also apply, such as on: carrying cargo that prevents keeping at
least one hand on the handlebars or preventsproper use of brakes, riding no more
than two abreast on a roadway or shoulder,and attaching the bicycle to another
vehicle. Minn. Stat. § 169.222, subds. 3-5.
The vehicles may be operated on a sidewalk except in a business district or when
prohibited by a local unit of government, and must yield to pedestrians on the
sidewalk. Minn. Stat. § 169.223, subd. 3.
By default, electric-assisted bicycles are allowed on road shoulders as well as on
bicycle trails, bicycle paths, and bicycle lanes.
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A local unit of government
having jurisdiction over a road or bikeway (including the Department of Natural
Resources in the case of state bike trails) is authorized to restrict e-bike use if:
the use is not consistent with the safety or general welfare of others; or
the restriction is necessary to meetthe terms of any legal agreements
concerning the land on which a bikeway has been established.
Electric-assisted bicycles can be parked on a sidewalk unless restricted by local
government (although they cannot impede normal movement of pedestrians) and
can be parked on streets where parking ofother motor vehicles is allowed. Minn.
Stat. § 169.222, subd. 9.
Safety
equipment
During nighttime operation, the bicycle must be equipped with a front headlamp,
a rear-facing red reflector, and reflectorson the front and rear of pedals, and the
bicycle or rider must have reflective surfaces on each side. Minn. Stat. §
169.222, subd. 6.
An electric-assisted bicycle can be equipped with a front-facing headlamp that
emits a flashing white light, a rear-facing lamp that has a flashing red light, or
both. The bicycle can carry studded tires designed for traction (such as in snowy
or icy conditions).
Helmets are no longer required for e-bike use.
(g) Whenever it is necessary for the driver of a motor vehicle to cross a bicycle
20.21
lane adjacent to the driver’s lane of travel to make a turn, the driver shall first signal the
20.22
movement, then drive the motor vehicle into the bicycle lane prior to making the turn,
20.23
and shall make the turn, but only after it is safe to do so. The driver shall then make the
20.24
turn consistent with any traffic markers, buttons, or signs, yielding the right-of-way to any
20.25
vehicles or bicycles approaching so close thereto as to constitute an immediate hazard.
20.26
Sec. 31. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 169.222, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
20.27
Subd. 2. Manner and number riding. No bicycle, including a tandem bicycle,
20.28
cargo or utility bicycle, or trailer, shall be used to carry more persons at one time than the
20.29
number for which it is designed and equipped, except (1) on a baby seat attached to the
20.30
bicycle, provided that the baby seat is equipped with a harness to hold the child securely in
20.31
the seat and that protection is provided against the child’s feet hitting the spokes of the
20.32
wheel or (2) in a seat attached to the bicycle operator an adult rider may carry a child in a
20.33
seat designed for carrying children that is securely attached to the bicycle.
20.34
Sec. 32. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 169.222, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
21.1
Subd. 4. Riding rules. (a) Every person operating a bicycle upon a roadway shall
21.2
ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway except under
21.3
any of the following situations:
21.4
(1) when overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction;
21.5
(2) when preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway;
21.6
(3) when reasonably necessary to avoid conditions, including fixed or moving
21.7
objects, vehicles, pedestrians, animals, surface hazards, or narrow width lanes, that make
21.8
it unsafe to continue along the right-hand curb or edge.; or
21.9
(4) when operating on the shoulder of a roadway or in a bicycle lane.
21.10
(b) If a bicycle is traveling on a shoulder of a roadway, the bicycle shall travel in the
21.11
same direction as adjacent vehicular traffic.
21.12
(c) Persons riding bicycles upon a roadway or shoulder shall not ride more than two
21.13
abreast and shall not impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic and, on a
21.14
laned roadway, shall ride within a single lane.
21.15
(d) A person operating a bicycle upon a sidewalk, or across a roadway or shoulder
21.16
on a crosswalk, shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian and shall give an audible
21.17
signal when necessary before overtaking and passing any pedestrian. No person shall ride
21.18
a bicycle upon a sidewalk within a business district unless permitted by local authorities.
21.19
Local authorities may prohibit the operation of bicycles on any sidewalk or crosswalk
21.20
under their jurisdiction.
21.21
(e) An individual operating a bicycle or other vehicle on a bikeway shall leave a safe
21.22
distance when overtaking a bicycle or individual proceeding in the same direction on the
21.23
bikeway, and shall maintain clearance until safely past the overtaken bicycle or individual.
21.24
(f) A person lawfully operating a bicycle on a sidewalk, or across a roadway or shoulder on a crosswalk, shall have all the rights and duties applicable to a pedestrian under the same circumstances.
(g) A person may operate an electric-assisted bicycle on the shoulder of a roadway,
on a bikeway, or on a bicycle trail if not otherwise prohibited under section 85.015,
subdivision 1d; 85.018, subdivision 2, paragraph (d); or 160.263, subdivision 2, paragraph (b), as applicable. Sec. 33.
Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 169.222, subdivision 6, is amended to read: Subd. 6. Bicycle equipment. (a) No person shall operate a bicycle at nighttime unless the bicycle or its operator is equipped with (1) a lamp which emits a white light visible from a distance of at least 500 feet to the front; and (2) a red reflector of a type approved by the Department of Public Safety which is visible from all distances from 100 feet to 600 feet to the rear when directly in front of lawful lower beams of headlamps on a motor vehicle. A bicycle equipped with lamps that are visible from a distance of at least 500 feet from both the front and the rear is deemed to fully comply with this paragraph.
(b) No person may operate a bicycle at any time when there is not sufficient light to
render persons and vehicles on the highway clearly discernible at a distance of 500 feet
22.6
ahead unless the bicycle or its operator is equipped with reflective surfaces that shall be
22.7
visible during the hours of darkness from 600 feet when viewed in front of lawful lower
22.8
beams of headlamps on a motor vehicle. The reflective surfaces shall include reflective
22.9
materials on each side of each pedal to indicate their presence from the front or the rear and
22.10
with a minimum of 20 square inches of reflective material on each side of the bicycle or its
22.11
operator. Any bicycle equipped with side reflectors as required by regulations for new
22.12
bicycles prescribed by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission shall be
22.13
considered to meet the requirements for side reflectorization contained in this subdivision.
(c) A bicycle may be equipped with a front lamp that emits a white flashing signal,
or a rear lamp that emits a red flashing signal, or both.
(d) A bicycle may be equipped with tires having studs, spikes, or other protuberances
22.17
designed to increase traction.
22.18
(e) No person shall operate a bicycle unless it is equipped with a rear brake or
22.19
front and rear brakes which will enable the operator to make the a braked wheels wheel
22.20
skid on dry, level, clean pavement. A bicycle equipped with a direct or fixed gear that
22.21
can make the rear wheel skid on dry, level, clean pavement shall be deemed to fully
22.22
comply with this paragraph.
22.23
(f) A bicycle may be equipped with a horn or bell designed to alert motor vehicles,
22.24
other bicycles, and pedestrians of the bicycle’s presence.
22.25
(f) (g) No person shall operate upon a highway any two-wheeled bicycle equipped
22.26
with handlebars so raised that the operator must elevate the hands above the level of the
22.27
shoulders in order to grasp the normal steering grip area.
22.28
(g) (h) No person shall operate upon a highway any bicycle which is of such a size
22.29
as to prevent the operator from stopping the bicycle, supporting it with at least one foot
22.30
on the highway surface and restarting in a safe manner.
22.31
Sec. 34. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 169.222, subdivision 7, is amended to read:
22.32
Subd. 7. Sale with reflectors and other equipment. (a) No person shall sell or
22.33
offer for sale any new bicycle unless it is equipped with reflectors and other equipment as
22.34
required by subdivision 6, paragraphs (b) and (e) and by applicable regulations for new
22.35
bicycles prescribed by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission.
23.1
(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), a new bicycle may be sold or offered for sale
23.2
without pedals if the bicycle otherwise meets the requirements of paragraph (a).
25.30
(e) It is permissible, but not required, for a bicycle to be equipped with a horn or bell
25.31
designed to alert motor vehicles, other bicycles, and pedestrians of the bicycle’s presence.
169.221
Subd. 6.Bicycle equipment. (a) No person shall operate a bicycle at nighttime unless the bicycle or its operator is equipped with (1) a lamp which emits a white light visible from a distance of at least 500 feet to the front; and (2) a red reflector of a type approved by the Department of Public Safety which is visible from all distances from 100 feet to 600 feet to the rear when directly in front of lawful lower beams of headlamps on a motor vehicle.
(b) No person may operate a bicycle at any time when there is not sufficient light to render persons and vehicles on the highway clearly discernible at a distance of 500 feet ahead unless the bicycle or its operator is equipped with reflective surfaces that shall be visible during the hours of darkness from 600 feet when viewed in front of lawful lower beams of headlamps on a motor vehicle. The reflective surfaces shall include reflective materials on each side of each pedal to indicate their presence from the front or the rear and with a minimum of 20 square inches of reflective material on each side of the bicycle or its operator. Any bicycle equipped with side reflectors as required by regulations for new bicycles prescribed by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission shall be considered to meet the requirements for side reflectorization contained in this subdivision.
(c) A bicycle may be equipped with a front lamp that emits a white flashing signal, or a rear lamp that emits a red flashing signal, or both.
Cyclist claims Molotov cocktail was thrown at him from Midtown Greenway bridge
Just after 1 p.m. this afternoon, Drew Ditlefsen was biking eastbound on the Midtown Greenway when he says he received a very scary surprise.
As he passed under the 15th Avenue bridge, he heard a crash and glass breaking. Afraid more objects would be thrown at him, he kept moving, but he managed to look over his shoulder quickly and he could see the entire width of the Greenway in flames.
Apparently, a Molotov cocktail had been thrown at him.
“It was like the movies, almost,” Ditlefsen said.
Ditlefsen says that by the time he felt comfortable turning around to get a good look at the two Molotov cocktail-throwers on the bridge, he was too far away to be able to provide suspect descriptions. And while there were many people on the Greenway today, Ditlefsen said he didn’t think there were any witnesses to the incident besides himself.
Once he returned to Peace Coffee’s Minneapolis headquarters, a coworker told Ditlefsen he could smell the gas fumes on him. Ditlefsen called police and told them about the incident.
Here’s the MPD’s police report:
Unk suspects [i.e., unknown suspects] threw a Molotov cocktail from the 15th Av S over pass onto the Greenway bike path almost striking the listed reporting party as he rode by on his bicycle.
Ditlefsen took a picture of the scene after the flames subsided.
“The officer said in 13 years, he’d never seen anything like that,” Ditlefsen said, adding that the officer said investigators would be trying to pull fingerprints from the broken glass left on the Greenway.
As someone who regularly uses the Greenway to make deliveries and to get to and from work, Ditlefsen said he uses it “just as much as anybody in the city.” He said he’s had things thrown at him while biking down it four or five times before — but nothing like this.
Driver who hit Elyse Stern charged with felony hit and run, but not homicide
The driver who struck and killed 28-year-old Elyse Stern while she biked through the intersection of East Lake Street and Cedar Avenue South early Saturday morning has been charged with a felony hit-and-run count and DWI, but not criminal vehicular homicide.
THE BACKSTORY: Elyse Stern, 28, killed in Saturday morning bike accident at Lake Street and Cedar Avenue
As the criminal complain explains it, an intoxicated 27-year-old Juan Ricardo Hernandez-Campoceco was driving through the intersection westbound on Lake Street when Stern tried to pass through the intersection in front of him. But Hernandez-Campoceco didn’t see her and struck her with enough force to put a basketball-sized hole in his windshield. He then drove away from the scene before he was pulled over after an officer noticed his vehicle had massive front-end damage.
Stern wasn’t wearing a helmet and her bike had no lights.
HERE IS THE POLICE REPORT:
Complainant, Luis Porras, of the Minneapolis Police Department, has investigated the facts and circumstances of
this offense and believes the following establishes probable cause:
On or about March 30, 2013 at approximately 2:17 a.m., Minneapolis police responded to a hit and run accident at
the intersection of East Lake Street and Cedar Avenue South, Minneapolis, Hennepin County. Upon arrival,
officers immediately observed an adult female lying in the middle of Lake Street, about 70 feet west of Cedar
Avenue South. She was not breathing and there was a large pool of blood around her head. Officers identified a
witness who had called 911. This witness told officers that he had been behind the victim on eastbound Lake Street
when the light turned green. As he turned right onto Cedar Avenue going southbound, the victim turned left onto
northbound Cedar Avenue and he heard a loud noise. He immediately turned his vehicle around on Cedar Avenue
and observed the victim lying in the middle of the intersection.
As squads were responding to the scene, one of them encountered a green Chevrolet Monte Carlo going north on
Bloomington Avenue South. Officers observed that the vehicle had heavy front end damage that was consistent
with a recent collision. The front bumper was damaged and the entire windshield was shattered. Additionally there
was a hole in the windshield the size of a basketball. Officers stopped the vehicle on Franklin Avenue and
Bloomington Avenue South. There were three occupants. The driver, identified asJUAN RICARDO HERNANDEZ-CAMPOCECO, Defendant herein appeared extremely intoxicated. When officers inquired as tothe cause of the damage to his vehicle, the Defendant stated “I hit a person, I’m not going to lie to you, I hit aperson.” JUAN RICARDO HERNANDEZ-CAMPOCECO CCN 13093839Defendant was taken into custody and transported to Minneapolis Chem Testing where he was read the ImpliedConsent Advisory and agreed to a blood test. Results of that test are pending.Your Complainant spoke with the other two occupants of the vehicle, who stated that they had been at El NuevoRodeo earlier in the evening and had left around 2:00 a.m. They were traveling westbound on Lake Street whenthey had the green light at Cedar Avenue South. As they went through the intersection, the collision occurred.Neither passenger was able to explain exactly what happened. One passenger stated that the Defendant stopped thecar briefly and then left the scene after stating that he had hit someone on a bicycle but it wasn’t his fault becausethe light for him was green.Your Complainant was finally able to interview the Defendant at approximately 4:15 p.m. on March 30th, as he had been unconscious when earlier attempts were made. The Defendant stated that he had six beers through the night,but that he did not feel too drunk when they left the club. The Defendant stated that he thought it was at theintersection of Lake Street and Bloomington Avenue South where he struck the bicyclist. Defendant further statedthe bicyclist had crossed in front of him. He further admitted that he knew he struck the person, but did not stopbecause his friends told him to keep going. He thought he had been traveling about 30 miles per hour
Driver Confusion Could Kill Controversial Edina Road Design
http://kstp.com/article/stories/S2971585.shtml?cat=1
A confusing stretch of road in Edina could soon be changed.
The Edina city council voted Tuesday to seriously consider new markings for a portion of Wooddale Avenue, just six months after major changes were made there to accommodate bikes.
There’s no longer a center line on part of that road, and there are advisory bike lanes on either side of the street. We’ve told you about the resulting driver confusion on that road before.
The new markings were paid for by part of a $250,000 grant from the federal government, aimed at making Edina more bicycle-friendly. Now, there’s a chance Edina may have to pay that money back.
That’s because some drivers say this is just too complicated, and the city council says it’s not working.
“It’s a maze. That’s the best way to describe it,” said George Griffiths, an Edina resident.
Griffiths is not a fan of the disappearing double yellow line.
“I think it’s a disaster,” Griffiths said. “First, when I drive on it, I’m not sure where I’m supposed to be. Second, it’s idiotic that they do what they’ve done.”
And he refuses to drive on it.
“I’m afraid,” Griffiths said.
“We’re running out of space on the roadways and you can’t build yourself up,” said Wayne Houle, engineering director for the City of Edina.
Houle said the city is trying to make the best use of limited pavement space, and accommodate all forms of transportation. But the city council said drivers simply aren’t adapting to the design, and voted to look at other options, including bringing back a center line.
Houle said despite the backpedaling, the project has still been a success.
“It’s not a failed event by any means. We’ve had a lot of great publicity that bicycles are out on the roadways and motorists have to work around the bicyclists,” Houle said.
We found a bicyclist on Thursday. He told us that in time, drivers would get used to the advisory bike lanes.
But Griffiths won’t.
“It’s nice to have bike lanes, but I don’t think that Edina is really set up for bikes,” Griffiths said.
The city is now on stand by, waiting to hear back from the federal government on whether they would have to return that grant money if they change the layout of Wooddale Avenue. City officials said they’re fairly confident they won’t have to, but they’ll know for sure within a week or so.
The markings on Wooddale Avenue could change as soon as May.
Intelligent new Biking Blog: “Twin City Sidewalks” http://tcsidewalks.blogspot.com/
Here’s a funny video of a guy biking with his cat perched on his shoulders…funny.
Free CycleTracks Smart Phone App
The Metropolitan Council is using a smartphone application to get a better understanding of bicyclists’ route and habits, info that will help make the region more bike-friendly. The Council has licensed the use of the app CycleTracks, developed by the San Francisco County Transportation Authority, for use by cyclists in the Twin Cities region.
This application is free to download and use and records your actual bike trips with the help of GPS. CycleTracks also allows users to track their rides. The app sends details of the routes to a centralized database. The Met Council can then use the information on your routes to improve regional transportation planning by giving transportation planners a better understanding of the routes cyclists take.
If you have a smart phone, give it a try. You can download the application from Google Play (android) or App Store (iPhone). More information about CycleTracks can be found here.
short video overview of biking in Minneapolis
This is a link to the City of Minneapolis’s web page on ‘Encouragement, Classes & Events’
http://www.minneapolismn.gov/bicycles/events/index.htm
There are many ways to learn more about biking in Minneapolis and to get involved in the city’s vibrant bicycle culture. Throughout the year, bicyclists, neighborhood groups and advocacy organizations coordinate events ranging from children’s fun rides to film festivals and alleycat races. You can find information about these groups on our Related Links page.
The City of Minneapolis and our partners teach a variety of classes to encourage bicycling. The City’s Bike Walk Ambassador Program offers rides, maintenance classes, youth events and events geared toward senior cyclists. Our goal is to get you rolling, build your bike moxie, and help you enjoy Minneapolis’ great bicycling opportunities. Click here for current classes. You can also call 612-333-3410 or email bikewalk@minneapolismn.gov for more information.
Maintenance classes are offered at many local bike shops, and advocacy organizations like the Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota, Sibley Bike Depot and Venture North Bike Walk & Coffee frequently offer classes in Minneapolis and the metro area.
minneapolis bike lights 