Electric scooter Laws in Minnesota – Complete Guide 2025

Summary Minnesota Electric Scooter Law

• Classification: Motorized foot scooter (Minnesota Statute 169.225)
• Min age: 12+ (under 12 prohibited)
• Helmet required?: Yes, under 18 years old
• Max legal speed: Not specified in state law
• License/registration required?: No
• Sidewalk riding allowed?: No (except entering/leaving property)
• Bike lane access?: Yes (unless locally prohibited)
• Scooter sharing present?: Yes (Minneapolis, Saint Paul)
• Last checked: September 10, 2025

What Minnesota riders need to know

Minnesota has a straightforward approach to electric scooter regulation through Minnesota Statute 169.225, which treats electric scooters essentially like bicycles for its users. The state strikes a practical balance by giving scooters most of the same rights as bicycles while adding specific safety requirements like helmet mandates for riders under 18 and minimum age restrictions.

The key restriction that sets Minnesota apart from some states is the clear prohibition on sidewalk riding, except when entering or leaving adjacent property. This creates a more structured riding environment that prioritizes road and bike lane usage.

Official legal framework

Minnesota’s electric scooter regulations are found in Minnesota Statute 169.225, which states that “Every person operating a motorized foot scooter shall have all rights and duties applicable to the operator of a bicycle” with specific exceptions for motorized foot scooter provisions.

This approach builds on established bicycle law rather than creating entirely separate regulatory frameworks, making sure most riders will have a general pre-hand understanding. The statute covers everything from age restrictions to equipment requirements in a comprehensive manner.

Where you can ride

Roadways: Motorized foot scooters have full access to public roads where bicycles are permitted. When riding on roads you must stay as far to the right as possible, unless it is creating a hazardous situation.

Bike lanes and paths: You can operate your scooter on any path where bicycles are allowed, unless local authorities specifically prohibit it.

Sidewalks: Prohibited except “when necessary to enter or leave adjacent property.” This is stricter than many states and means you’ll need to plan routes using roads and bike infrastructure.

Left turns: Minnesota has specific rules requiring scooter operators to stop and dismount at the right-hand curb or right edge of the road, then the scooter shall be maneuvered by foot over the crossing to complete a left turn. Its in there, but I cannot tell how frequently it is enforced.

Equipment & vehicle requirements

Minnesota focuses on essential safety equipment rather than detailed technical specifications.

Lighting requirements: If operated “under conditions when vehicle lights are required by law,” your scooter must be equipped with “a headlight and a taillight that comply with standards established by the commissioner of public safety.”

Single rider only: You are not allowed to bring a passenger on your electric scooter.

Power and speed: The state doesn’t specify maximum power or speed limits in the main statute, leaving these details to to the different counties.

Rider requirements

Age restrictions: No person under 12 years may operate a motorized foot scooter anywhere in Minnesota.

Helmet requirements: All riders under 18 years must wear “properly fitted and fastened protective headgear that complies with standards established by the commissioner of public safety.”

License: No license required.

Traffic compliance: Since scooters follow bicycle rules, operators must obey all traffic control devices, signal appropriately, and follow right-of-way regulations.

Alcohol and drugs: Standard DUI laws apply to motorized foot scooters under vehicle operation statutes.

Parking, storage & riding etiquette

Minnesota law doesn’t specify detailed parking rules beyond general traffic regulations, which means local jurisdictions and common sense principles apply.

Best practices: Follow local parking ordinances, avoid blocking pedestrian access or ADA compliance areas, and stay out of vehicle travel lanes when parked.

Enforcement & penalties

Minnesota hasn’t established specific penalty structures for motorized foot scooter violations in the main statute, which means they typically fall under general traffic violation categories.

Common enforcement areas: Helmet violations, under aged riding, sidewalk riding violations, and failure to follow traffic laws tend to be the primary enforcement focuses.

Insurance & liability

Minnesota doesn’t require specific insurance for e-scooters, but standard liability principles will be applied during accidents. Minnesota follows comparative negligence rules for determining fault in accidents.

Coverage considerations: Check with your insurance provider about liability coverage options, particularly given the requirement to operate in mixed traffic environments.

Local exceptions to state law

Saint Paul has comprehensive shared mobility regulations that provide good guidance for all scooter types:

• Where to ride: “ONLY permitted on city streets, bike lanes, and bike trails” (no sidewalks)
• Parking: Must park “in the boulevard (the city-owned public right of way property between the street curb and sidewalk) and not in the street or on the sidewalk”
• Equipment: Follow traffic rules, proper lighting required
• Approved vendors: Lime and Spin

Minneapolis follows similar guidelines to Saint Paul:

• Age requirements: 18+ for shared scooters, helmet required under 18 for all scooters
• Traffic compliance: Full adherence to vehicle traffic laws
• Parking: Designated areas where available, boulevard parking otherwise

Duluth and other cities generally follow state law closely:

• Basic compliance: Standard traffic law enforcement
• Tourism areas: May have additional restrictions during peak summer periods

Special circumstances

University areas: Communities like Minneapolis (University of Minnesota) may have campus-specific policies and designated parking areas near academic buildings.

Winter conditions: Minnesota’s harsh winters effectively end the outdoor riding season for most people. Most shared scooter companies suspend service during winter months due to snow and ice conditions.

Tourism areas: Communities in northern Minnesota and along Lake Superior may have seasonal restrictions during peak recreational periods.

FAQs

Can my 10-year-old ride? No, the minimum age is 12 throughout Minnesota.

Do I need insurance? Not required by law, but liability in accidents can be significant. Check with your insurance provider about coverage options.

Can I ride on sidewalks? No, except briefly when entering or leaving adjacent property.

What about riding at night? Legal with proper headlight and taillight that meet state standards.

Can I make left turns? Yes, but you must dismount and complete the turn on foot as a pedestrian.

Resources & citations

• Minnesota Statute 169.225: Motorized foot scooter regulations
• Minnesota Department of Public Safety: Equipment standards and helmet requirements
• Minnesota Department of Transportation: Bicycle and traffic safety resources
• Saint Paul Public Works: Shared mobility device regulations
• Minneapolis Public Works: Transportation and parking guidelines

Stay Up To Date

Minnesota’s scooter laws are well-established, but local ordinances continue evolving. If you’ve spotted changes or errors, particularly in city regulations, let us know so we can keep this guide accurate.

Newsletter signup: Get updates when laws change in your state.

Toby’s Final Words Of Non-Legal Wisdom

Minnesota’s electric scooter regulation is very straightforward and if you know what goes for bicycling in the state there aren’t many differences to learn. The state created common sense rules that acknowledge these devices need road access while ensuring there are options to ride elsewhere depending on the riders age.

Sidewalk access being prohibited makes it clear that e-scooters and pedestrians don’t mix well together. Something you’d know if you’ve ever visited a city with shared scooters, people riding a device that isn’t their own seem to leave their brain at home.

One thing that works well in Minnesota’s system is the left-turn rule. Requiring dismounting and crossing as a pedestrian might seem inconvenient, but it eliminates the complex traffic interactions you get when scooter riders try to make left turns from vehicle lanes. It’s a practical solution that prioritizes safety over convenience.

A clear and simple framework that is known to work, since its been applied to bikes for years. Making it easy for law enforcement, regulators, and riders alike.

We are riders, not lawyers. This page summarizes law and is for informational purposes only, not legal advice. For specific questions about accidents, liability, or complex regulatory situations, consider consulting with local authorities or legal counsel familiar with Minnesota transportation law.