/current laws in Minnesota

silverbear

New Member
Local time
6:15 AM
Joined
Jul 8, 2008
Messages
26
I'd very much appreciate links to current laws or pending legislation for gas motorbicycles in Minnesota. I live up by the Canadian border near Ely and am the only rider I know of in the area. Although I've had no trouble with the law so far I should know what's what. I expect to be selling a few builds this summer and want to advise buyers on how to stay in compliance with the state. Many thanks...
Silverbear
 
ya I didnt want to be a d*ck but this thread should be under MotoredBiking Laws & Legislation. I googled Minnesota motorized bicycle laws and this is what I found. I do not however live in Minnesota nor study law so dont hold me to anything.

Looks like in Minnesota a MB is considered a scooter and a drivers license is required. (But I may be wrong)


http://www.dmv.org/mn-minnesota/other-types.php

Mopeds, Electric-Assisted Bicycles
Definitions

Mopeds (or motorized bicycles) have a piston displacement of 50cc or less, two-brake horsepower or less, and are not able to go faster than 30 mph on a level surface, as defined by Minnesota lawmakers. If a vehicle exceeds any of these categories, it will likely be classified as a motorcycle.

Electric-assisted bicycles also fall under the moped category providing they have:

* Two or three wheels

* A saddle

* Pedals meant for human propulsion

* Met federal safety requirements

* An electric motor with a power of less than 1,000 watts

* A maximum speed of 20 mph

* Brakes that disengage the vehicle when applied

Driver Eligibility

If you have a driver's license, you're legally allowed to drive a moped. If you don't, you'll need to obtain a moped operator's permit. The Minnesota Motorcycle/Motorized Bicycle Manual outlines in detail the steps to get your permit. Applicants must be at least 15 years old.

Moped drivers need to carry liability insurance, but riders of electric-assisted bicycles do not. Mopeds must be titled at registered at a Driver and Vehicle Services location, much in the same manner as a car.
Operating Information

When riding a moped, keep the following things in mind:

* Drive as close to the curb as you can.

* Driving on sidewalks is not allowed, except for short distances when necessary.

* If you're under 18, you must wear a helmet.

* Wear protective eye gear (this doesn't apply when riding an electric-assisted bicycle).

* Don't drive on bicycle lanes, trails, and interstate highways.

* Make sure your moped has an operating headlight and taillight.

Top Motorized Foot Scooters
Definition

Motorized foot scooters are defined by state lawmakers as vehicles meant to be stood or sat upon by the rider, with handlebars. The vehicles must have an engine or motor that can propel the rider, without the help of human propulsion. Also, they must either have wheels with a diameter of 10 inches or less, or a top speed of 15 mph on a flat surface.
Driver Eligibility

You must be least 12 years old to ride a motorized foot scooter. However, you don't need a license to ride one, nor do you need to register or title the vehicle. Plus, insurance is not required.
Operating Information

Motorized foot scooters are not allowed to be ridden on sidewalks, except for over short distances when necessary. Passengers are not allowed. Scooters may be driven on some bicycle paths and trails. Riders under 18 have to wear a helmet.
Top Additional Information

For more information on any of these vehicles, consult the Minnesota Motorcycle/Motorized Bicycle Manual.
 
Last edited:
Sorry for posting this in the wrong spot, but thanks for your responses and information.
Silverbear
 
Hi, I got insurance on my MB $60 a year.
more than 49cc its a motorcycle permit. be back later

Did you register it like the state wants? I ride more than one bike and if I sell one I want to put miles on it to be sure all is well, so this insurance thing could add up, especially considering the short riding season in northern Minnesota. Have you been hassled at all by the local police?
SB
 
MN Registered MB

Did you register it like the state wants? I ride more than one bike and if I sell one I want to put miles on it to be sure all is well, so this insurance thing could add up, especially considering the short riding season in northern Minnesota. Have you been hassled at all by the local police?
SB

Working on getting it registered. need a title, so i need to make one using proof of purchase,Motor and frame SS# and 2 -3 forms notarized, pics both sides. and i think it needs to be inspected. I hope not. then send papers to the state and hope it works. P.S. 66cc grubee motor is actually 49cc hahaha. Uuu think they'll find out by looking at motor. There is no markings on motor other than a SS# i stamped in it.

Cops hav'nt said anything yet. they seen me twice today and neibor is a cop and he hears me tearing around.
 
P.S. eat this message when you're finished reading it

P.S. 66cc grubee motor is actually 49cc hahaha. Uuu think they'll find out by looking at motor.
if i was a cop and wanted to know how to find out...or if i was a councilman, or a mayor, or even just a "concerned" busy-body wondering if the town needs stricter laws or maybe should outlaw MB's altogether...well heck, i'd find everything i need, out in the open & conveniently sorted by location, right here at MotoredBikes.com...

;)
 
Last edited:
This always seems like such a gray area, not knowing if we are going to be "allowed" to ride an innocuous put put when we aren't bothering anybody or at least are riding in such a way that no one should be boythered. Some people require little to be bothered. I think that for myself, being 65 years old and not a speed demon, I could probably ride my vintage motorbicycles without a hassle since I obey all traffic laws and ride sensibly, wear a helmet, have lights, am known in the community, etc. The problem is when I start selling bikes and there are a few instead of one. Then in another year after answering all the questions about where'd I get the cool bike, what's that motor, etc. some people are going to buy kits and build their own. Inevitably someone is going to be riding drunk or breaking traffic laws, bragging about how fast they can go and racing around in town and somebody on the town council is going to save us all by suggesting these things be banned, especially if a serious injury is involved. I'm probably thinking too fast forward, but I just wish there was something more established which assures those of us who want to see this hobby/sport/mode of transport have a long life and be a right for us without having to lie about these little motors and their miniscule displacement. 49 or 66, big difference...
And proof of sale. Awe man. For example, My two main bikes this summer that I'll be riding are ones which I've had for years. One is a 63 Schwinn American Deluxe, much altered, which I originally bought the frame for on eBay maybe seven years ago. The other is a 1939 Elgin which I bought the frame for last summer on eBay. I already had the fenders, skirt guards and seat from a 41 I had laying around. So where's the proof of "purchase"? The motors for both bikes are BGF automatics, one from a year ago the other last week. If I did manage to show proof of the ebay transactions it would state that it is a higher displacement than 49cc. It is true that I have left nothing on either engine which identifies them as more than 49cc, but if I have to have a bill of sale for the engine there's the rub. I have no problem with anybody inspecting my bikes if they know what they are looking at.
So, I'm torn between just riding and letting somebody else do the registration business to blaze the way locally or doing it myself with one bike, probably the old Elgin, and trying to set things on a positive note from the start.
For the person on this thread who insure his bike, what did the insurer want to know? Bike serial number, engine displacement? Did you have to provide a photo or bring the bike in to be looked over?
Whatever each of us decides to do, it's a good thing to know what the score is, so thanks for responding to this thread.
SB
 
Back
Top