Electric Scooter Laws in Minnesota (2026): Rules That Actually Matter
Ever seen someone zip past you on a Bird or Lime scooter in Minneapolis? Maybe you’ve thought about renting one yourself. Before you do, there’s some stuff you need to know about Minnesota’s electric scooter laws.
These laws are actually pretty strict. And honestly, most people don’t realize how many rules apply until they get in trouble. Let’s break down exactly what you need to know to ride legally and safely.
What Is a Motorized Foot Scooter in Minnesota?
Minnesota law has a specific definition. A motorized foot scooter is a device with handlebars. It can be stood or sat on. It has wheels no bigger than 12 inches in diameter. The motor can’t go faster than 15 mph on flat ground.
Pretty straightforward, right?
Here’s the important part. Minnesota treats electric scooters basically like bicycles. That means you get the same rights as bike riders. But you also have the same responsibilities.
Basic Age and Safety Requirements
You’ve got to be at least 12 years old to ride. No exceptions. If you’re under 12, you can’t legally operate an electric scooter in Minnesota.
Under 18? You must wear a helmet. Not just any helmet, either. It needs to meet the standards set by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. Make sure it’s properly fitted and fastened.
Most people skip the helmet. Honestly, that’s a bad idea. Dr. Andrew Zinkel from the Minnesota chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians told the Star Tribune that about 99 percent of scooter riders aren’t wearing helmets when they get injured.
Don’t be one of them.
Where You Can and Cannot Ride
Okay, this part is important.
You can ride electric scooters on streets. You can use bike lanes. You can ride on bike paths and trails, unless they’re specifically reserved for non-motorized traffic only.
But here’s what you cannot do. You cannot ride on sidewalks. The only exception is when you need to enter or leave a property. Even then, you should be super careful.
Think about it like this. Sidewalks are for pedestrians. Streets and bike lanes are for you.
No Passengers Allowed
This one’s simple. You ride alone. No passengers. Ever.
It doesn’t matter if your scooter has a seat or extra room. Carrying another person on your electric scooter is illegal in Minnesota.
Required Equipment and Lighting
Your scooter needs proper lights. If you’re riding when vehicle lights are required by law (basically from sunset to sunrise or in bad weather), you need both a headlight and taillight.
The headlight must be visible at least 500 feet ahead. The taillight needs a red reflector visible from 600 feet behind when hit by a car’s headlights.
Riding without lights at night is asking for trouble. Literally.
How to Ride on the Road
When you’re on a street, ride as close to the right edge as you safely can. Pretty much like a bike.
There are exceptions, though. You can move left when passing another vehicle. You can move left to avoid hazards like potholes, debris, or parked cars.
Making a left turn? Here’s where it gets specific. You must stop at the right curb. Dismount from your scooter. Then walk it across as a pedestrian.
Yep, you read that right. No scooting through left turns. You walk it.
The DUI Question Everyone Asks
Can you get a DUI on an electric scooter?
This is where things get murky. Minnesota law is still evolving on this point. The short answer is: maybe, and you really don’t want to find out.
Here’s what we know. Minnesota defines a motor vehicle as anything self-propelled. Electric scooters can self-propel. Some lawyers argue they count as motor vehicles for DUI purposes. Others disagree.
Recent cases in Minnesota have shown that you can get a DUI on an electric bicycle. The courts ruled that because e-bikes can self-propel, they count as motor vehicles. Electric scooters work the same way.
Hold on, this part is important.
Even if the law is unclear, don’t risk it. If you’re charged with a DUI on an electric scooter, you could face the same penalties as a car DUI. That includes up to 90 days in jail for a first offense. Fines up to $1,000. License suspension.
Basically, don’t ride drunk. Just don’t.
Penalties for Breaking the Rules
Most electric scooter violations are treated like bicycle violations. That means they’re typically petty misdemeanors.
Not sure what counts as a violation? The most common ones are riding on sidewalks, not wearing a helmet if you’re under 18, carrying passengers, or riding without proper lights at night.
If you cause an accident, things get more serious. You could face anything from petty misdemeanor charges to felony charges. It depends on the circumstances.
For example, if you hit a pedestrian and injure them, you’re responsible for their medical bills and damages. Most insurance policies don’t cover this. That’s a problem.
Insurance and Liability Issues
Speaking of insurance, let’s talk about who pays when things go wrong.
If a car hits you while you’re following all the rules, the driver is at fault. Their auto insurance should cover damages to your scooter and your injuries.
Minnesota is a no-fault state. If a motor vehicle is involved in the accident, your auto insurance must cover medical expenses up to $20,000 and wage loss up to $20,000.
But if you cause an accident? You’re on the hook. You could be responsible for vehicle damage, property damage, medical bills, and more.
Most people assume their insurance covers them on a scooter. It usually doesn’t. You might want to check with your insurance agent about getting an umbrella policy that covers electric scooter use.
Local City Rules
Minnesota has statewide laws. But individual cities can add their own rules too.
In Minneapolis and St. Paul, you must follow traffic laws. Obey stoplights. Yield to pedestrians. Stay off sidewalks unless briefly entering or exiting from a parked position.
Bloomington has specific restrictions. Scooters with engines 25cc or less and max speed of 20 mph can’t be used on sidewalks or public lands like schools and parks. They can only be operated from 8 am to 10 pm.
Confused about the difference between state and city rules? You’re not alone. This confuses a lot of people.
When in doubt, check your city’s specific ordinances.
What About Rental Scooters?
Bird and Lime are the big players in Minnesota. Both have agreements with Minneapolis and St. Paul to operate their scooter-sharing programs.
The same laws apply whether you own your scooter or rent one. Age limits, helmet requirements, riding restrictions all still count.
One extra thing about rentals. When you sign up through the app, you agree to the company’s terms. These usually say you’re responsible for any damage or injury caused while using their scooter.
Companies are pretty good about removing scooters that malfunction. But if you notice sticky accelerators, faulty brakes, or motor failures, report it immediately through the app.
Parking Rules
Where you leave your scooter matters too.
Park in the boulevard. That’s the city-owned area between the street curb and sidewalk. Don’t park in the street. Don’t park on the sidewalk.
Make sure your parked scooter doesn’t block sidewalks, paths, pedestrian ramps, bus stops, or building entrances.
If someone reports a badly parked scooter, the rental company has 24 hours to move it. If it’s blocking something important like a sidewalk or building access, you can contact the city after reporting it to the company.
Registration and Licensing
Good news here. You don’t need to register your electric scooter. No license plates required. No title needed.
You also don’t need a driver’s license to operate one. As long as you’re 12 or older, you’re good to go.
This makes electric scooters really accessible. Just remember that easy access doesn’t mean fewer rules.
Accident Scenarios to Avoid
Let’s talk about what can go wrong.
If you suddenly turn into traffic without warning and a driver swerves to avoid you, any resulting accident is your fault. You’re liable for injuries, vehicle damage, everything.
If you’re riding distracted and lose control, hitting a car or pedestrian, you’re responsible. And most insurance policies don’t cover these expenses.
If you’re a pedestrian and you cause a scooter rider to crash, you could be at fault too. Minnesota law works both ways.
The best approach? Stay alert. Follow the rules. Assume drivers don’t see you.
How to Stay Legal and Safe
Here’s your checklist. Are you at least 12 years old? If you’re under 18, do you have a properly fitted helmet? Does your scooter have working lights if you’re riding at night?
Stay off sidewalks. Ride on the right side of the road. Don’t carry passengers. Obey all traffic laws like you’re on a bike.
And seriously, don’t ride if you’ve been drinking. The legal gray area isn’t worth the risk.
What to Do If You Get a Ticket
If you receive a citation for an electric scooter violation, treat it seriously. Don’t just ignore it.
These are real traffic violations. They can result in fines and potentially affect your driving record.
Consider talking to a traffic attorney, especially if the charge involves DUI allegations or an accident. The penalties can be more severe than you think.
Recent Changes and Updates
Minnesota Statute 169.225 was enacted in 2005. The law hasn’t changed much since then. But enforcement and interpretation have evolved as electric scooters became more popular.
Cities started regulating scooter-sharing programs in 2018. That’s when Minneapolis and St. Paul first allowed rental scooters on their streets.
The biggest ongoing debate is about DUI enforcement. Courts are still figuring out exactly how to handle impaired riding cases. This area of law is definitely evolving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a driver’s license to ride an electric scooter in Minnesota? No, you don’t need a driver’s license. You just need to be at least 12 years old.
Can I ride my electric scooter on the sidewalk? No, sidewalk riding is prohibited except when entering or leaving adjacent property. Stick to streets, bike lanes, and bike paths.
What happens if I get caught riding without a helmet and I’m 17? You can be cited for a traffic violation. Anyone under 18 must wear a properly fitted and fastened helmet that meets state safety standards.
Can two people ride on one scooter if we’re both small? No, carrying passengers is illegal regardless of size or weight. Only the operator can be on the scooter.
Will I really get a DUI if I ride drunk? The law is unclear, but it’s definitely possible. Recent court cases suggest you can be charged with DUI on an electric scooter. The penalties would be the same as a regular DUI.
Do rental scooters have to follow the same rules as privately owned ones? Yes, all the same laws apply whether you own the scooter or rent it from Bird, Lime, or another company.
Can I ride my scooter at night? Yes, but your scooter must have a working headlight and taillight that meet state standards. Riding without proper lights at night is a violation.
What if a car hits me while I’m riding legally? The driver would likely be at fault. Their insurance should cover your injuries and damages to your scooter. Minnesota’s no-fault insurance rules apply when motor vehicles are involved.
Final Thoughts
Minnesota’s electric scooter laws are straightforward once you understand them. Be at least 12. Wear a helmet if you’re under 18. Stay off sidewalks. Don’t carry passengers. Use lights at night.
The rules exist for good reasons. Scooter injuries are rising across Minnesota. Following these laws keeps you safer and helps you avoid tickets and fines.
Most importantly, remember that you have the same rights and responsibilities as bicycle riders. That means you belong on the road, not the sidewalk. Drive defensively. Stay alert. Don’t assume cars see you.
Now you know the basics. Ride safe, follow the rules, and enjoy the ride.