Beware of e-motos being sold as 'e-bikes' in Minnesota

As we head into the holiday season, the Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota has partnered with law enforcement agencies to urge Minnesotans to use caution when purchasing electric bicycles online.

Direct-to-consumer companies are marketing and selling a variety of motorized vehicles as “e-bikes” when, under Minnesota law, they are not. These products—commonly referred to as e-motos—pose safety risks and are illegal to operate as bicycles on Minnesota roadways, trails and paths.

Under Minnesota law, a legal electric-assisted bicycle must meet all of the following requirements:

• The motor must not exceed 750 watts of power.
• The maximum assisted speed must not exceed 28 miles per hour.
• The bicycle must have fully functional pedals that can be used to propel the bike. 

Here are some easy steps to make sure you buy a legal e-bike:

• Verify motor wattage, not just maximum assisted speed.
• Test ride the bike whenever possible to see if it truly functions as a bike even without motor assistance.
• To prevent a fire hazard, only use factory-recommended chargers to charge the battery.

If you’re unsure, work with a trusted, brick-and-mortar bike shop in Minnesota. Reputable bike shops understand state and local regulations, can help you find the right e-bike for your needs, and will provide the service and support you need to ride safely.

On campus

E-motos are not allowed in University biking facilities, shelters, lockers, and bike lanes.