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E-bikes, E-scooters, Motorized Bicycles & Off-Highway Motorcycles
The City of Lakeville recently passed an ordinance amendment to Title 7, Chapter 8 of the Lakeville City Code concerning the operation of electric-assisted bicycles (e-bikes), on City trails and paved pathways within the city. E-bikes and other motorized off-road modes of transportation are allowed throughout the City of Lakeville under the following guidelines. All pedestrians and riders are required to utilize these public right-of-ways safely and respectfully.
At-a-Glance Guide to E-bikes, E-scooters, Motorized Bicycles & Off-Highway Motorcycles
What is an e-bike?
An e-bike is defined as a bicycle that:
- Has a saddle and fully operable pedals
- Meets the requirements for bicycles under Code of Federal Regulations, title 16, part 1512 or successor requirements
- Is equipped with an electric motor that has a power output of not more than 750 watts
- Meets the requirements of a class 1, class 2, class 3 or multiple mode electric-assisted bicycle
- Has a battery or electric drive system
Classes of e-bikes:
- Class 1: Pedal assist only, stops assisting when the e-bike reaches a speed of 20 miles per hour.
- Class 2: Does not require pedaling, stops assisting when the e-bike reaches a speed of 20 miles per hour.
- Class 3: Pedal assist only, stops assisting when the e-bike reaches a speed of 28 miles per hour.
The following safety regulations are required of e-bike operators:
- Riders are not to exceed a speed limit of 15 miles per hour unless otherwise posted
- Wearing a helmet is required for any person under the age of 18 operating or riding an e-bike; it is recommended that all riders wear a helmet
- A driver's license is not required for operation but riders should be 15 years of age or older
- Must be equipped with a white light in front and a red light in the rear when riding at night
E-bikes are allowed on trails and paved pathways wherever normal bicycles are permitted, excluding trails managed for non-motorized vehicles. E-bikes are not allowed on City sidewalks, except where necessary to enter or leave adjacent property.
West Lake Marion Mountain Bike Trail
Class 2 and 3 e-bikes are prohibited on the West Lake Marion Mountain Bike Trail, as this trail is managed primarily for non-motorized use. Class 1 e-bikes are permitted on the mountain bike trail, except where precipitation, flooding, or other environmental or man-made factors create trail conditions where e-bike use would be hazardous or likely to cause significant damage.
The following safety regulations are required of electric scooter operators:
- Not allowed on sidewalks
- Are allowed on trails
- Riders are not to exceed a speed limit of 15 miles per hour unless otherwise posted
- Wearing a helmet is required for any person under the age of 18 operating or riding a motorized bicycle; it is recommended that all riders wear a helmet
- Must be at least 12 years of age to operate
- A driver's license or permit is not required for operation
- Must be equipped with a headlight and taillight from sunset to sunrise, during precipitation and low visibility
The following safety regulations are required of motorized bicycle operators:
- Not allowed on trails or sidewalks
- Riders are not to exceed a speed limit of 15 miles per hour unless otherwise posted
- Wearing a helmet is required for any person under the age of 18 operating or riding a motorized bicycle; it is recommended that all riders wear a helmet
- Must be at least 16 years of age to operate
- A driver's license or permit is required for operation
- Must be equipped with a headlight and taillight for night hours
The following safety regulations are required of electric scooter operators:
- Not allowed on trails or sidewalks
- Wearing a helmet and protective eyewear is required for any person under the age of 18 operating or riding a motorized bicycle; it is recommended that all riders wear a helmet
- Must be at least 16 years of age to operate
- A driver's license is required for operation
- Must be equipped with a headlight and taillight for night hours