Electric bikes, electric scooters and moto-bikes, also known as mopeds are becoming more common on streets, trails and around town, but the City of Hastings is reminding riders that not all motorized rides are treated the same.
Motorcycles are included in this mix, not because they are new, but because some of the new electric devices are technically motorcycles. The issue at hand is the differences can be confusing, especially because some vehicles look similar at first glance. An electric bicycle may have a motor, but it still has pedals. A moped may be gas or electric, but it has different rules than an e-bike. A scooter may be small and easy to use, but it still has age and helmet requirements. A motorcycle, whether gas or electric, brings another set of licensing and registration requirements.
As more residents use these devices for commuting, errands and recreation, the city is encouraging riders to understand what they are operating before heading out.
E-bikes are electric bicycles with two or three wheels, working pedals and an electric motor with a maximum output of 750 watts or less. Under state classification, an e-bike may be capable of speeds up to 28 mph. In Hastings, e-bike riders must be at least 15 years old.
E-bikes may be used on park trails, but riders must keep their speed to 15 mph or less on those trails. They may also be ridden on city streets, where riders must obey posted speed limits and follow traffic laws that apply to bicyclists. That includes riding as close as safely possible to the right-hand side of the roadway and yielding to pedestrians.
Riding e-bikes on sidewalks is not allowed. Proper lighting is required when riding at night, and helmet use is strongly recommended for safety. Carrying more than one passenger on an electric bike is illegal.
E-scooters are a separate category. Under Minnesota law, an e-scooter may be powered by either an electric motor or a gas engine. It may be designed for standing or seated operation, must have handlebars, and has two wheels that are 12 inches or smaller in diameter. The maximum capable speed is 15 mph.
E-scooter riders must be at least 12 years old. Riders under 18 are required to wear a helmet. In Hastings, e-scooters may only be operated on park trails and city streets.
Mopeds, also referred to as motorized bikes or moto-bikes, fall under a different classification. These vehicles have two tandem wheels and a maximum capable speed of 30 mph. They may be powered by a gas engine of 50cc or less, or by an electric motor.
Moped riders must be at least 15 years old and have a valid permit, or be at least 16 years old and have a valid driver’s license. Current registration and insurance are required. Riders under 18 must wear a helmet. Mopeds may only be operated on city streets, and riders must follow all applicable traffic laws and regulations.
The key difference between a moto-bike and a motorcycle is engine size and maximum speed. It only takes one variation beyond the legal limits to move the vehicle into the motorcycle category. If the engine is over 50cc, or if the vehicle can go faster than 30 mph, it is legally classified as a motorcycle.
Motorcycles, including electric motorcycles, are another category. These vehicles may have two or three wheels and do not have pedals. E-bikes or mopeds that have been modified from their manufactured capabilities may also fall into this category, depending on how they have been changed.
Motorcycle riders must be at least 16 years old and have a valid driver’s license with a motorcycle endorsement. Riders under 18 are required to wear a helmet. Proof of current vehicle registration and insurance must be carried at all times. Motorcycles may only be operated on city streets, and riders must follow posted speed limits and all applicable motorcycle laws and regulations.
The city’s guidance also includes parking rules.
Sidewalk parking must be limited to areas outside the pedestrian path of travel. E-bikes should not be parked in a way that blocks normal pedestrian movement or access to pedestrian ramps, building or property entrances, driveways, loading zones, disability parking and transfer zones, transit stops, crosswalks, parklets, street or sidewalk cafés, benches, parking meters or underground utility, sewer or water facilities.
E-bikes also should not be parked in the street, in a way that blocks sightlines at intersections, or anywhere they could create a safety hazard.
The goal of the rules is to make sure streets, trails and sidewalks remain safe and accessible for everyone. Riders, drivers and pedestrians all share the same public spaces, and knowing the difference between an e-bike, e-scooter, moped and motorcycle can help prevent confusion before it becomes a problem.
For riders, the best approach is to check the vehicle first. If it has pedals and an electric motor, it may be an e-bike. If it is a small scooter-style vehicle, it may be an e-scooter. If it is a low-speed motorized bike, it may be a moped. If it has no pedals and is designed as a motorcycle, or if it exceeds the moped limits for engine size or speed, the motorcycle rules apply.
In short, the name matters, but the equipment matters too.
As warmer weather brings more riders onto city streets and park trails, Hastings officials are asking residents to slow down, follow the posted rules, yield to pedestrians and park in a way that keeps walkways clear.