Question: Hello, I am looking to give my children an electric scooter for Christmas. I was just curious before making the purchase what the laws and rules are for these things.

Answer: Motorized scooters (also known as “electric scooters” or “e-scooters”) have recently seen a marked increase in usage, primarily due to their introduction into shared rental fleets in cities across the country. A motorized scooter is defined in state law as a device that:

• Has a handlebar
• Operator can stand or sit (so a seat or saddle is optional)
• Is powered by an internal combustion engine or an electric motor
• Has up to two wheels with a maximum diameter of 12 inches
• Uses a motor capable of a maximum speed of no more than 15 miles per hour on a flat surface

Minnesota law largely treats motorized scooters like bicycles, so operators have the same rights as cyclists and must generally follow the same laws. However, there are some regulatory differences.

Registration. The owner of a motorized kick scooter does not need to register it or pay registration taxes, and a certificate of title is not required.

Operator license. A license or driver’s license is not required for operation. The minimum operator age is 12 years old.

Insurance. The device does not need to be insured.

To use. A motorized scooter cannot travel on a sidewalk, except to cross it. The device may be used on a bicycle path, bicycle lane, bicycle lane, or bicycle lane, unless the lane is designated for non-motorized use or its operation is restricted by local government.

Riders of motorized scooters must follow the same rules of the road as cyclists, except that when making a left turn, the driver must dismount and cross the roadway on foot (and the person is then subject to pedestrian restrictions) . Operators should travel as close to the right side of the road as possible.

No passengers other than the operator may be carried.

Safety equipment. Anyone under 18 must wear a helmet. The device can be used when it is dark, but under current Department of Public Safety regulations, it must meet the same lighting requirements that apply to a bicycle: a headlight visible from at least 500 feet in front and a visible red reflector. 600 feet behind you when you are in the path of a motor vehicle’s headlights.

Send your questions regarding Minnesota traffic laws or issues to: Trp. Jesse Grabow – Minnesota State Patrol, 1000 Highway 10 W., Detroit Lakes, MN 56501-2205. Follow him on Twitter @MSPPIO_NW or contact him at [email protected].