Riders of e-bikes, dirt bikes and electric scooters are seen frequently throughout Prior Lake.
Anyone driving, biking, running or walking in Prior Lake this summer has surely noticed the dramatic increase in the use of electric bicycles and scooters.
At the Aug. 12 work session of the Prior Lake City Council, Police Commander Phil Englin presented a thorough summary of the existing regulations related to the use of electric recreational vehicles. He noted that as he walked to the entrance of City Hall, there were six e-vehicles parked in the racks, four of which were illegal. When questioned about enforcing the various violations, he remarked that there are so many, it would be an impossible job. Police Chief Liam Duggan smiled and said they might need five more officers to keep up with enforcing the laws pertaining to e-vehicle use.
The work session was attended by a group of eight young men, clearly interested in the presentation.
In looking at the different vehicles, a few types were eliminated from the discussion by the council. The presentation’s focus remained on those requiring the most attention:
Electric-Assisted Bicycles
E-Moto/E-Dirtbikes
Motorized Foot Scooters
The challenges are complicated, Englin said. Laws pertaining to e-bike use are regulated either by Minnesota State Statute, Prior Lake City Ordinance or neither. E-Moto and E-Dirtbikes, for example, only require 0perator licensing if registered as a motorcycle. And in the best-selling model, the vehicle has no vehicle identification number, so it can’t be registered. These vehicles default to the definition of a motorcycle, lacking a more specific designation because state statutes do not apply.
E-dirt bikes and motorized foot scooters account for most of the complaints received by the Prior Lake Police Department and administrative staff at the Three Rivers Park District. While these vehicles are not allowed on public streets, sidewalks, trails, roads or any other public land, they are allowed on private property, according to operating rules. Some vehicles are capable of speeds of 40 to 70 miles per hour. Safety equipment, such as helmets, is not required.
The presentation concluded with discussion on motorized foot scooters which are covered in state statutes. No registration is required, however, nor does the operator need to be licensed. The minimum age required to operate a scooter is 12 years old. Drivers are required to follow the same traffic laws as bicycles, which means they should not be driven on sidewalks. Scooters are allowed on certain bike paths and trails. The state also requires the use of a helmet; a headlight and reflector are required at night.
The council agreed that the first approach to solving these challenges would be educating the public on the laws and requirements related to driving E-bikes, dirt bikes and motorized scooters. These guidelines will be developed by city staff with the help of school resource officers, and made public in the near future. City ordinances may be drafted and presented to the council at a later date.