Warmer weather means residents are seeing more bikes and scooters being driven around Prior Lake.

That’s prompted a common question to city staff that pertains to where the electric versions of those vehicles can be driven within the city and the laws that regulate use.

This week’s police log includes a report in which a person driving an e-bike received minor injuries after failing to yield at a stop sign and collided with a van.

Because of the questions and complaints received from local residents, the city posted on Facebook this week that members of the Prior Lake Police Department are keeping an eye out on those who drive e-scooters, e-bikes and similar vehicles. If a child isn’t following traffic laws, officers will contact their parents.

The vast majority of public responses attached to the post supported that initiative. Some respondents said purchasing insurance should be required of those who own e-vehicles, while one suggested the vehicles could be confiscated by police if laws are not being followed.

Police Chief Liam Duggan was the guest speaker at this week’s Prior Lake Rotary Club meeting and reiterated complaints regarding inappropriate use of e-vehicles have increased greatly in recent months. Inappropriate use can result in serious injuries and cause accidents, he said, noting that legislation related to e-vehicle operations has not kept up with the new technology.

The city released this information regarding what is required of riders for each vehicle type.

Motorized Foot Scooters

• Riders must be at least 12 years of age.
• Scooters are allowed on multi-use paths and trails.
• Riders must wear a helmet if they are under age 18.
• The maximum speed a scooter can be driven is 15 miles per hour.

Electric-Assisted Bicycles

• Riders must be at least 15 years old.
• E-bikes are allowed on multi-use paths and trails, but riders must abide by the same traffic laws as motorized vehicles.
• Use of a helmet is preferred but not required.
• Operators cannot exceed a maximum speed of 28 miles per hour or a 750-watt motor.

E-Motorcycles and Dirt Bikes

• Use of such vehicles is illegal unless the bike is registered through the Department of Motor Vehicles as a motorcycle, and the driver must have a motorcycle license.
• Vehicles are allowed on private property without registration or license.
• If the person driving the vehicle is under age 18, wearing a helmet is required.
• Use of a helmet is not required on private property.
• The same traffic laws governing motor vehicles apply to e-motorcycles and dirt bikes, unless on private property.