MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota. E-Bikes are becoming more popular on Minneapolis roads, much to concern of police, pedestrians, bikers, and other safety experts. E-Bikes look much like regular bikes, but they are equipped with an electric motor that assists the bicyclist. The bikes must be pedaled by the rider, so they are not technically considered mopeds or motorcycles. The lower-powered versions of the E-Bikes usually don’t exceed speeds of 20 miles per hour, similar to a regular bike.
According to the Star Tribune, lawmakers are struggling to figure out how to regulate these hybrid bikes. Some believe that because they are electric, they should be classified as mopeds and motorcycles and not permitted on city bike paths. Riders who claim that the bikes’ motors merely offer assistance and not propulsion believe that they should be permitted everywhere bikes are allowed.
E-Bikes are popular in Europe and Asia, but they have only started to gain popularity in the U.S. As more people seek cheaper and more eco-friendly commuting options, E-Bikes may turn out to be the next big trend. According to Bicycling, E-Bikes even offer health benefits for users who otherwise would have just been sitting in their cars. For older individuals who need the extra help on hills, E-Bikes may also be an excellent option.
Individuals who plan to buy an E-Bike should read up on laws restricting where they can and cannot be used. For instance, the Department of Natural Resources will not allow mountain E-Bikes on its trails if the bikes can reach speeds in excess of 20 miles per hour. Bike enthusiasts in Minneapolis seem divided about whether E-Bikes are safe to operate on city bike trails. Some say that the bikes are okay as long as they don’t exceed speeds of 20 miles per hour, while purists don’t want to see the bikes at all. It is also wise to check state laws if you plan to ride on state roads. Some states consider E-Bikes a motorcycle or moped class vehicle. In Minnesota, E-Bikes are classified as conventional bikes, as long as riders can propel the bike with pedals and as long as the bikes don’t exceed speeds of 20 miles per hour. Federal regulations say that motors cannot exceed 750 watts.
At the end of the day, E-Bike riders are subject to the same kinds of risk regular bike riders face. Drivers may not always be aware of riders and when accidents occur, riders don’t have the protective chassis of a vehicle to protect them from hitting the road and suffering serious injury. Whether you’re riding an E-Bike or regular bike, it is important to understand the law, and to follow it. It is also wise to be aware of your rights if you’ve been injured. The Law Office of Martin T. Montilino is a personal injury attorney in Minneapolis, Minnesota who has seen a growth in bike ridership over the years. As bike ridership grows, drivers and bike riders have a shared responsibility to one another. Road safety is everyone’s responsibility.
Bike riders must follow traffic laws as cars must. This also means that bike riders are subject to legal protections when cars do not treat them like other vehicles on the road. Visit www.martinmontilino.com to learn more.