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By Crystal Reith With an influx of concerned residents contacting the Slayton Police Department and Slayton City Hall with concerns about the use of motorized foot scooters in town, city officials are reminding the public of state laws and local ordinances governing the use of scooters and electric bicycles.
“Motorized foot scooters are a relatively new form of transportation, and many people may not be familiar with the laws and regulations that apply to these vehicles,” said Slayton Chief of Police Jesse Hoffmann. “Before purchasing or operating a motorized scooter or electric bicycle, I encourage everyone to take the time to familiarize themselves with the applicable state laws and local ordinances.”
Under Minnesota law, operators of motorized foot scooters have the same rights and responsibilities as bicyclists. Riders must be at least 12 years old to operate a motorized foot scooter, and anyone younger than 18 must wear a properly fitted and fastened helmet. Carrying passengers is prohibited, and scooters must be equipped with a headlight and taillight.
Operators must be at least 15 years old to ride an electric bike. While helmets are not required, they are recommended. Electric bikes may only be operated at speeds of 28 miles per hour or less and have an electrical output of 750 watts or less. Carrying passengers is prohibited unless the bike is designed to carry more than one person. Electric bikes operated at night must be equipped with a front white light and a red rear light.
“In Minnesota, laws governing motorized scooters and electric bicycles are designed to balance mobility, safety and the shared use of public roads and trails. State law established requirements such as age restrictions, helmet requirements, and lighting standards,” said Hoffmann. “These regulations help improve public safety and reduce crashes and injuries.”
Scooters are not allowed on sidewalks except when entering or leaving adjacent property, but they may be used on bicycle paths. Riders using a scooter on a roadway must travel as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway, except when passing another vehicle, preparing for a left turn or when roadway conditions make it unsafe to do so.
Local ordinances place additional restrictions on the operation of scooters, electric bikes, skateboards, roller skates and inline skates.
“The City of Slayton also has ordinances that regulate the operation of motorized scooters and electric bicycles within city limits,” said Hoffmann. “These ordinances address local concerns and may restrict the use of these vehicles in areas with high pedestrian traffic, such as the Broadway Avenue business district, or on heavily traveled streets, such as Maple Avenue.”
Operation of scooters, skateboards, roller skates and inline skates on Maple Avenue between 20th Street and 30th Street is unlawful. Operation of those devices is also prohibited on Broadway Avenue between 20th Street and 28th Street between the hours of 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Within the Broadway Avenue business district, bicycles may not be ridden on sidewalks. However, bicycles may be walked on sidewalks, but operators must observe the rights and duties of a pedestrian. Outside of the business district, riding on sidewalks is permitted, but riders must yield the rightof- way to pedestrians. Bike riders may not wear headphones or earphones in both ears simultaneously while riding.
Riders must obey the same rules of the road that apply to bicycles and may not operate scooters, skateboards, roller skates or inline skates in a careless, reckless or negligent manner. City ordinances also prohibit riders from being pushed, pulled or otherwise propelled by a motor vehicle or bicyclist.
Police officers may impound skateboards, scooters, roller skates or inline skates when violations occur. Equipment belonging to riders younger than 18 may be released only to a parent or legal guardian. Riders 18 and older may reclaim impounded equipment after a 24-hour holding period.
“Understanding and following these regulations helps improve public safety and reduces conflicts between riders, pedestrians, and motorist,” said Hoffmann. “Working together, we can ensure these devices are used safely and responsibly while keeping our community safe.”
