Sartell, Minnesota Police Eye E-Bike and Scooter Ordinance After Surge in Complaints
Last Updated on September 1, 2025 by Kristina
Complaints about young riders on e-bikes and scooters are piling up in Sartell, Minnesota. Police say the number of calls has exploded, with residents reporting kids riding dangerously on roads, trails, and sidewalks.
Now, city leaders are looking at creating a local ordinance to set clearer rules.
Police Ask Parents to Step In
Police Chief Brandon Silgjord says many parents don’t realize what state law already requires. His goal is education, not punishment.
“As a police force, we’re not looking to try to be the fun police,” Silgjord told KNSI News. “We want kids to enjoy these devices. We’re really trying to educate parents on the rules and keep everyone safe.”
Minnesota Laws on E-Bikes and Scooters
The state already has strict rules in place:
Scooters (Minn. Stat. §169.225)
- Riders must be at least 12 years old
- Helmet required for anyone under 18
- One rider only — no passengers
- No sidewalks, except when entering/exiting property
- Must stay near the right-hand curb unless turning or avoiding hazards
- Headlight and taillight required when riding at night
E-Bikes
- Riders must be at least 15 years old
- Must follow the same traffic laws as bicycles
- Cannot be modified to exceed their intended top speed
- Three classes of e-bikes defined:
- Class 1: pedal-assist up to 20 mph
- Class 2: throttle or pedal up to 20 mph
- Class 3: pedal-assist up to 28 mph (no throttle allowed in Minnesota)
- Allowed wherever bikes can go, unless local rules restrict them
Where Do They Belong?
Silgjord says one of the biggest challenges is figuring out where scooters and e-bikes should be allowed. Sidewalks, trails, and roadways all raise safety questions. State law sets some limits, but cities like Sartell can add their own rules for extra clarity.
Minnesota’s Wider Concerns
Sartell isn’t alone. Across Minnesota, police and residents are reporting similar issues:
- In South Lake Minnetonka, officers say some kids ride recklessly and even ignore police orders to stop — which can escalate to felony-level charges.
- In Hastings, city leaders are drafting an ordinance that bans e-bikes on sidewalks and limits trail speeds to 15 mph.
- A statewide concern is the rise of “e-moto” bikes — powerful electric bikes that look like mopeds and can exceed 40 mph. These do not qualify as e-bikes under Minnesota law, but they’re showing up on trails and causing conflicts.
This wider context explains why Sartell is moving quickly.
What’s Next for Sartell
The city has handed the issue to a committee. That group will draft a possible ordinance by the end of the year. If approved, new rules could take effect in 2026.
Tips for Parents and Young Riders
If you’re in Sartell — or anywhere in Minnesota — here are some quick tips to stay safe and within the law:
- ✅ Check the age rules: 12+ for scooters, 15+ for e-bikes.
- ✅ Always wear a helmet: required under 18, smart for everyone.
- ✅ Ride in the right place: roads, bike paths, or trails — but stay off sidewalks unless allowed.
- ✅ Light up at night: both headlight and taillight are required after dark.
- ✅ Respect the speed: don’t modify scooters or bikes to go faster than the law allows.
- ✅ Parents — talk to your kids: many complaints come from young riders who may not know the rules.
By following these simple steps, riders can enjoy e-bikes and scooters safely — without putting themselves or others at risk.
Join the Conversation
Do you think Sartell should pass new e-bike and scooter rules, or are the state laws enough? ?⚡?
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