Note: these rules pertain to uses on Minnesota state trails. State forests, wildlife management areas, and other DNR-managed public lands may have different rules.
Electric-assist/pedal-assist bicycles
- Electric-assist or pedal-assist bicycles are allowed on state trails, or wherever normal bicycles are allowed, if they meet the following definition in Minnesota Statutes 169.011, Subdivision 27.
- 2 or 3 wheels
- A saddle and fully operable pedals for human propulsion
- Equipped with an electric motor that has a power output of not more than 750 watts; and
- Meets the requirements of a class 1, class 2, or class 3 electric-assisted bicycle:
- "Class 1 electric-assisted bicycle" means an electric-assisted bicycle equipped with an electric motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour.
- "Class 2 electric-assisted bicycle" means an electric-assisted bicycle equipped with an electric motor that is capable of propelling the bicycle without the rider pedaling and ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour.
- "Class 3 electric-assisted bicycle" means an electric-assisted bicycle equipped with an electric motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 28 miles per hour.
- Note that the law does not permit anyone under the age of 15 years to operate any electric-assist bike.
- A motorized bicycle that does not meet the definition of an electric-assist bicycle is not allowed on state trails where motorized vehicles are prohibited.
- When riding on state trails, remember to yield to pedestrians and slower trail users, and give an audible signal if passing.
Segways or electric personal assistive mobility devices
- Segways are allowed on state trails, or wherever pedestrians are allowed, but must be operated at a speed that is reasonable and prudent under the conditions.
- Segways or electric personal assistive mobility devices are defined in Minnesota Statutes 169.011, Subdivision 26 as “a self-balancing device with two non-tandem wheels, designed to transport not more than one person, and operated by an electric propulsion system that limits the maximum speed of the device to 15 miles per hour.”
- When on a Segway on state trails, remember to yield to pedestrians and slower trail users, and give an audible signal if passing.
- For more information on operation of Segways, see Minnesota Statutes 169.212.
Dogsledding, mushing or skijoring
- Dogsledding or mushing is not allowed on state trails, except by special use permit.
- Skijoring is not allowed on groomed ski trails.
Winter fat biking
- Fat biking is strongly discouraged on state trails that are groomed for snowmobiling in the winter due to safety concerns.
- Fat biking is not allowed on groomed and tracked cross-country ski trails, unless specifically opened as a multi-use winter trail.
- For more information see winter fat biking.
- During the summer season, fat bikes are allowed anywhere normal bicycles are allowed.
Vehicles and uses that are not allowed on state trails
- Golf carts
- Motorized bicycles
- Motorized foot scooters
- Motorized vehicles, such as all-terrain vehicles, off-highway motorcycles, or off-highway vehicles, except when specifically permitted, such as on the Matthew Lourey State Trail.
- Any vehicle that is larger than half of the width of the trail treadway, as all users of state trails must stay on the right half of the treadway when meeting or passing other trail users.
Accessibility and other power-driven mobility devices
- Single-user electric devices, such as electric wheelchairs are allowed on state trails.
- More information about power-driven mobility devices on DNR lands and facilities.