e-Bikes

Fast. Fun. Electric.

Electric bicycles or e-bikes are bicycles with an attached electric motor that provides pedal assistance. E-bikes can also be propelled by the motor alone, eliminating the need to pedal all together.

Pedal assistance makes the joy of traveling by bicycle accessible to riders of varying abilities. By amplifying your pedaling power, e-bikes make long-distance commutes a breeze. Pedal assist on most e-bikes will last for 25-50 miles on a single charge, depending on the assisted power level. For shorter trips or to get some exercise, pedal assist can be turned off.

The state of Minnesota requires e-bikes to have operational pedals and not exceed 20 mph. No license is required, and persons aged 15 years and older may operate an e-bike. E-bikes share the same road rules as traditional bicycles.

Minnesota observes the most common e-bike classification – the “three-class e-bike system”. Under the three-class e-bike system, any bike with up to 750 Watts of power from the motor is classed as follows:

Class 1E-Bikes with motors that can only be ridden with a pedal assist system (PAS) and the motor cuts out at 20 mph.
Class 2E-Bikes with a throttle and PAS where the motor also cuts out at 20 mph.
Class 3E-Bikes with a PAS only but receive motor assistance up to 28 mph.
ClasslessOther e-bikes that don’t fall under any class in the system (for example, those without pedals, those with a throttle that can assist up to 28 mph, and those with motors over 750W)

Want to give e-biking a try? Dealers and bike shops across the city offer e-bike test rides. Minneapolis bike-share providers Lime and VEO have a fleet of e-bikes available for short-term rental. Download their apps, locate and unlock an e-bike, and ride away. Costs are based on the number of minutes per use.

While the price of e-bikes vary, they are becoming increasingly affordable. For those who choose to replace a car with an e-bike, the long-term cost savings are immense.

The State of Minnesota offers an e-bike rebate program for 2024

The Electric-Assisted Bicycle Rebate (e-Bike Rebate) is designed to reduce the cost for Minnesota residents to buy a new e-bike at eligible retailers starting July 1, 2024. The rebate is worth 50-75% of the cost of an e-bike and qualifying accessories, up to $1,500.

Individuals and retailers must apply to the Minnesota Department of Revenue to take part in this program. When the program opens on July 1:

Individuals will apply for a rebate certificate using the application portal. Certificates are issued on a first-come, first-served basis.
If approved, individuals will receive the rebate certificate by email. They will then have two months to go to an approved retailer and purchase a discounted e-bike and accessories.

For more information on the Minnesota e-Bike Rebate Program

See the Minnesota Department of Revenue’s rebate program information on their website and they continue to add information as it becomes available.

Also look for information with The Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota (BikeMN) for a guide on to the rebate program: All About The New Electric-Assisted Rebate Program