Question: Hello, I am looking at getting my kids an e-scooter for Christmas. I was just curious before making the purchase what are the laws and rules for these things.

Answer: Motorized foot scooters (also termed “electric scooters” or “e-scooters”) have seen a marked increase in use recently, primarily due to their introduction in fleets of shared rental offerings in cities throughout the country. A motorized foot scooter is defined in state statute as a device that:

• has handlebars;

• can be stood or sat on by the operator (so that a seat or saddle is optional);

• is powered by an internal combustion engine or an electric motor;

• has up to two wheels that are no more than 12 inches in diameter; and

• uses a motor capable of a maximum speed of not more than 15 miles per hour on a flat surface

Minnesota law largely treats motorized foot scooters like bicycles, so that operators have the same rights as bicyclists and must generally follow the same laws. However, there are some regulatory differences.

Registration. The owner of a motorized foot scooter does not need to register it or pay registration taxes, and a certificate of title is not necessary.

Operator licensing. A driver’s license or permit is not required for operation. The minimum operator age is 12 years old.

Insurance. The device does not need to be insured.

Use. A motorized foot scooter may not be operated on a sidewalk, except to cross it. The device can be operated on a bicycle path, bicycle trail, bicycle lane, or bikeway unless (1) the pathway is reserved for nonmotorized use, or (2) operation is restricted by local government.

Motorized foot scooter operators must follow the same traffic laws as bicyclists, except that when making a left turn, the rider must dismount and cross the roadway on foot (and the person is then subject to any restrictions applicable to a pedestrian). Operators must ride as close as is practical to the right-hand side of the road.

No passengers besides the operator can be carried.

Safety equipment. Any person under age 18 must wear a helmet. The device can be operated when it is dark out, but under current Department of Public Safety regulations it must meet the same lighting requirements that apply to a bicycle: a headlight that is visible at least 500 feet ahead and a red reflector that can be seen from 600 feet behind when in the path of a motor vehicle’s headlight.