Allowing electric-assisted bicycles

Rep. Rich Murray (R-Albert Lea) doesn’t run as much as he used to. But he and his wife are bicycling more.

“We’re starting to notice the hills are getting a little tougher as we go along, too,” he said. “As we get older, electric-assisted bicycles will allow us to stay out on the trails, to enjoy nature, to keep exercising. This will allow elderly people, disabled people that opportunity to be outside enjoying all these trails and bike paths that we’ve put in all over this beautiful state.”

Sponsored by Murray, HF1412 would require that electric-assisted bicycles be allowed on all bike pathways and trails, including state trails managed by the Department of Natural Resources and paths created by local units of government, unless it is deemed that “operation of the electric-assisted bicycle is not consistent with safe use and enjoyment of the trail.”

The bill was approved April 27 by the House Transportation Policy and Finance Committee and sent to the House Environment, Energy and Natural Resources Policy and Finance Committee. A companion, SF1136, sponsored by Sen. Pam Wolf (R-Spring Lake Park), was scheduled to be heard April 28 by the Senate Transportation Committee.

According to Dorian Grilley, executive director of the Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota, electric-assisted bicycles have a “modest electrical assist.” They are not mopeds or motorized bicycles that can go up to 30 mph. Most electric-assisted bicycles on the market are 250-350 watts with a maximum speed of 20 mph, although he cited a study that indicted most are ridden in the 10-15 mph range.

“They are most popular with those who are somewhat less able but still have the desire to explore Minnesota’s network of trails, bike routes and bike-friendly communities,” Grilley said. “Many are purchased by older individuals who need a little help keeping up with a riding partner.”