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Apple Valley police outline e-bike rules, urge residents to report unsafe riding
Summary
Police Chief Nick Francis told the council he will expand public education on motorized bicycles, e-bikes and scooters, and encouraged residents to call the non-emergency line or use online reporting when encountering unsafe or illegal riding; the department will publish trail vs. sidewalk guidance and host outreach events this summer.
Police Chief Nick Francis briefed the Apple Valley City Council on May 14 about Police Week activities and an education and enforcement campaign aimed at motorized bicycles, electric‑assist bicycles, motorized foot scooters and e‑motors. The chief said the department will push outreach this spring and summer that includes handouts, social media posts, an educational video, bike rodeos and a web page clarifying where different devices may be ridden.
Chief Francis outlined device categories and rules as the department presented them: motorized bicycles (mopeds) are treated like low‑speed motor vehicles with licensing and a 15‑year minimum age for permits; motorized foot scooters require riders be 12 or older and are not allowed on sidewalks; electric‑assist bicycles are allowed on paths and trails, prohibited from sidewalks, and are subject to traffic rules; larger e‑motors and dirt bikes that are self‑propelled must be registered as motorcycles to be used on public property.
The chief emphasized that helmets are required for those under 18 in applicable categories, that passengers are generally prohibited, and that specific top speeds and motor‑wattage limits apply for classifications the state statute defines. To address confusion about where devices are permitted, Chief Francis said the department will add clear trail vs. sidewalk examples to its web page and work with public works to produce a GIS map.
Council members asked about how to obtain a motorized bicycle permit and what phone number residents should call to report unsafe riding. The chief said a statewide online class (about four hours) provides a certificate that lets a person take a knowledge exam at the local BVS office and later a road test; he also said residents can call 911 in an emergency or the non‑emergency line (including 952‑322‑2323) and can use Dakota County’s online "service request" reporting tool for non‑emergencies.
Chief Francis said the department obtained some grant-funded electric assisted bikes for its bike patrol unit and that most responses to complaints are educational; officers typically speak with riders and parents and try to reduce unsafe behavior through outreach and enforcement as appropriate.
What's next: the police department will publish educational materials, expand social-media outreach, run bike rodeos and add clarifying materials on the city website; residents were urged to report problems promptly so officers can investigate.
