INFORMATION BRIEF
Minnesota House of Representatives
Research Department
600 State Office Building
St. Paul, MN 55155
John Williams, Legislative Analyst
651-296-5045
July 2004
Motorized Scooters
and Other Low-Power Vehicles
There has been an upsurge in the number and types of motorized scooters and
other low-power vehicles available in Minnesota, from recreational vehicles
intended primarily for children to more powerful vehicles aimed at young
adults and even seniors. Minnesota law prohibits many of these types of
vehicles from being operated on streets and highways.
This publication can be made available in alternative formats upon request. Please call 651-296-6753 (voice);
or the Minnesota State Relay Service at 1-800-627-3529 (TTY) for assistance. Many House Research
Department publications are also available on the Internet at: www.house.mn/hrd/hrd.htm.
This information brief describes the various types of vehicles and their status
under Minnesota law and looks at how some other states have addressed them.
There are many types of motorized scooters and low-power vehicles
A wide variety of motorized scooters (sometimes called go-peds) are now on the market,
including gasoline-powered and electric-powered models.
Electric scooters. These are usually lightweight (as light as 22 pounds) platforms with a
battery-operated motor of 100 to 750 watts. They are usually designed to have the operator
stand, but many come with seats and some come with removable seats. Their maximum speed is
from 8 to 25 miles per hour and the range on a single charge is generally from 15 to 30 miles.
Tires are from 6 inches to 12 inches in diameter. They usually have only a foot-operated rear
brake, although some also have a hand-operated front brake. Steering is with front-mounted
handlebars. Their prices can range from under $200 to over $1,200.
Gasoline-powered scooters. Gasoline-powered scooters are even more varied than electric
scooters. Vehicles marke