Model Ordinance Language
Draft-ready local provisions that establish E-RIDE Certification as a condition of youth e-bike operation, adaptable to municipal code.
Request materialsSection 03 — Municipal & Legislative Policy Resources
Draft-ready language for councils and legislators.
Minnesota E-RIDE Safety Standards Board maintains policy resources so that a city council, school district, or legislative office can adopt the E-RIDE standard without drafting from scratch. All materials are provided through the Board on request.
Minnesota communities that adopt E-RIDE today are setting the benchmark. The model framework is written so that neighboring states, municipal leagues, and national policymakers can reference and replicate what Minnesota builds first.
The policy choice
One statewide standard. A local pathway communities can use now.
The Board asks Minnesota lawmakers to consider a statewide youth certification requirement built around demonstrated competency. While that work advances, cities, schools, and parks systems can evaluate a counsel-reviewed local recognition framework instead of creating separate tests in every jurisdiction.
E-RIDE is a proposed policy framework. It is not currently required by Minnesota law.
Why one common benchmark
Families and public officials need a consistent answer to one question: can this young rider operate an electric-assisted bicycle with the knowledge and control the setting demands?
A shared standard gives state and local institutions one definition of readiness while leaving implementation decisions with the body that adopts it.
01
Board maintains the standard and accredits providers
02
Authorized providers deliver instruction and official testing
03
State and local institutions recognize the credential
What adoption requires
- A defined age and implementation timeline
- Provider capacity and geographic access planning
- Public communication and clear agency roles
- Legal review, due process, and equity safeguards
What it does not require
- A city-run training or testing department
- A different competency exam in every community
- Publication of proprietary instruction or tests
- Criminal penalties as the first response
Education-first enforcement
Correct behavior before escalating consequences.
A model policy can begin with a warning, parent notification, referral to certification, and a fix-it or diversion opportunity. These are proposed enforcement options—not current law—and should be reviewed by counsel with clear due-process and equity protections.
Safety Impact Summaries
Plain-language briefings on the safety rationale for youth certification, prepared for council packets and committee review.
Request materialsCouncil & Legislator Briefings
Briefing materials and presentations for city councils, county boards, and legislative staff considering adoption.
Request materialsAdoption & Implementation Guidance
Implementation pathways for parks departments, school districts, and municipal agencies, including enforcement options.
Request materialsLaw Enforcement & Patrol Guidance
Operational guidance for municipal police departments and park rangers on recognizing certification in the field, confirming e-bike class on contact, and conducting educational stops.
Request materialsModel municipal provision — excerpt
Sec. 1 — Purpose. The City finds that the safe operation of electric-assist bicycles by persons under the age of eighteen requires demonstrated competency in equipment classification and power limits, braking dynamics, pathway jurisdiction, and intersection navigation.
Sec. 2 — Certification required. A person under the age of eighteen shall not operate an electric-assist bicycle on public streets or multi-use pathways within the City without holding a valid E-RIDE Youth Certification issued by an authorized provider of the Minnesota E-RIDE Safety Standards Board.
Proposed draft for policy discussion and attorney review—not current law. Complete language, adoption notes, and enforcement options are included in the briefing packet available on request.
Municipal & Legislative Adoption
From council discussion to a community plan.
A four-step framework for cities, park boards, and public agencies considering E-RIDE recognition alongside a proposed statewide youth certification requirement.
- 01
Review and adopt a model policy
Define the facilities, eligible riders, timeline, and lawful scope. Review any proposed ordinance against state law and the authority of the adopting body before a public hearing or vote.
Council, agency staff & legal counsel
Counsel-reviewed language and a phased implementation date
- 02
Recognize certified youth riders
Set a consistent process for recognizing provider-issued certification. Plan affordable, geographically accessible instruction and alternatives for families who need support. Certification never grants access where state law or facility rules prohibit riding.
Program lead & authorized providers
A provider-neutral recognition process with access safeguards
- 03
Establish an education-first response
Consider warnings, parent notification, and referrals to instruction before escalating consequences where legally permitted. Define review and appeal procedures; emergency or dangerous conduct remains subject to existing law.
Public safety, school liaisons & counsel
A proposed referral protocol—not an existing E-RIDE diversion program
- 04
Brief families and review results
Share plain-language notices before implementation. Track participation, access barriers, referrals, and reported incidents without promising a reduction in crashes. Revisit the policy with staff and families after the pilot.
Schools, parks & community partners
A public communication plan and scheduled review
Proposed draft for policy discussion and attorney review—not current law. E-RIDE Certification is not currently required by Minnesota law. Certification does not override rider age limits, device requirements, or public-road and trail rules.
Ask for draft policy language, implementation notes, and a briefing tailored to your community.