Question:I’m getting spring fever and I have a question. Can I run a gas powered bicycle without a license that only goes 20 miles per hour?

Answer: Motorized bicycles are registered as mopeds. A motorized bicycle must meet the following requirements:

• Electric motor or a liquid-fueled engine with piston displacement of 50 cubic centimeters or less.

• Maximum of two brake horsepower.

• Maximum speed of 30 mph on a flat surface.

Any person who has a valid driver’s license may operate a moped without taking a moped test. Anyone without a driver’s license, regardless of age, must obtain a moped operator’s permit to legally operate a moped. You must carry your license or permit with you when you ride. To obtain a moped operator’s instruction permit you must:

• Be at least 15 years old.

• Present proper identification.

• Present a certificate of completion issued by a state approved moped safety course.

• Pass a vision screening.

• Pass a knowledge test.

If you are under 18 years old, you must meet these requirements and present a certified approval slip from your parent or legal guardian before taking the knowledge test and skills test. Approval forms are available at license exam stations.

A portion of state statutes were used with permission from the Office of the Revisor of Statutes. If you have any questions concerning traffic related laws or issues in Minnesota, send your questions to Trp. Jesse Grabow – Minnesota State Patrol at 1000 Highway 10 West, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501-2205. (You can follow him on Twitter @MSPPIO_NW or reach him at, jesse.grabow@state.mn.us).