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March 16, 2026 <br />Dear Senator Gustafson, <br />Over the past several years, the City of Centerville has experienced an increase in the use of e-bikes and <br />mini-bikes throughout the community. While these devices provide convenient and popular transportation <br />and recreation options, their growing presence has raised safety concerns due to high travel speeds and <br />several reported near-miss incidents on shared paths and public rights-of-way. <br />As the use of these devices continues to grow, the city will need to consider whether additional guidance is <br />needed regarding where e-bikes and mini-bikes may legally operate, appropriate speed limits for mixed-use <br />paths, minimum age requirements for operators, and equipment or motor power classifications that <br />distinguish bicycles from motorized recreational devices. <br />The City of Centerville supports legislation that clarifies and updates Minnesota statues related to the <br />operation of electric-assist and throttle-assist bicycles, mini-bikes, scooters, etc., specifically on multi-use <br />trails, sidewalks, and pedestrian corridors. <br />Statewide legislation would provide a consistent regulatory framework for users and law <br />enforcement, rather than placing the burden on individual cities to adopt separate ordinances that <br />may create confusion and inconsistent rules across jurisdictions. <br />Sincerely,Sincerely, <br />Athanasia Lewis, City Administrator <br /> <br />