HF 3829

as introduced - 91st Legislature (2019 - 2020) Posted on 02/26/2020 02:42pm

A bill for an act
relating to transportation; amending regulation of motorized scooters and motorized
foot scooters; amending Minnesota Statutes 2018, sections 65B.001, subdivision
5; 65B.43, subdivision 13; 168.013, subdivision 1h; 168.12, subdivisions 1, 2a;
168.27, subdivision 20; 168B.04, subdivision 2; 169.011, subdivisions 44, 45, 46;
169.223; 169.79, by adding a subdivision; 171.01, subdivision 40; 171.02,
subdivision 3; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 65B;
repealing Minnesota Statutes 2018, section 169.225.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2018, section 65B.001, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5.

Motorcycle.

"Motorcycle" means a self-propelled vehicle designed to travel
on fewer than four wheels that has an engine rated at greater than five horsepower, and
includes a trailer with one or more wheels, when the trailer is connected to or being towed
by a motorcycle. For purposes of this chapter, motorcycle includes a motorized deleted text begin bicycle deleted text end new text begin
scooter new text end as defined in section 169.011, subdivision 45, but does not include an electric-assisted
bicycle as defined in section 169.011, subdivision 27.

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2018, section 65B.43, subdivision 13, is amended to read:

Subd. 13.

Motorcycle.

"Motorcycle" means a self-propelled vehicle designed to travel
on fewer than four wheels which has an engine rated at greater than five horsepower, and
includes (1) a trailer with one or more wheels, when the trailer is connected to or being
towed by a motorcycle; and (2) a motorized deleted text begin bicycle deleted text end new text begin scooter new text end as defined in section 169.011,
subdivision 45, but does not include an electric-assisted bicycle as defined in section 169.011,
subdivision 27.

Sec. 3.

new text begin [65B.473] MOTORIZED FOOT SCOOTER LESSOR FINANCIAL
RESPONSIBILITY.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Definitions. new text end

new text begin (a) For the purposes of this section, the terms in this
subdivision have the meanings given.
new text end

new text begin (b) "Motorized foot scooter" has the meaning given in section 169.011, subdivision 46.
new text end

new text begin (c) "Motorized foot scooter lessor" or "lessor" means a person in the business of leasing
motorized foot scooters for financial consideration.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Policy of insurance. new text end

new text begin (a) A lessor must have a policy of insurance that insures
each lessee of a motorized foot scooter with, at a minimum, the residual liability insurance
described in section 65B.49, subdivision 3.
new text end

new text begin (b) A lessor shall disclose to a lessee, prior to allowing a lessee to drive a motorized foot
scooter, the insurance coverage the lessor provides pursuant to paragraph (a).
new text end

Sec. 4.

Minnesota Statutes 2018, section 168.013, subdivision 1h, is amended to read:

Subd. 1h.

Motorized deleted text begin bicycle deleted text end new text begin scooter new text end .

On motorized deleted text begin bicycles deleted text end new text begin scooters new text end the tax is $6,
which includes the surtax provided for in subdivision 14.

Sec. 5.

Minnesota Statutes 2018, section 168.12, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Plates; design, visibility, periods of issuance.

(a) The commissioner,
upon approval and payment, shall issue to the applicant the plates required by this chapter,
bearing the state name and an assigned vehicle registration number. The number assigned
by the commissioner may be a combination of a letter or sign with figures. The color of the
plates and the color of the abbreviation of the state name and the number assigned must be
in marked contrast. The plates must be lettered, spaced, or distinguished to suitably indicate
the registration of the vehicle according to the rules of the commissioner.

(b) When a vehicle is registered on the basis of total gross weight, the plates issued must
clearly indicate by letters or other suitable insignia the maximum gross weight for which
the tax has been paid.

(c) Plates issued to a noncommercial vehicle must bear the inscription "noncommercial"
unless the vehicle is displaying a special plate authorized and issued under this chapter.

(d) A one-ton pickup truck that is used for commercial purposes and is subject to section
168.185, is eligible to display special plates as authorized and issued under this chapter.

(e) The plates must be so treated as to be at least 100 times brighter than the conventional
painted number plates. When properly mounted on an unlighted vehicle, the plates, when
viewed from a vehicle equipped with standard headlights, must be visible for a distance of
not less than 1,500 feet and readable for a distance of not less than 110 feet.

(f) The commissioner shall issue plates for the following periods:

(1) New plates issued pursuant to section 168.012, subdivision 1, must be issued to a
vehicle for as long as the vehicle is owned by the exempt agency and the plate shall not be
transferable from one vehicle to another but the plate may be transferred with the vehicle
from one tax-exempt agency to another.

(2) Plates issued for passenger automobiles must be issued for a seven-year period. All
plates issued under this paragraph must be replaced if they are seven years old or older at
the time of registration renewal or will become so during the registration period.

(3) Plates issued under sections 168.053 and 168.27, subdivisions 16 and 17, must be
for a seven-year period.

(4) Plates issued under subdivisions 2c and 2d and section 168.123 must be issued for
the life of the veteran under section 169.79.

(5) Plates for any vehicle not specified in clauses (1) to (3) must be issued for the life
of the vehicle.

(g) In a year in which plates are not issued, the commissioner shall issue for each
registration a sticker to designate the year of registration. This sticker must show the year
or years for which the sticker is issued, and is valid only for that period. The plates and
stickers issued for a vehicle may not be transferred to another vehicle during the period for
which the sticker is issued, except when issued for a vehicle registered under section 168.187.

(h) Despite any other provision of this subdivision, plates issued to a vehicle used for
behind-the-wheel instruction in a driver education course in a public school may be
transferred to another vehicle used for the same purpose without payment of any additional
fee. The public school shall notify the commissioner of each transfer of plates under this
paragraph. The commissioner may prescribe a format for notification.

new text begin (i) The commissioner must issue a registration decal in lieu of plates for a motorized
foot scooter. With respect to motorized foot scooters, a reference under this chapter to plates
means a registration decal. The decal must be designed to be affixed as provided under
section 169.79, subdivision 3b.
new text end

Sec. 6.

Minnesota Statutes 2018, section 168.12, subdivision 2a, is amended to read:

Subd. 2a.

Personalized plates; rules.

(a) The commissioner may issue personalized
plates or, if requested for special plates issued under section 168.123 for veterans, 168.124
for medal of honor recipients, or 168.125 for former prisoners of war, applicable personalized
special veterans plates, to an applicant who:

(1) is an owner of a passenger automobile including a passenger automobile registered
as a classic car, pioneer car, collector car, or street rod; any truck with a manufacturer's
nominal rated capacity of one ton or less and resembling a pickup truck; a motorcycle,
including a classic motorcycle; a motorized deleted text begin bicycle deleted text end new text begin scooter new text end ; a commuter van as defined in
section 168.126; or a recreational vehicle;

(2) pays a onetime fee of $100 and any other fees required by this chapter;

(3) pays the registration tax required by this chapter for the motor vehicle; and

(4) complies with this chapter and rules governing registration of motor vehicles and
licensing of drivers.

(b) The commissioner shall charge a replacement fee for personalized license plates and
personalized special veterans plates issued under section 168.123 as specified in subdivision
5. This fee must be paid by the applicant whenever the personalized plates are required to
be replaced by law, except that as provided in section 168.124, subdivision 3, and 168.125,
subdivision 1b, no fee may be charged to replace plates issued under those sections.

(c) In lieu of the registration number assigned as provided in subdivision 1, personalized
plates and personalized special veterans plates must have imprinted on them a series of not
more than seven numbers and letters, or five numbers and letters for personalized special
veterans plates, in any combination and, as applicable, satisfy the design requirements of
section 168.123, 168.124, or 168.125. When an applicant has once obtained personalized
plates or personalized special veterans plates, the applicant shall have a prior claim for
similar personalized plates or personalized special veterans plates in the next succeeding
year as long as current motor vehicle registration is maintained.

(d) The commissioner shall adopt rules in the manner provided by chapter 14, regulating
the issuance and transfer of personalized plates and personalized special veterans plates.
No words or combination of letters placed on these plates may be used for commercial
advertising, be of an obscene, indecent, or immoral nature, or be of a nature that would
offend public morals or decency. The call signals or letters of a radio or television station
are not commercial advertising for the purposes of this subdivision.

(e) Despite the provisions of subdivision 1, personalized plates and personalized special
veterans plates issued under this subdivision may be transferred to another motor vehicle
listed in paragraph (a) and owned by the applicant, upon the payment of a fee of $5.

(f) The commissioner may by rule specify the format for notification.

(g) A personalized plate or personalized special veterans plate issued for a classic car,
pioneer car, collector car, street rod, or classic motorcycle may not be transferred to a vehicle
not eligible for such a plate.

(h) Despite any law to the contrary, if the personalized license plates are lost, stolen, or
destroyed, the applicant may apply and must be issued duplicate license plates bearing the
same combination of letters and numbers and the same design as (1) the former personalized
plates or personalized special veterans plates under section 168.123 upon the payment of
the fee required by section 168.29 or (2) the former personalized special veterans plates
issued under section 168.124 or 168.125, without charge.

(i) A personalized vertical motorcycle plate may be issued upon payment of an additional
payment of $100. The vertical plate must have not more than four identification characters,
cannot be a duplication of any current or reserved license plate, and must meet the
requirements in paragraph (d).

Sec. 7.

Minnesota Statutes 2018, section 168.27, subdivision 20, is amended to read:

Subd. 20.

Application to sale of other vehicles.

(a) This section does not apply:

(1) to any person, copartnership, or corporation engaged in the business of selling vehicles
designed to operate exclusively over snow, deleted text begin motor scooters deleted text end new text begin motorized foot scooters new text end , motorized
wheelchairs, utility trailers, farm wagons, farm trailers, or farm tractors or other farm
implements, whether self-propelled or not and even though a vehicle listed in this clause
may be equipped with a trailer hitch; or

(2) to any person licensed as a real estate broker or salesperson pursuant to chapter 82,
who engages in the business of selling, who offers to sell, or who solicits or advertises the
sale of manufactured homes affixed to land.

(b) However, this section does apply to a person, copartnership, or corporation described
in paragraph (a) who is also engaged in the business of selling other motor vehicles or
manufactured homes within the provisions of this section.

(c) As used in this subdivision, "utility trailer" means a motorless vehicle, other than a
boat trailer or snowmobile trailer, equipped with one or two wheels, having a gross vehicle
weight of 4,000 pounds or less, and used for carrying property on its own structure while
being drawn by a motor vehicle.

Sec. 8.

Minnesota Statutes 2018, section 168B.04, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Unauthorized vehicles.

(a) Units of government and peace officers may take
into custody and impound any unauthorized vehicle under section 168B.035.

(b) A vehicle may also be impounded after it has been left unattended in one of the
following public or private locations for the indicated period of time:

(1) in a public location not governed by section 168B.035:

(i) on a highway and properly tagged by a peace officer, four hours;

(ii) located so as to constitute an accident or traffic hazard to the traveling public, as
determined by a peace officer, immediately;

(iii) located so as to constitute an accident or traffic hazard to the traveling public within
the Department of Transportation's eight-county metropolitan district, as determined by an
authorized employee of the department's freeway service patrol, immediately; or

(iv) that is a parking facility or other public property owned or controlled by a unit of
government, properly posted, four hours; or

(2) on private property:

(i) that is single-family or duplex residential property, immediately;

(ii) that is private, nonresidential property, properly posted, immediately;

(iii) that is private, nonresidential property, not posted deleted text begin , deleted text end new text begin :
new text end

new text begin (A) for a motorized foot scooter as defined in section 169.011, subdivision 46, four
hours; or
new text end

new text begin (B) for any other vehicle, new text end 24 hours;

(iv) that is private, nonresidential property of an operator of an establishment for the
servicing, repair, or maintenance of motor vehicles, five business days after notifying the
vehicle owner by certified mail, return receipt requested, of the property owner's intention
to have the vehicle removed from the property; or

(v) that is any residential property, properly posted, immediately.

Sec. 9.

Minnesota Statutes 2018, section 169.011, subdivision 44, is amended to read:

Subd. 44.

Motorcycle.

"Motorcycle" means every motor vehicle having a seat or saddle
for the use of the rider and designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with
the ground, including deleted text begin motor scooters and deleted text end autocycles. Motorcycle does not include (1)
motorized deleted text begin bicycles deleted text end new text begin scooters new text end as defined in subdivision 45, (2) electric-assisted bicycles as
defined in subdivision 27, or (3) a tractor.

Sec. 10.

Minnesota Statutes 2018, section 169.011, subdivision 45, is amended to read:

Subd. 45.

Motorized deleted text begin bicycle deleted text end new text begin scooter new text end .

new text begin (a) new text end "Motorized deleted text begin bicycle deleted text end new text begin scooter new text end " means a deleted text begin bicycle deleted text end new text begin
motor vehicle new text end that is propelled by an electric or a liquid fuel motor of a piston displacement
capacity of 50 cubic centimeters or less, and a maximum of two brake horsepower, which
is capable of a maximum speed of not more than 30 miles per hour on a flat surface with
not more than one percent grade in any direction when the motor is engaged. new text begin Motorized
scooter includes motorized foot scooters.
new text end

new text begin (b) new text end Motorized deleted text begin bicycle deleted text end new text begin scooter new text end does not include an electric-assisted bicycle as defined in
subdivision 27.

Sec. 11.

Minnesota Statutes 2018, section 169.011, subdivision 46, is amended to read:

Subd. 46.

Motorized foot scooter.

new text begin (a) new text end "Motorized foot scooter" means a deleted text begin device deleted text end new text begin motorized
scooter new text end with handlebars designed to be stood or sat upon by the operator, and powered by
an internal combustion engine or electric motor that is capable of propelling the device with
or without human propulsion, and that has no more than two 12-inch or smaller diameter
wheels and has an engine or motor that is capable of a maximum speed of 15 miles per hour
on a flat surface with not more than one percent grade in any direction when the motor is
engaged.

new text begin (b) new text end An electric personal assistive mobility device, deleted text begin a motorized bicycle, deleted text end an electric-assisted
bicycle, or a motorcycle is not a motorized foot scooter.

Sec. 12.

Minnesota Statutes 2018, section 169.223, is amended to read:

169.223 MOTORIZED deleted text begin BICYCLE deleted text end new text begin SCOOTER new text end .

Subdivision 1.

new text begin Application of motorcycle laws; new text end safety equipment; parking.

Section
169.974 relating to motorcycles is applicable to motorized deleted text begin bicycles deleted text end new text begin scooters new text end , except as
otherwise provided in this section and except that:

(1) protective headgear includes headgear that meets the standards under Code of Federal
Regulations, title 16, part 1203, or successor requirements;

(2) a motorized deleted text begin bicycle deleted text end new text begin scooter new text end equipped with a headlight and taillight meeting the
requirements of lighting for motorcycles may be operated during nighttime hours new text begin , including
when operated under a motorized scooter permit new text end ;

(3) protective headgear is deleted text begin not deleted text end required for deleted text begin operators deleted text end new text begin :
new text end

new text begin (i) an operator who is under new text end 18 years of age deleted text begin or older deleted text end ; and

new text begin (ii) any operator of a motorized foot scooter;
new text end

(4) new text begin a parent or guardian of an operator who is under the age of 16 may ride as a passenger
if the motorized scooter is equipped with a seat and footrests for a second passenger; and
new text end

new text begin (5) new text end the provisions of section 169.222, subdivision 9, governing the parking of bicycles
apply to motorized deleted text begin bicycles deleted text end new text begin scooters new text end .

Subd. 2.

License or permit.

deleted text begin (a) deleted text end A motorized deleted text begin bicycle deleted text end new text begin scooter new text end may be operated under
deleted text begin either deleted text end a driver's license or new text begin under new text end a motorized deleted text begin bicycle deleted text end new text begin scooter operator's permit or motorized
scooter instruction new text end permit issued under section 171.02, subdivision 3.

deleted text begin (b) A person under the age of 16 operating a motorized bicycle under a motorized bicycle
permit is subject to the restrictions imposed by section 169.974, subdivision 2, on operation
of a motorcycle under a two-wheel instruction permit, except that:
deleted text end

deleted text begin (1) a parent or guardian of an operator under the age of 16 may also ride on the motorized
bicycle as a passenger or operator if the motorized bicycle is equipped with a seat and
footrests for a second passenger;
deleted text end

deleted text begin (2) a motorized bicycle equipped with a headlight and taillight meeting the requirements
of lighting for motorcycles may be operated during nighttime hours;
deleted text end

deleted text begin (3) protective headgear includes headgear described in subdivision 1; and
deleted text end

deleted text begin (4) protective headgear is required only until the operator reaches the age of 18 years.
deleted text end

Subd. 3.

Sidewalk and passenger prohibitions.

No person shall operate a motorized
deleted text begin bicycle deleted text end new text begin scooter new text end upon a sidewalk at any time, except when such operation is necessary for
the most direct access to a roadway from a driveway, alley or building. No person shall
operate a motorized deleted text begin bicycle deleted text end new text begin scooter new text end that is carrying any person other than the operator,
except as allowed under subdivision deleted text begin 2 deleted text end new text begin 1. No person shall park a motorized foot scooter on
a sidewalk, unless it is in a parking area specifically designated for motorized foot scooters new text end .

Subd. 4.

deleted text begin Headlight requirement deleted text end new text begin Vehicle equipment new text end .

new text begin (a) new text end The provisions of section
169.974, subdivision 5, paragraph (i), new text begin only new text end apply to motorized deleted text begin bicycles deleted text end new text begin scooters new text end that are
equipped with headlights. deleted text begin After June 1, 1987,
deleted text end

new text begin (b) new text end A new motorized deleted text begin bicycle deleted text end new text begin scooter new text end sold or offered for sale in Minnesota must be
equipped with a headlight.

new text begin (c) Notwithstanding paragraphs (a) and (b), a motorized foot scooter must be equipped
with a headlight and a taillight that comply with standards established by the commissioner
of public safety if the vehicle is operated under conditions when vehicle lights are required
by law. Notwithstanding section 169.974, subdivision 3, paragraph (b), a motorized foot
scooter is not required to be equipped with a rear view mirror.
new text end

Subd. 5.

Other operation requirements and prohibitions.

(a) A person operating a
motorized deleted text begin bicycle deleted text end new text begin scooter new text end on a roadway deleted text begin shall deleted text end new text begin must new text end ride as close as practicable to the
right-hand curb or edge of the roadway except in one of the following situations:

(1) when overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction;

(2) when preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway;
or

(3) when reasonably necessary to avoid conditions, including fixed or moving objects,
vehicles, pedestrians, animals, surface hazards, or narrow width lanes, that make it unsafe
to continue along the right-hand curb or edge.

(b) Persons operating motorized deleted text begin bicycles deleted text end new text begin scooters new text end on a roadway may not ride more than
two abreast and may not impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic. On a laned
roadway, a person operating a motorized deleted text begin bicycle shall deleted text end new text begin scooter must new text end ride within a single
lane.

(c) new text begin A person may operate a motorized foot scooter on a bicycle path, bicycle lane, bicycle
trail, or bikeway that is not reserved for the exclusive use of nonmotorized traffic, unless
the local authority or governing body having jurisdiction over that path, lane, trail, or bikeway
prohibits operation by law.
new text end

new text begin (d) new text end This section does not permit the operation of a motorized deleted text begin bicycle deleted text end new text begin scooter new text end on a bicycle
path or bicycle lane that is reserved for the exclusive use of nonmotorized traffic.

Sec. 13.

Minnesota Statutes 2018, section 169.79, is amended by adding a subdivision to
read:

new text begin Subd. 3b. new text end

new text begin Motorized foot scooter. new text end

new text begin (a) Notwithstanding subdivision 3, if the vehicle is
a motorized foot scooter, the registration decal must be affixed to the front and top of the
steering post that connects the handlebars to the rest of the device.
new text end

new text begin (b) The registration decal must include validation stickers that display the year of
expiration at the bottom of the decal and the month of expiration directly above the validation
sticker for the year of expiration.
new text end

Sec. 14.

Minnesota Statutes 2018, section 171.01, subdivision 40, is amended to read:

Subd. 40.

Motorcycle.

"Motorcycle" deleted text begin means every motor vehicle having a seat or saddle
for the use of the rider and designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with
the ground, including motor scooters and bicycles with motor attached, but excluding tractors
and motorized bicycles deleted text end new text begin has the meaning given in section 169.011, subdivision 44 new text end .

Sec. 15.

Minnesota Statutes 2018, section 171.02, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Motorized deleted text begin bicycle deleted text end new text begin scooter new text end .

(a) A motorized deleted text begin bicycle deleted text end new text begin scooter new text end may not be operated
on any public roadway deleted text begin by any person who does not possess deleted text end new text begin unless the person possesses new text end a
valid driver's license, deleted text begin unless deleted text end new text begin or new text end the person has obtained a motorized deleted text begin bicycle deleted text end new text begin scooter new text end operator's
permit or motorized deleted text begin bicycle deleted text end new text begin scooter new text end instruction permit from the commissioner of public
safety. The operator's permit may be issued to any person who has attained the age of 15
years and who has passed the examination prescribed by the commissioner. The instruction
permit may be issued to any person who has attained the age of 15 years and who has
successfully completed an approved safety course and passed the written portion of the
examination prescribed by the commissioner.

(b) This course must consist of, but is not limited to, a basic understanding of:

(1) motorized deleted text begin bicycles deleted text end new text begin scooters new text end and their limitations;

(2) motorized deleted text begin bicycle deleted text end new text begin scooter new text end laws and rules;

(3) safe operating practices and basic operating techniques;

(4) helmets and protective clothing;

(5) motorized deleted text begin bicycle deleted text end new text begin scooter new text end traffic strategies; and

(6) effects of alcohol and drugs on motorized deleted text begin bicycle deleted text end new text begin scooter new text end operators.

(c) The commissioner may adopt rules prescribing the content of the safety course,
examination, and the information to be contained on the permits. deleted text begin A person operating a
motorized bicycle under a motorized bicycle permit is subject to the restrictions imposed
by section 169.974, subdivision 2, on operation of a motorcycle under a two-wheel instruction
permit.
deleted text end

(d) The fees for motorized deleted text begin bicycle operator's deleted text end new text begin scooter new text end permits are as follows:

(1)	Motorized deleted text begin bicycle deleted text end new text begin scooter new text end operator's permit before age 21 and valid until age 21	$	9.75
(2)	Renewal permit age 21 or older and valid for four years	$	15.75
(3)	Duplicate of any renewal permit	$	5.25
(4)	Written examination and instruction permit, valid for 30 days	$	6.75

Sec. 16. new text begin REVISOR INSTRUCTION.
new text end

new text begin In Minnesota Statutes, the revisor of statutes must change the terms "motorized bicycle"
to "motorized scooter" and "motorized bicycles" to "motorized scooters" wherever the terms
appear in statutes. The revisor must make any necessary grammatical changes or changes
to sentence structure necessary to preserve the meaning of the text as a result of the changes.
new text end

Sec. 17. new text begin REPEALER.
new text end

new text begin Minnesota Statutes 2018, section 169.225, new text end new text begin is repealed.
new text end

Sec. 18. new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE.
new text end

new text begin Unless otherwise provided, this act is effective August 1, 2021.
new text end

APPENDIX

Repealed Minnesota Statutes: 20-7294

169.225 MOTORIZED FOOT SCOOTER.

Subdivision 1.

Application of traffic laws.

Every person operating a motorized foot scooter shall have all rights and duties applicable to the operator of a bicycle, except in respect to those provisions relating expressly to motorized foot scooters and in respect to those provisions of law that by their nature cannot reasonably be applied to motorized foot scooters.

Subd. 2.

Sidewalk and passenger prohibition.

No person may operate a motorized foot scooter upon a sidewalk, except when necessary to enter or leave adjacent property. No person may operate a motorized foot scooter that is carrying any person other than the operator.

Subd. 3.

Minimum age for operator.

No person under the age of 12 years may operate a motorized foot scooter.

Subd. 4.

Protective headgear.

No person under the age of 18 years may operate a motorized foot scooter without wearing properly fitted and fastened protective headgear that complies with standards established by the commissioner of public safety.

Subd. 5.

Required lighting equipment.

A motorized foot scooter must be equipped with a headlight and a taillight that comply with standards established by the commissioner of public safety if the vehicle is operated under conditions when vehicle lights are required by law.

Subd. 6.

Operation requirements and prohibitions.

(a) A person operating a motorized foot scooter on a roadway shall ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway, except in the following situations:

(1) when overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction;

(2) when preparing for a left turn, in which case the operator shall stop and dismount at the right-hand curb or right edge of the roadway, and shall complete the turn by crossing the roadway on foot, subject to restrictions placed by law on pedestrians; or

(3) when reasonably necessary to avoid impediments or conditions that make it unsafe to continue along the right-hand curb or edge, including, but not limited to, fixed or moving objects, vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians, animals, surface hazards, or narrow lanes.

(b) A person may operate a motorized foot scooter on a bicycle path, bicycle lane, bicycle trail, or bikeway that is not reserved for the exclusive use of nonmotorized traffic, unless the local authority or governing body having jurisdiction over that path, lane, trail, or bikeway prohibits operation by law.