Mopeds on Campus

The increasing popularity of mopeds on and around campus has created new challenges for our department with regards to public safety. Public misunderstanding of moped regulations can create confusion as to how they can be operated safely - and legally.

We hope that the information on this web page can help to clarify the statutory requirements of operating a moped on and around the campus.

Legal definition

A moped is a vehicle that is propelled by a motor of a capacity of 50cc or less, and a maximum of two brake horse power, which is capable of a maximum speed of not more than 30 mph on a flat surface

regulations

Moped riders must wear eye protection at all times.

Moped riders may not carry passengers.  

All mopeds must be legally registered in order to operate on a public street or highway.

All mopeds operated on the streets and highways must have liability insurance.

Mopeds shall not be operated 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.

Mopeds cannot be operated in designated bicycle lanes. (Mopeds are not allowed on the Washington Avenue Bridge pedestrian level, unless walked across.)

Mopeds cannot be parked at bike racks and must be parked at permit required moped designated areas. Mopeds must be walked, not driven, along sidewalks to a designated moped parking area. U of M Moped Parking Rules

Mopeds can not ride in any area that is restricted to emergency vehicles and buses only.

Moped operators must have either a valid driver’s license, a valid motorized bicycle operator’s permit, or a valid motorized bicycle instruction permit. 

The primary law that addresses moped/motorized bicycle usage is Minnesota State Statute 169.223.  Mopeds/motorized bicycles are defined in Minnesota State Statute 169.01, Subd. 4a