Posted by OUTDOORICA on 18th Feb 2026
Electric Scooter Basics for Minnesota Riders: Where to Ride, What to Buy, and What to Avoid
Electric Scooter Basics for Minnesota Riders: Where to Ride, What to Buy, and What to Avoid
Electric scooters are perfect for short trips, campground loops, and quick rides on paved paths—but the best experience starts with two things: picking the right scooter for your real life, and understanding where Minnesota allows scooters to be operated.
This guide stays intentionally simple. It covers the two Segway electric scooters Outdoorica carries, an easy comparison, practical use-cases, and the Minnesota rules riders should know (including sidewalk restrictions and age requirements).
What Outdoorica Offers
Outdoorica currently carries two Segway electric scooter models:
- Segway E2 Pro eKick Scooter (portable, commuter-friendly)
- Segway ZT3 Pro Electric Scooter (all-terrain focused, comfort-first)
Quick pick: If you want a lighter, foldable scooter for easy storage and short rides, start with the E2 Pro. If you want bigger tires + suspension for comfort and mixed terrain, start with the ZT3 Pro.
Easy Comparison: E2 Pro vs ZT3 Pro
Segway E2 Pro eKick Scooter
- Portable & foldable design for storage and transport
- 300W brushless motor; up to 12.4 mph
- 15.5 mile range with a 36V 5Ah battery
Segway ZT3 Pro Electric Scooter
- 650W motor (1600W peak), up to 24.9 mph
- 43.5 miles (Eco) / 18.6 miles (Sport) with a 597Wh battery
- Dual suspension + 11-inch off-road tubeless tires for comfort and grip
Key Specs
Range and speed can vary with rider weight, terrain, temperature, tire pressure, and ride mode. The table below reflects the specifications listed on Outdoorica’s product pages.
| Specification | Segway E2 Pro | Segway ZT3 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Motor | 300W brushless | 650W (1600W peak) |
| Battery | 36V 5Ah lithium-ion | 597Wh, 46.8V, 12.75Ah |
| Top speed | 12.4 mph | 24.9 mph |
| Max range | 15.5 miles | 43.5 miles (Eco), 18.6 miles (Sport) |
| Charge time | 4–5 hours | Approx. 4 hours |
| Tires | 10-inch tubeless | 11-inch off-road tubeless |
| Brakes | Front drum, rear electronic | Front & rear disc + electronic brake |
| Suspension | Rigid (no suspension) | Dual front telescopic, rear spring |
| Water resistance | IPX4 | IPX5 body, IPX7 battery |
| Weight | 27.6 lb | 65.5 lb |
| Max load / payload | 220 lb | 265 lb |
Real Use-Cases (Pick the Scooter That Matches Your Life)
- Quick errands + easy storage: If you want a scooter you’ll actually grab and use, the lighter, foldable E2 Pro is typically the best fit.
- Campground cruising + longer paved rides: Both scooters work well here—choose E2 Pro for portability, or ZT3 Pro if you want more comfort.
- Rougher pavement / mixed surfaces: The ZT3 Pro is built around bigger tires and suspension for a smoother ride.
- Hills and “not-flat” routes: The ZT3 Pro is listed with 25% hill-climbing ability and higher power output, which can matter on grades.
Where You Can Operate Electric Scooters in Minnesota (and Where to Avoid)
Note: This is general information based on Minnesota statutes. Local cities, parks, and trail systems can add their own rules. When in doubt, follow posted signs and local guidance.
Minnesota basics: Minnesota’s “motorized foot scooter” law generally treats riders like bicycle operators for traffic-law purposes (with scooter-specific rules like sidewalks, passengers, age/helmet, lighting, and where you can ride). Important: Minnesota’s definition of a “motorized foot scooter” includes a 15 mph max-speed cap, so higher-speed models may be regulated differently depending on where you ride—follow posted signs and local rules.
Places to avoid
- Sidewalks: Minnesota law prohibits operating a motorized foot scooter on a sidewalk, except when necessary to enter or leave adjacent property.
- Passengers: One rider only—no carrying anyone other than the operator.
- Nonmotorized-only paths: You may ride on many bike paths/lanes/trails/bikeways, but not those reserved for exclusive nonmotorized traffic, and local authorities can prohibit scooters on specific routes.
Where you can ride
- Roadways: When operating on a roadway, Minnesota law says riders should stay as close as practicable to the right-hand curb/edge, with practical exceptions (passing, avoiding hazards, preparing for a left turn, etc.).
- Bike facilities: Minnesota law allows operation on many bicycle paths/lanes/trails/bikeways that aren’t reserved exclusively for nonmotorized traffic, unless locally prohibited.
Helpful links: MN Stat. 169.225 (Motorized Foot Scooter) | MN Stat. 169.011 (Definitions)
Age Requirements
- Minimum age: Minnesota law prohibits anyone under 12 from operating a motorized foot scooter.
- Helmet requirement: Minnesota law requires properly fitted and fastened protective headgear for operators under 18.
What to Avoid (Quick Wins Most New Riders Miss)
- Buying too heavy for your routine: If you’ll ever lift it into a vehicle or carry it into storage, scooter weight matters.
- Riding where you shouldn’t: Sidewalk riding and carrying passengers are two of the clearest “no’s” in Minnesota’s scooter statute.
- Overestimating range: Cold temps, hills, and higher speeds can reduce real-world range—plan a buffer, especially on longer rides.
- Ignoring water resistance: Water-resistance ratings help, but they don’t make any scooter “waterproof.” Avoid deep water and do not charge while wet.
Need Help Choosing the Right Scooter?
If you tell us where you’ll ride (town paths, campground loops, cabin roads) and how you’ll store/transport the scooter, we can point you to the best fit fast.
Call us at 320-281-0424 or browse the current selection online.
Outdoorica · 209 County Road 156, Albany, MN · 320-281-0424