The Eagan City Council discussed new regulations for electric bicycles on August 10, 2026, addressing how riders can legally use e-bikes on city streets and how residents should safely charge the batteries that power them.

The council focused on two main areas: establishing rules for e-bike riders and providing safety guidance for battery charging. The discussion clarified how e-bikes are classified into three categories based on their speed capabilities and whether they rely on pedal assistance or throttle controls. The council set a minimum age requirement of 15 years old for e-bike riders in the city. E-bike riders will be required to follow the same road rules as traditional cyclists, including signaling turns, staying to the right side of the road, and stopping at stop signs. The council strongly encouraged all riders to wear helmets, though specific details about helmet requirements were not finalized. The council also addressed where e-bikes can be ridden within city limits, though the specific permitted locations were not detailed in the discussion. Beyond riding rules, the council emphasized the importance of safe battery charging practices. E-bikes typically use lithium-ion batteries, which require proper handling. The council recommended that residents use only the charger that came with their e-bike, store bikes away from exits and potential hazards, and charge batteries outdoors or in a garage rather than indoors. A key safety recommendation was to turn off the charger immediately after the battery is fully charged, rather than leaving it plugged in overnight, which can pose a fire risk. These guidelines aim to prevent battery-related incidents in homes and public spaces. The council's discussion suggests an effort to balance the growing popularity of e-bikes as a transportation option with public safety concerns. No votes were recorded in the available meeting data, and it's unclear whether these discussions will lead to formal ordinances or remain as advisory guidelines for residents.