Things To Do on an eBike in Dakota County, MN
Dakota County Parks runs the main riding corridors in this county. The big ones are the Big Rivers Regional Trail, the Mississippi River Greenway and the River to River Greenway. They follow river valleys and old rail beds between South St. Paul, Mendota Heights, Eagan, Inver Grove Heights and Hastings.
The county rule is simple. Electric-assist bikes are allowed wherever normal bicycles are allowed, if they meet the Minnesota definition. The speed limit on all trails is 15 mph. Dogs on leash are not allowed with bicycling. Several segments are closed right now, so read the closure notes in each route below.
Where to ride in Dakota County
Riding in Dakota County centers on the Mississippi and Minnesota river corridors. The Big Rivers Regional Trail starts near Mendota Heights and Eagan. The Mississippi River Greenway runs south from St. Paul through South St. Paul and Inver Grove Heights to Hastings. The River to River Greenway links West St. Paul to the river. Other greenways appear on the county map, but few details are published for them.
Length is published for only one route. The Mississippi River Greenway is 28 miles from St. Paul to Hastings. Big Rivers is a paved trail on an old railroad bed, with no length published. Surface and length are not stated for River to River or the other greenways. On rules, they are the same. All fall under the county-wide eBike rule, the 15 mph limit and the no-pets-while-riding rule. No route has a trail-specific eBike rule.
eBike shop hubs
Looking for a shop near the trail you plan to ride? These city pages list the eBike shops, rentals and repair options in each part of Dakota County.
- eBike shops in Mendota Heights
- eBike shops in Lakeville
- eBike shops in Burnsville
- eBike shops in Mendota
- eBike shops in Eagan
- eBike shops in Inver Grove Heights
- eBike shops in Apple Valley
- eBike shops in West St Paul
- eBike shops in Farmington
Rental and tour contacts
Two rental cards are listed for Dakota County: LeeTours E-Bike Rentals and Pedego Electric Bikes Twin Cities - Mendota Heights. Hours, rates and rental terms are not published, so contact them before you plan a ride.
LeeTours E-Bike Rentals🚲 Rentals
Named eBike routes and access checks
1. Big Rivers Regional Trail, paved rail bed through Mendota Heights and Eagan
The Big Rivers Regional Trail is a scenic paved trail built on an abandoned railroad bed, and Dakota County Parks manages it. Rail beds are flat and straight, which makes for easy pedaling with or without assist. Trailheads are in Mendota Heights, St. Paul and Eagan, and two closures matter. The county's Big Rivers page says the Lone Oak Trailhead, its parking lot and a short nearby trail segment are closed for bridge construction. The county map page still lists Lone Oak as a trailhead, so plan on the closure. I-35E trail access from Lilydale to St. Paul is also closed for MnDOT construction. Use the Big Rivers or Lilydale trailheads and check the page before you go.
Distance: Big Rivers Regional Trail: length is not published, per Dakota County Parks; start: Big Rivers Trailhead, 1498 Mendota Heights Road, Mendota Heights; surface: Paved trail on an abandoned railroad bed.
eBike access: The county-wide rule applies: electric-assist bikes are allowed where normal bikes are, if they meet the state definition. No trail-specific eBike rule is published. The speed limit is 15 mph. Etiquette and planning: Keep to 15 mph, pass with a call-out, and leave dogs at home. Check the county page for the Lone Oak and I-35E closures before you drive to a trailhead. Managing source: Dakota County Parks, Big Rivers Regional Trail.
2. Mississippi River Greenway: 28 miles from St. Paul to Hastings
This is the longest route in the county. Dakota County Parks says the greenway runs 28 miles from St. Paul to Hastings and is intended for walking, bicycling and in-line skating. You can ride shorter sections from trailheads such as Simon's Ravine and Kaposia Landing in South St. Paul, Swing Bridge in Inver Grove Heights, Pine Bend Bluffs, Fahey, Schaar's Bluff, Wakota Bridge and Lock and Dam No. 2. It also connects to the Hastings 10-mile Scenic Circuit and the Point Douglas Regional Trail toward Prescott, Wisconsin. Two closures apply: the Pine Bend Trailhead to 117th Street segment is closed until repairs later in 2026, and Grand Avenue to Wakota Scenic Trailhead is closed through October 2026, with a detour on Hardman Avenue.
Distance: 28 miles from St. Paul to Hastings, per Dakota County Parks; start: Simon's Ravine Trailhead, 1308 N. Concord St., South St. Paul; surface: Mississippi River Greenway: check the manager page for current surface.
eBike access: The county-wide rule applies: eBikes that meet the Minnesota definition are allowed where normal bikes are. No trail-specific eBike rule is published. The speed limit is 15 mph. Etiquette and planning: Plan by section, not end to end. Check closures and the Hardman Avenue detour, and take the connecting trails only after confirming their own rules. Managing source: Dakota County Parks, Mississippi River Greenway.
3. River to River Greenway: West St. Paul to the river
The River to River Greenway is managed by Dakota County Parks. The county lists an address of 360 Butler Ave. E. in West St. Paul, and notes that electric vehicle charging stations are available there. The Mississippi River Greenway page describes the route as running from South St. Paul to Lilydale, so it works as a connector between the river corridors. Length and surface are not published. That matters for planning, because you cannot confirm pavement or distance from the county page. Check the manager page and posted signs for current conditions. If you ride with a group, agree on a turnaround point before you start.
Distance: River to River Greenway: length is not published, per Dakota County Parks; start: 360 Butler Ave. E., West St. Paul; surface: River to River Greenway: check the manager page for current surface.
eBike access: The county-wide rule applies: eBikes meeting the Minnesota definition are allowed where normal bikes are. No trail-specific eBike rule is published. The speed limit is 15 mph. Etiquette and planning: Ask the manager before relying on the charging stations, since the page lists them for electric vehicles. Keep to 15 mph and watch for walkers near the trailhead. Managing source: Dakota County Parks, River to River Greenway.
4. Vermillion River Greenway: Hastings connection
The Vermillion River Greenway is listed on the Dakota County Big Rivers map. The Mississippi River Greenway page also names it as a connection in Hastings. Dakota County Parks is the listed manager. That is most of what is published. Length, surface and trailheads are not stated, and no eBike rule specific to this greenway is posted. Minnesota's default rules apply, along with the county's 15 mph trail limit. If you ride the Mississippi River Greenway to Hastings, this is a possible side trip. Confirm the route on the county map and follow the signs on the ground.
Distance: Vermillion River Greenway: length is not published, per Dakota County Parks; start: Vermillion River Greenway: several access points; check the manager map; surface: Vermillion River Greenway: check the manager page for current surface.
eBike access: No eBike rule specific to this greenway is posted. The state default and the county limit of 15 mph apply. Etiquette and planning: Treat conditions as unknown until you see them. Slow down at junctions with the Mississippi River Greenway and watch for signs. Managing source: Dakota County Parks, Mississippi River Greenway.
5. Minnesota River Greenway, listed on the county map
The Minnesota River Greenway appears on the Dakota County Parks Big Rivers map page. Dakota County Parks is the managing agency listed. The published details stop there. Length, surface and trailhead are not stated, and no eBike rule is posted for it. Minnesota's default applies, and the county speed limit of 15 mph covers its trails. This is a route to scout with the county map open rather than a trail to plan a long day around. Look for posted signs at each access point, and check whether any segment is closed before you go.
Distance: Minnesota River Greenway: length is not published, per Dakota County Parks; start: Minnesota River Greenway: several access points; check the manager map; surface: Minnesota River Greenway: check the manager page for current surface.
eBike access: Minnesota River Greenway: no route-specific eBike rule is posted. The state default applies, along with the county 15 mph trail limit. Etiquette and planning: Carry a map, pick a short out-and-back first, and follow any signs that restrict bikes or eBikes. Managing source: Dakota County Parks, Big Rivers map.
6. North Creek Greenway, map-listed county greenway
The North Creek Greenway is another corridor on the Dakota County Parks Big Rivers map. The county is the listed manager. Length, surface and trailheads are not published in the county pages, and no eBike rule specific to this greenway is posted. Minnesota's default rules apply, plus the county's 15 mph limit on trails. Lake Marion Greenway and Veterans Memorial Greenway sit in the same position: named on the map, with few details. If you want to ride one of these, start from the map, find an access point on the ground, and read any signs before you head out.
Distance: North Creek Greenway: length is not published, per Dakota County Parks; start: North Creek Greenway: several access points; check the manager map; surface: North Creek Greenway: check the manager page for current surface.
eBike access: North Creek Greenway: no route-specific eBike rule is posted. The state default applies, along with the county 15 mph trail limit. Etiquette and planning: Ride a short test section first. Give way to walkers, call out when passing, and respect any posted restrictions. Managing source: Dakota County Parks, Big Rivers map.
Planning a Dakota County ride
The county does not publish charging points for eBikes. The River to River Greenway page mentions electric vehicle charging stations at its listed address, but it does not say they are for eBikes. Charge your battery at home or at your shop before you ride. Carry a charger only if you have a confirmed stop. Trail length varies, and most length details are not published, so keep a reserve in the battery.
Check closures before every ride. Grand Avenue to Wakota Scenic Trailhead on the Mississippi River Greenway is closed through October 2026, with a detour on Hardman Avenue. Pine Bend Trailhead to 117th Street is closed until repairs later in 2026. The Lone Oak Trailhead on Big Rivers is closed for bridge construction. Crowd levels and transit options are not published.
Half-day and full-day eBike plans
Half day: Ride the Big Rivers Regional Trail from the Big Rivers Trailhead in Mendota Heights. It is a paved rail-bed trail, so it suits a short outing. Skip the Lone Oak Trailhead, which is closed for bridge construction. Turn around when your battery reaches half, and keep to 15 mph.
Full day: Pick a long section of the Mississippi River Greenway, which runs 28 miles from St. Paul to Hastings. Start at Simon's Ravine in South St. Paul and ride south toward Swing Bridge in Inver Grove Heights. Check closures and the Hardman Avenue detour first. Do not plan on riding the full length.
Rainy-season backup: Use the shop pages instead. Pick up a rental from LeeTours E-Bike Rentals or Pedego Electric Bikes Twin Cities - Mendota Heights for a drier day, and call first about hours and terms. Or visit a repair shop to get your own bike ready for the River to River Greenway.
What not to ride in Dakota County
Trails with a pet on leash: Dakota County Parks says bicycling with a pet on leash is not allowed. If you want to ride with a dog, this is not the place to do it. Walk the dog separately or leave it at home.
Closed trail segments: Do not ride around barriers on closed segments. This includes the Lone Oak Trailhead area on Big Rivers, I-35E access from Lilydale to St. Paul, and the Pine Bend Trailhead to 117th Street section of the Mississippi River Greenway. Use detours posted by the county.
Anything above 15 mph: The speed limit on all Dakota County trails is 15 mph. Class 3 eBikes stop assisting at 28 mph, so use the lowest assist level on shared trails. Throttle bikes can still run fast, so ease off near walkers.
Routes with no published details: Several greenways list no length, surface or trailhead. Do not assume pavement or access on the Minnesota River, North Creek, Lake Marion or Veterans Memorial greenways. Check signs on site and follow any restriction you see.
When to ride Dakota County
The county pages do not publish seasonal hours or crowd levels, so check the manager page before you go. Minnesota has cold winters, and trails can be closed or hard to ride in snow or ice. Summer weekends are likely to bring more walkers and riders to river corridors, which makes the 15 mph limit more important. On hot days, plan for water and a battery reserve. Construction closures can change from week to week.
Minnesota eBike laws and route permission
Minnesota treats an electric-assisted bicycle as a bicycle. Under Minn. Stat. 169.011, it has two or three wheels, a saddle, fully operable pedals, and a motor of no more than 750 watts. It must meet federal rule 16 CFR 1512 and fit Class 1, 2, 3, or multiple mode. Class 1 is pedal-assist that stops at 20 mph. Class 2 can move without pedaling and stops at 20 mph. Class 3 is pedal-assist that stops at 28 mph. Multiple mode switches between classes. Since the 2025 amendment, the battery or drive system must also be tested to a safety standard by a third-party lab. A bike built or sold to be modified out of its class does not qualify.
Under Minn. Stat. 169.222, you ride an eBike like any bicycle, including on the shoulder, in a bike lane, and on a bike route. Class 1 and 2 may use the motor on bicycle paths, trails, and shared use paths unless a state or local rule prohibits it. Class 3 and multiple mode bikes may use them unless the local authority or state agency in charge prohibits it. On sidewalks, yield to pedestrians and give an audible signal. Do not ride on sidewalks in a business district unless local authorities allow it. No one under 15 may operate an eBike, in any class. Local governments may restrict eBikes on trails only if they find use inconsistent with safety, general welfare, or a property conveyance. The BikeMN 2026 session summary says no new eBike laws passed this session.
As of October 8, 2026, Minnesota statutes set no helmet requirement for eBike riders. BikeMN also reports there is no helmet mandate for youth eBike riders. An eBike is a bicycle under Minnesota law, so it needs no license or registration. Some riders will still choose a helmet, especially on faster Class 3 bikes. Check local rules before you ride, since cities and agencies can set their own trail limits. For a plain-language overview, read our guide to Minnesota eBike laws.
Trail access depends on who manages the trail. The DNR says eBikes that meet the state definition are allowed on state trails wherever normal bicycles are allowed. Local governments can restrict eBikes on local trails and bikeways under Minn. Stat. 85.018 and Minn. Stat. 160.263, but only after finding eBike use inconsistent with safety, general welfare, or the terms of a property conveyance. Look for posted signs at the trailhead.
Managers of nonmotorized natural-surface trails and bike parks may regulate eBikes, so a dirt trail can be closed to them even when a paved path nearby is open. Know your bike's class before you go. Your label must show the class, top assisted speed, and wattage. Changing the bike requires a new label, and a bike modified out of its class is no longer an eBike under the definition. A throttle may not push the bike past 20 mph in any mode.
Dakota County Parks sets the main rules. Electric-assist bikes are allowed wherever normal bikes are allowed, if they meet Minnesota Statute 169.011, Subdivision 27. The county page does not specify classes. The speed limit on all trails is 15 mph. Bicycling with a pet on leash is not allowed. No trail-specific eBike rule is published for Big Rivers, Mississippi River Greenway or River to River.
No Dakota County or major-city eBike ordinance, sidewalk rule or pending eBike change with dates is published. Where the county pages are silent, Minnesota's default applies. Posted signs and managers on each trail can add limits. There is one source conflict: The Big Rivers page says Lone Oak Trailhead is closed for bridge construction, but the Big Rivers map page still lists it as a trailhead, so treat it as closed.
Pending closures have dates, and Grand Avenue to Wakota Scenic Trailhead on the Mississippi River Greenway is closed through October 2026, with a detour along Hardman Avenue. Pine Bend Trailhead to 117th Street is closed until repairs later in 2026. Big Rivers I-35E trail access from Lilydale to St. Paul is closed due to MnDOT construction. No end date is published for that one.
Frequently asked questions
Which Dakota County route is the longest?
The Mississippi River Greenway is the longest with a published length. Dakota County Parks says it runs 28 miles from St. Paul to Hastings. Lengths for Big Rivers, River to River and the other greenways are not published.
Is Big Rivers paved?
Dakota County Parks describes the Big Rivers Regional Trail as a scenic paved trail built on an abandoned railroad bed. Closures affect parts of it, so check the county page before you ride.
Where do I park for Big Rivers?
The county lists three trailheads: Big Rivers at 1498 Mendota Heights Road in Mendota Heights, Lilydale at 1292 Lilydale Road in St. Paul, and Lone Oak at 2995 Sibley Memorial Highway in Eagan. Lone Oak is closed for bridge construction.
Is the Grand Avenue to Wakota section open?
Not through October 2026, Dakota County Parks says the Mississippi River Greenway between Grand Avenue and Wakota Scenic Trailhead is closed, with a detour along Hardman Avenue. Check the county page for updates after that date.
Can I use a throttle eBike on county trails?
The county allows electric-assist bikes that meet the Minnesota definition wherever normal bikes are allowed. It does not specify classes. Minnesota treats Class 2 bikes, which can run without pedaling, as eBikes. Keep to 15 mph and follow signs.
Can I charge at the River to River Greenway?
The county page lists electric vehicle charging stations at the River to River Greenway address, 360 Butler Ave. E. in West St. Paul. It does not say they are meant for eBike batteries, so ask before relying on them.
Does the Mississippi River Greenway connect anywhere?
Yes, the county names the Hastings 10-mile Scenic Circuit, Point Douglas Regional Trail to Prescott, Wisconsin, River to River Greenway, Robert Piram Regional Trail and Vermillion River Greenway. Rules for each connection are not stated, so check signs.
Are there rental options?
Two rental cards are listed: LeeTours E-Bike Rentals and Pedego Electric Bikes Twin Cities - Mendota Heights. Hours, prices and rental terms are not published here, so contact the business before you plan a ride.
All eBike shops in Dakota County
Need a bike, a rental or a tune-up before you ride? See all Dakota County eBike shops.