It depends on what you were riding. Minnesota's DWI law applies to a "motor vehicle" (and separately to motorboats, snowmobiles, and ATVs). Some devices clearly count, some clearly do not, and some sit in a genuinely gray area. A regular pedal bicycle generally does not support a DWI. Other devices are more complicated -- and the law here has been shifting.
This is one of those questions where the honest answer is "it turns on a definition," and that definition is exactly what determines whether you can be charged.
The Line the Law Draws
Under Minn. Stat. section 169A.20, DWI applies to driving, operating, or being in physical control of a motor vehicle (as defined in section 169A.03), as well as motorboats, snowmobiles, and all-terrain vehicles. The whole question usually comes down to whether your device meets the statutory definition of "motor vehicle." [VERIFY: confirm current text of 169A.20 and the 169A.03 definition of "motor vehicle" at revisor.mn.gov before publishing.]
How Common Devices Are Generally Treated
- Regular bicycle: Generally not a motor vehicle, so a standard DWI generally does not apply. Impaired riding can still raise other issues.
- ATV, snowmobile, motorboat: Specifically covered by the DWI law.
- Motorized foot scooter / Segway / mobility device: Minnesota courts have treated certain devices, like a Segway and a mobility scooter, as personal assistive mobility devices rather than motor vehicles for DWI purposes. [VERIFY: confirm current case law -- e.g., the Minnesota decisions on Segways and mobility scooters -- via Justia before relying on specific holdings.]
- E-bike: A genuinely gray area. E-bikes are often regulated like bicycles for licensing, but whether that carries over to the DWI definition has been unsettled, and legislative changes have been proposed. [VERIFY: confirm the current statutory treatment of e-bikes under the DWI chapter and any recent amendments before publishing -- this is the most likely item to be out of date.]
- Riding lawnmower or similar: Fact-dependent; whether it is a "motor vehicle" or "off-road" device under the statute matters.
Why the Answer Can Still Bite You
Even where a standard DWI does not apply, impaired operation of "any vehicle" on a road can raise other charges, such as careless or reckless driving. So "it's not a DWI" is not the same as "it's fine." [VERIFY: confirm current careless/reckless driving provisions (e.g., Minn. Stat. 169.13) before relying on this point.]
What this means for you: if you were charged with a DWI on an unusual vehicle, the definition question is a real and sometimes winning issue -- but it is technical and moving, so it deserves a close look rather than an assumption in either direction.
Key Terms
- Motor vehicle: A statutorily defined term that determines whether the DWI law applies.
- Personal assistive mobility device: A category some devices fall into, generally outside the DWI definition.
- Physical control: Being positioned to operate a covered vehicle, even if not moving.
- Careless / reckless driving: Separate offenses that can apply to non-DWI vehicles.
Updated May 18, 2026 · Law verified as of August 10, 2026. This article is general information about Minnesota law, not legal advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a DWI on a regular bicycle?
Generally no. A standard pedal bicycle is generally not a "motor vehicle" for DWI purposes, though impaired riding can raise other concerns.
What about an e-bike?
This is unsettled. E-bikes are often regulated like bicycles, but whether that applies to the DWI definition has been a gray area subject to possible legislative change. It should be checked against the current statute.
Are scooters and Segways covered?
Minnesota courts have treated certain devices like Segways and mobility scooters as personal assistive mobility devices, not motor vehicles, for DWI purposes. The specific device and current law matter.
Can I get a DWI on an ATV or snowmobile?
Yes. The DWI law specifically covers all-terrain vehicles and snowmobiles, as well as motorboats.
If it's not a DWI, am I in the clear?
Not necessarily. Impaired operation of a vehicle on a road can support other charges, such as careless or reckless driving, even when the DWI statute does not apply.
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Read the guideThe information on this article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Reading this article does not create an attorney-client relationship.