2023 E-Bike Laws and Regulations
What's the Three-Class E-Bike System?
The purpose of the three-class system is to determine the best uses and practices for each electric bike. Currently, there are 38 states in the United States that use the three-class system for e-bikes:
1. Alabama
People under 16 years old can't operate Class-3 e-bikes but can ride as passengers. All Class-3 e-bike riders must wear helmets.
2. Arkansas
Arkansas requires helmets for Class-3 e-bike riders under 21 years. Those under 16 can't ride Class-3 e-bikes.
3. Arizona
Arizona doesn't have helmet or age minimum requirements for e-bike use.
4. California
California requires helmets for Class-3 e-bike riders. Those under 16 can only ride Class-3 bikes as passengers.
5. Connecticut
All e-bike class riders must have helmets, and Class-3 bikes aren't permitted on bike trails. People under 16 can only ride Class-3s as passengers.
6. Colorado
Colorado requires helmets for Class-3 riders under age 21. Those under 16 can't ride Class-3 e-bikes.
7. Delaware
E-bikes are permitted on all bike paths unless prohibited by local governments. Those under 16 can only ride Class-3s as passengers, and all Class-3 operators must wear helmets.
8. Florida
All e-bike classes are permitted wherever standard bicycles are allowed. All operators and passengers under 16 must wear helmets.
9. Georgia
You must be 15 or older to operate a Class-3 e-bike, but underaged individuals can ride as passengers. All operators and passengers must wear helmets on Class-3 e-bikes. Class-3s aren't allowed on shared-use paths unless they're adjacent to highways or roadways.
10. Illinois
People under 16 can't operate Class-3 e-bikes. Electric bikes are allowed on bike paths but not sidewalks.
11. Idaho
E-bikes are allowed on bike paths but are subject to local restrictions.
12. Indiana
Class-3 operators must be at least 15 years old. All Class-3 operators and passengers under 18 must have helmets.
13. Iowa
People under 16 can only ride Class-3 e-bikes as passengers.
14. Kansas
Those under 16 can only ride Class-3 e-bikes as passengers.
15. Louisiana
Class-3 riders must be at least 12 years old. All Class-3 operators and passengers need helmets.
16. Maryland
Class-3 operators must be at least 16 years old. E-bikes aren't permitted on sidewalks.
17. Maine
Class-3 e-bikes aren't allowed on bike paths unless they're within highways or roadways. All operators and passengers under 16 need helmets. Those under 16 can't operate Class-2 or Class-3 bikes.
18. Michigan
Classes 2 and 3 aren't allowed on bike paths. People under 14 can only ride Class-3s as passengers, and riders under 18 need helmets.
19. Mississippi
People under 16 can only ride Class-3 e-bikes as passengers.
20. Minnesota
Those under 15 can't operate e-bikes. All e-bike classes are permitted on bike paths.
21. Missouri
People under 16 can only ride Class-3 e-bikes as passengers.
22. Nevada
Though subject to local regulations, all e-bike classes are allowed anywhere bicycles are.
23. New Hampshire
Classes 1 and 2 are allowed on bike paths, while Class-3s are only permitted on roadways. Class-3 riders must be 16 years old. Class-3 riders under 18 must have helmets.
24. New Jersey
E-bikes aren't allowed on sidewalks. Riders must be 15 years old.
25. New York
Class-1 and 2 e-bikes are regulated as bicycles. New York prohibits Class-3 e-bike usage.
26. North Dakota
Those under 18 can operate Class-3 e-bikes if wearing helmets.
27. Ohio
All Class-3 riders must wear helmets.
28. Oklahoma
Class-3 operators must be 16 years old. Class-3 e-bikes are only allowed on bike paths adjacent to roadways and highways.
29. South Dakota
People under 16 may only ride Class-3 e-bikes as passengers.
30. Tennessee
People under 14 can't ride Class-3 e-bikes, and all riders must wear helmets. No e-bikes are permitted on sidewalks.
31. Texas
Those under 15 can only ride Class-3 e-bikes as passengers.
32. Utah
E-bikes are allowed on bike paths but not sidewalks.
33. Vermont
People under 16 can only ride Class-3 e-bikes as passengers.
34. Virginia
Class-3 operators must be 14 years old, and all riders need helmets.
35. Washington
Those under 16 can only ride Class-3 e-bikes as passengers.
36. West Virginia
Class-3 e-bike operators must be 16 or older, and riders under 15 need helmets. West Virginia doesn't recognize Class-2 e-bikes.
37. Wisconsin
People under 16 years can't operate Class-3 e-bikes.
38. Wyoming
Pictured Above: Dirwin Pioneer
The following passage explains the different classes of electric bikes and their features, as well as the importance of checking local regulations before riding:
- Class-1 electric bikes provide assistance only when you pedal, and the assistance stops at 20 miles per hour. They are generally treated like regular bicycles and are allowed on bike paths, lanes, and roads. Check local rules to ensure motorized vehicles are permitted in your area.
- Class-2 electric bikes also have pedal assistance up to 20 miles per hour, but they also have a throttle-only mode, allowing you to ride without pedaling. This can be helpful for those with limited mobility or those who want to relax and enjoy the ride.
- Class-3 electric bikes have a speedometer and provide assistance up to 28 miles per hour, making them a popular choice for commuters and adventure seekers. However, local rules may prohibit their use on certain trails or bike lanes due to their high speeds. Be sure to check before riding.
Non-Tiered E-Bike Classifications
Certain states and Washington, D.C. don't use the three-class system, but they have other means of identifying and enforcing electric bikes. Some states treat e-bikes the same as traditional bikes. Some classify them as mopeds or scooters. Other states don't have clear-cut e-bike classifications but still enforce stringent guidelines for riding.
Pictured Above: Revi Bikes Cheetah Mini
Below are the non-tiered states and districts and their e-bike regulations.
1. Alaska
Alaska defines e-bikes as “motor-driven cycles," which aren't subject to the same road rules as traditional bicycles. E-bike riders must have an operator's license, but they aren't required to have insurance, registration or helmets. Riders must be at least 14 years old and steer clear of sidewalks and bike paths.
2. Hawaii
Hawaii classifies e-bikes as “low-speed electric bicycles.” Riders must acquire registration and be at least 18 years old. Those aged 15 and older can operate an e-bike as long as it's registered under a household member. Anyone under the age of 16 must wear a helmet. E-bikes are permitted anywhere traditional bicycles can be ridden, bike paths included.
3. Kentucky
Kentucky considers e-bikes “bicycles,” provided they have pedals operable under combined human and motor power. The same road rules apply to both electric and traditional bicycles.
Riders aren't subject to licensing, registration and insurance requirements associated with motor vehicles. Helmets aren't required, and there isn't an age minimum for e-bike riders. E-bikes are permitted on bike paths and sidewalks.
4. Massachusetts
Massachusetts defines e-bikes as “motorized bicycles,” provided that the maximum speed is 25 miles per hour or less. While the rider must have a license and registration, they aren't required to insure the bike. You also can't ride your e-bike on public sidewalks or bike paths. The minimum e-bike riding age is 16, and don't forget your helmet — it's required by law!
5. Montana
Montana permits electric bike riders on bicycle paths, sidewalks and roadways. The state defines an e-bike as an “electrically assisted bicycle,” and doesn't require a license, registration or insurance.
However, e-bikes can't reach speeds exceeding 20 miles per hour. There isn't an age requirement for e-bikes in Montana, but the safest option is for most riders to wait until they're 16 to ride an e-bike anyway.
6. Nebraska
Nebraska defines e-bikes as “electric-assisted bicycles,” with fully operable pedals, motors under 750 watts and a maximum speed of 20 miles per hour. The same rules of the road pertain to human-powered and electric bicycles.
E-bikes are allowed on bike paths and sidewalks, and they aren't subject to licensing, insurance or registration. Helmets aren't required, and there's no age limit for riders.
7. New Mexico
Because New Mexico defines electric bikes as “mopeds,” every rider must have a license and insurance. They must also be at least 15 years old.
E-bikes are prohibited on New Mexico's public sidewalks, but their bike path usage isn't determined at a state level. You can contact your local government for information about designated bike paths for e-bikes.
8. North Carolina
E-bikes are considered “electric-assisted bicycles” in North Carolina. They must have a maximum speed of 20 miles per hour, operable pedals and under 750 watts of power. Human-powered bicycles and e-bikes fall under the same umbrella of road rules.
Riders don't need helmets, insurance, licensing or registration, but they must be at least 16 years old. E-bikes are permitted on sidewalks if traditional bicycles are. Consult your local authority to find out whether e-bikes are allowed on bike paths.
9. Oregon
Oregon defines e-bikes as “electric-assisted bicycles” and regulates them as standard bicycles, as long as the motor has a maximum power output of 1,000 watts. Furthermore, the bike can't exceed 20 miles per hour and must have human-powered pedals.
Electric bikes aren't subject to the licensing, registration or licensing requirements of standard motor vehicles, and the minimum riding age is 16. E-bikers in Oregon aren't required by law to wear helmets, but it's definitely a good idea to grab one on your way out!
10. Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania defines electric bikes as “pedalcycles with electric assist.” The bike must have a maximum speed of 20 miles per hour, an output of under 750 watts, operable pedals, and a weight of 100 pounds or less.
Electric bikes are permitted wherever traditional bicycles and pedalcycles are ridden. That includes sidewalks, though some restrictions might apply. Helmets aren't required, and e-bikes are immune to the licensing, registration and insurance policies of standard motor vehicles. The minimum age to operate an e-bike in Pennsylvania is 16.
11. Rhode Island
Rhode Island classifies electric bikes as “electric motorized bicycles” with a power output under 1,491 watts, fully operable pedals and a maximum speed of 25 miles per hour. Electric bikes aren't subject to standard motor vehicle laws. The state doesn't specify whether they're permitted on bike paths, so you can contact your local agency for more information regarding this matter.
12. South Carolina
South Carolina views electric bikes as standard vehicles, therefore subjecting them to the same rules of the road. However, e-bikes with a power output under 750 watts are exempt from the classification of “moped.” This means they aren't subject to moped requirements like licensing and registration.
You can consult your local authority for more information about e-bike usage in your jurisdiction and whether bike paths permit them.
13. Washington, D.C.
In Washington, D.C., e-bikes are considered “motorized bicycles,” given they have operable pedals, a maximum speed of 20 miles per hour, and combined human and motor power abilities. E-bikes don't require insurance, licensing or registration. The same road rules apply to both electric and human-powered bikes. Riders must be at least 16 years old.
Be sure to research local e-bike laws if you reside in one of these states. You can find your state online and view its guidelines in full before riding.
Find an E-Bike That Fits Your State's Regulations
Are you ready to put your knowledge of electric bike riding guidelines to use? Once you're familiar with the regulations in your state and municipality, it's time to find the perfect ride. If you're on the market for an affordable, eco-friendly, convinient bike for running errands, commuting, or riding for fun - look no further than The Urban E-Rider Co. We carry a variety of bikes from class-1 to class-3, and can always be reached to talk bout which fit is best for you.