Electric Bike Regulations in Every State

In the United States, each state enforces its own set of traffic regulations, which naturally extends to electric bicycles. The definition of an “electric bicycle” varies across states, reflecting the diversity of local legislation.

Awareness of these distinct regulations is crucial to prevent the imposition of severe penalties. Ignorance of the law can turn an enjoyable e-bike journey into a regrettable experience marred by traffic infractions.

The classification of electric bicycles is a common starting point for many states’ regulations. This categorization into classes is instrumental in shaping the rules that apply within each jurisdiction.

Electric Bike Class Categories

Class 1 e-bikes have a motor that assists during pedaling and stops assisting when the rider reaches 20 mph.
Class 2 e-bikes feature a throttle-actuated motor that stops assisting once the rider hits 20 mph.
Class 3 e-bikes also have a motor, which provides pedal assistance until the rider reaches speeds of 28 mph.

Although the classification system isn’t universally applied, it forms the cornerstone of e-bike legislation in numerous states.

It’s imperative to consult the comprehensive directory of principal e-bike statutes for each state. Given the dynamic nature of legal frameworks, it’s wise to verify the most current local and state regulations prior to embarking on an e-bike excursion.

Electric Bike Regulations in Every State

State	Regulation
Alabama	Operators must have a Class M driver’s license to operate a motor-driven bicycle. Residents aged 14 or older are eligible to apply for a Class M license. Motor-driven bicycle operators are required to wear a helmet at all times.
Alaska	Bicycles equipped with a motor are referred to as motor-driven bicycles Motor-driven cycle operators require a Class M license Individuals aged 14 and older can apply for a Class M license
Arizona	E-bikes with a maximum speed of 20 mph or less don’t require an Operator’s license No minimum age for e-bike use Helmets are not mandatory
Arkansas	No specific regulations for electric bicycles yet Riders should not be under the age of 10 Gas-powered motorized bicycles require either of the following: Certificate Motor-driven bicycle license Motorcycle license A, B, C, or D-class license
California	E-bikes are not equated with motor vehicles They don’t require permits or licenses Laws follow a class-based system; all e-bike operators must display their e-bike class clearly on the frame
Colorado	E-bikes with a maximum speed of 20 mph don’t need to follow any regulations Class 3 e-bike operators under the age of 21 must wear helmets Class 3 e-bike riders must be over 16 years of age
Connecticut	No registration necessary Operators must have a driver’s license Maximum speed limit for e-bikes is 30 mph
Delaware	E-bikes can reach a maximum speed of 20 mph. Operators do not need to register or license e-bikes. E-bike operators under 18 years old must wear helmets.
Florida	Maximum speed for e-bikes is 20 mph There is no minimum age requirement to operate e-bikes. Riders under 16 years old must wear helmets.
Georgia	Laws are regulated under a class-based structure for e-bikes Class 3 e-bike riders must be 15 years or older All operators/passengers must wear helmets
Hawaii	E-bike owners must register their vehicles and pay a $30 registration fee. Individuals must be 18 years or older to register an e-bike. Helmets are required for riders under the age of 15.
Idaho	Class 1 and 2 e-bikes must follow a maximum speed limit of 20 mph Class 3 e-bikes must follow a maximum speed limit of 28 mph Registration and licensing not required
Illinois	Minimum age requirement for e-bike riders is 16 years Class 1 & 2 maximum speed limit: 20 mph Class 3 maximum speed limit: 28 mph
Indiana	Licensing and registration is not required for e-bikes Riders of e-bikes must be over 15 years of age Class 3 e-bikes cannot access bike trails
Iowa	Maximum speed limit for e-bikes is 20 mph Registration and licensing is not required No minimum age requirement for e-bike riders
Kansas	All e-bikes must adhere to a maximum speed limit of 20 mph. There is no mandate for registration and licensing. There are no age or helmet requirements.
Kentucky	E-bike operators are not required to register or obtain a license. There is no minimum age requirement. Helmets are not mandatory.
Louisiana	Class 3 e-bikes cannot be operated by persons under the age of 12. Class 3 e-bike riders must wear helmets. There is no requirement for licensing or registration.
Maine	Riders of Class 2 and Class 3 e-bikes must be over the age of 16. Riders under 16 years must wear helmets. Class 3 e-bikes are prohibited on most bike routes.
Maryland	Helmets are mandatory for riders of e-bikes under 16 years of age Persons above the age of 16 can operate Class 3 e-bikes Most bike routes don’t allow access to Class 3 e-bikes
Massachusetts	Riders of e-bikes must be over 16 years of age E-bikes are prohibited on bike trails Operator’s license and registration are mandatory requirements
Michigan	Maximum speed limit for Classes 1 and 2: 20 mph Maximum speed limit for Class 3: 28 mph Riders of Class 3 e-bikes must be over the age of 14
Minnesota	E-bikes must follow a maximum speed limit of 20 mph E-bike riders must be 15 years or older Helmets are not required
Mississippi	E-bikes can be ridden on bike paths No helmet mandate for e-bike riders No age requirement for e-bike riders
Missouri	E-bike riders must be at least 16 years of age All e-bike riders must obtain an operator’s license No helmets required
Montana	No age mandate for e-bike riders No helmet mandate for e-bike riders E-bike riders can skip registration and licensing requirements
Nebraska	There is no minimum age requirement for e-bike riders E-bikes aren’t subject to registration or licensing formalities Helmets are not required
Nevada	E-bike riders can be of any age No helmet mandate E-bikes are allowed on bike paths
New Jersey	Class 3 e-bike riders must be 15 years or older Registration and licensing required for Class 3 e-bikes Class 3 e-bikes are prohibited from accessing most bike trails
New Hampshire	Class 3 e-bike riders must be over 18 years of age. All e-bike riders must wear helmets. Licensing or registration is not required.
New Mexico	Electric bikes are classified as mopeds. Only individuals above 15 years of age can ride e-bikes. E-bikes must comply with both licensing and registration requirements
New York	E-bikes are allowed only on roads with a speed limit of 30 mph. E-bike riders must ride in a single-file. E-bike riders have access to only some bike trails.
North Carolina	One must be over 16 years of age to operate an e-bike E-bike riders must not exceed a speed limit of 20 mph No helmet mandate
North Dakota	Minimum age for e-bike riders is 14 years Bike path permissions for e-bikes vary as per city No licensing or registration requirements
Ohio	20 mph maximum speed limit for Classes 1 and 2 28 mph maximum speed limit for Class 3 Helmets are mandatory for Class 3 e-bike riders
Oklahoma	Class 3 e-bike riders must wear helmets Class 3 e-bike riders must be 16 years or older No bike trail allowance for Class 3 e-bikes
Oregon	E-bike riders must be 16 years or older Maximum speed limit for e-bikes is 20 mph E-bike riders are allowed to access bike paths
Pennsylvania	Maximum speed requirement of 20 mph E-bikes can be ridden anywhere standard bicycles are allowed No helmet mandate
Rhode Island	Bike path permissions for e-bikes vary as per city Registration for e-bikes is not required E-bikes must follow a maximum speed of 25 mph
South Carolina	E-bike motors must not be more than 750 watts Licensing and registration is not required City-by-city allowances for e-bikes on bike paths
South Dakota	Class 3 e-bikes must follow a maximum speed limit of 28 mph Minimum age requirement for e-bike riders is 16 Bike trails do not allow access to Class 3 e-bikes
Tennessee	You must be 14 years or older to operate a Class 3 e-bike All Class 3 e-bike riders must wear a helmet No licensing or registration mandates
Texas	Persons under the age of 15 may not operate Class 3 e-bikes No mandate for licensing and registration City authorizes bike path permissions for e-bikes
Utah	Classes 1 and 2 maximum speed limit: 20 mph Class 3 maximum speed limit: 28 mph All e-bikes can access bike trails
Vermont	Bike path allowances vary on a city-to-city basis E-bikes aren’t subject to licensing and registration requirements Maximum speed limit of 20 mph applies to all e-bikes
Virginia	Bike trails permit all e-bikes. Only individuals above 14 years of age may operate Class 3 e-bikes. Class 3 e-bike riders must wear helmets.
Washington (State)	Class 3 e-bikes are off-limits to persons below the age of 16. Bike trails are off-limits to Class 3 e-bikes. Licensing and registration are not necessary.
Washington, DC	E-bike riders must be at least 16 years old. Licensing or registration is not required. A maximum speed of 20 mph is mandated.
West Virginia	Only Class 1 and Class 3 e-bikes are recognized. Class 3 e-bikes are barred from bike trails. Helmets are mandatory for riders below the age of 15.
Wisconsin	Permission to access bike routes varies on a city-to-city basis E-bikes don’t need licensing or registration Class 3 e-bike riders must be over 16 years of age
Wyoming	Laws follow a class-based structure for e-bikes No license or registration needed All e-bike classes can access bike trails

Tags: Ebike Classes, FInancing, state laws

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