Each U.S. state has its own set of laws governing the use of electric bicycles. To provide clarity on the legal landscape, we've detailed the regulations for a selection of states:
Alabama
· Electric bikes exempt from motor vehicle requirements.
· Three classes of e-bikes defined by power and speed.
· Class 3 e-bikes restricted for riders under 16 and require helmets.
Alaska
· E-bike riders must carry an operator’s license.
· No registration or insurance needed.
· No helmet requirement.
· Riders must be 14 or older.
· E-bikes prohibited on sidewalks and bike paths.
Arizona
· E-bikes exempt from motor vehicle requirements.
· Three classes of e-bikes with varying power and speed limits.
· No helmet requirement.
· No age limit for e-bike use.
· E-bikes allowed on sidewalks and bike paths.
Arkansas
· E-bikes exempt from motor vehicle requirements.
· Three classes of e-bikes defined.
· Class 3 e-bikes prohibited for riders under 16 and require helmets.
California
· E-bikes exempt from motor vehicle requirements.
· Three classes of e-bikes with specific power and speed criteria.
· Class 3 e-bikes restricted for riders under 16 and require helmets.
Colorado
· E-bikes exempt from motor vehicle requirements.
· Three classes of e-bikes with defined power and speed.
· Class 3 e-bikes prohibited for riders under 16 and require helmets under 21.
Connecticut
· E-bikes exempt from motor vehicle requirements.
· Three classes of e-bikes with specific power and speed limits.
· Class 3 e-bikes restricted for riders under 16 and require helmets.
Delaware
· E-bikes under 750W and 20 mph defined as bicycles.
· Exempt from motor vehicle requirements.
· Helmets required for riders and passengers under 18.
· No minimum age for e-bike use.
· E-bikes allowed on sidewalks and bike paths.
Florida
· E-bikes exempt from motor vehicle requirements.
· Three classes of e-bikes with specific power and speed criteria.
· Helmets required for riders and passengers under 16.
Georgia
· E-bikes exempt from motor vehicle requirements.
· Three classes of e-bikes defined by power and speed.
· Class 3 e-bikes restricted for riders under 15 and require helmets.
Hawaii
· E-bikes capped at less than 20 mph.
· Registration required with a $30 fee.
· Riders must be over 18 to register, but those 15 and older can operate if registered to a household member.
· Helmets required for those under 16.
Idaho
· E-bikes exempt from motor vehicle regulations.
· Three e-bike classes with varying power and speed specifications.
Illinois
· E-bikes exempt from motor vehicle regulations.
· Three e-bike classes defined by power and speed.
· Class 3 e-bikes prohibited for riders under 16, and not allowed on sidewalks.
Indiana
· E-bikes exempt from motor vehicle regulations.
· Three e-bike classes with specific power and speed limits.
· Class 3 e-bikes restricted for riders under 15, require helmets under 18, and are limited on bike paths.
Iowa
· E-bikes exempt from motor vehicle regulations.
· Three e-bike classes with defined power and speed.
· Class 3 e-bikes prohibited for riders under 16, and must adhere to speed limits on paths.
Kansas
· E-bikes defined as "electric assisted bicycles" with specific power and speed limits.
· Exempt from motor vehicle regulations.
· No helmet requirement, no age minimum.
Kentucky
· E-bikes exempt from motor vehicle regulations.
· No helmet requirement, no age minimum.
Louisiana
· E-bikes exempt from motor vehicle regulations.
· Three e-bike classes with specific power and speed limits.
· Class 3 e-bikes prohibited for riders under 12, require helmets.
Maine
· E-bikes exempt from motor vehicle regulations.
· Three e-bike classes with defined power and speed.
· Class 3 e-bikes restricted for riders under 16, require helmets, and have path usage regulations.
Maryland
· E-bikes exempt from motor vehicle regulations.
· Three e-bike classes with specific power and speed limits.
· Class 3 e-bikes prohibited for riders under 16, not allowed on sidewalks, and have path usage regulations.
Massachusetts
· E-bikes defined as "motorized bicycles" with a maximum speed limit.
· Riders must carry an operator’s license and are subject to registration.
· Helmets required, no e-bike use for persons under 16, and not allowed on sidewalks or bike paths.
Michigan
· E-bikes exempt from motor vehicle regulations.
· Three e-bike classes with specific power and speed limits.
· Only class 1 e-bikes allowed on bike paths, class 3 e-bikes have age restrictions, helmet requirements, and require a permit in Mackinac Island State Park.
Minnesota
· E-bikes are exempt from motor vehicle registration, licensing, and insurance.
· Three e-bike classes with specific operational definitions.
· Riders under 15 years old are restricted from riding Class 3 e-bikes but can be passengers.
Mississippi
· E-bikes are exempt from motor vehicle regulations.
· Three classes of e-bikes with defined power and speed limits.
· Class 3 e-bikes have restrictions for riders under 16 years old.
Missouri
· E-bikes are exempt from motor vehicle regulations.
· Three classes of e-bikes with specific power and speed limits.
· Class 3 e-bikes are restricted for riders under 16 years old.
Montana
· E-bikes are defined as "electrically assisted bicycles" with a maximum speed of 20 mph.
· Exempt from motor vehicle registration, licensing, and insurance.
· No helmet requirements and no minimum age limit.
Nebraska
· E-bikes are defined by specific power, speed, and pedal operability criteria.
· Exempt from motor vehicle registration, licensing, and insurance.
· No helmet requirements and no minimum age limit.
Nevada
· E-bikes are exempt from motor vehicle regulations.
· Three classes of e-bikes with defined power and speed limits.
New Hampshire
· E-bikes are exempt from motor vehicle regulations.
· Three classes of e-bikes with specific power and speed limits.
· Class 3 e-bikes have restrictions for riders under 16 years old and require helmets under 18.
New Jersey
· Three classes of e-bikes with specific operational definitions.
· Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are regulated like bicycles.
· Class 3 e-bikes are defined as motorized bicycles with specific licensing and insurance requirements.
New Mexico
· E-bikes are subject to motor vehicle licensing and insurance requirements.
· Minimum user age is 15 years old.
· Not allowed on sidewalks.
New York
· E-bikes are exempt from motor vehicle registration, licensing, and insurance.
· Three classes of e-bikes with specific power and speed limits.
· Class 1 and 2 e-bikes have specific access rules on roads and bike paths.
North Carolina
· E-bikes are defined as bicycles under specific power and speed criteria.
· Exempt from motor vehicle regulations.
· No helmet requirements and no minimum age limit.
· Allowed on sidewalks if bicycles are permitted.
North Dakota
· E-bikes are exempt from motor vehicle regulations.
· Three classes of e-bikes with defined power and speed limits.
· Class 3 e-bikes have restrictions for riders under 16 years old and require helmets under 18.
Utah
· E-bikes exempt from motor vehicle requirements.
· Three e-bike classes with distinct operational parameters.
· E-bikes permitted on bike paths, but not on sidewalks.
Vermont
· E-bikes exempt from motor vehicle requirements.
· Three e-bike classes with specific power and speed limits.
· Class 3 e-bikes restricted for riders under 16 years old.
Virginia
· E-bikes exempt from motor vehicle requirements.
· Three e-bike classes with defined power and speed limits.
· Class 3 e-bikes prohibited for riders under 14 years old, with helmet requirements.
Washington
· E-bikes exempt from motor vehicle requirements.
· Three e-bike classes with specific power and speed limits.
· Class 3 e-bikes not allowed on bike paths, with restrictions for riders under 16 years old.
Washington D.C.
· E-bikes defined by operable pedals and a maximum speed of 20 mph.
· Exempt from motor vehicle registration, licensing, and insurance.
· Minimum age to operate an e-bike is 16 years.
West Virginia
· E-bikes exempt from motor vehicle requirements.
· Two e-bike classes with specific power and speed limits.
· Class 3 e-bikes not allowed on trails, with restrictions for riders and passengers under 16 years old.
Wisconsin
· E-bikes exempt from motor vehicle requirements.
· Three e-bike classes with defined power and speed limits.
· Class 3 e-bikes prohibited for riders under 16 years old.
Wyoming
· E-bikes exempt from motor vehicle requirements.
· Three e-bike classes with specific power and speed limits.
For a comprehensive understanding of e-bike laws in your state and others, visit https://www.peopleforbikes.org/electric-bikes/state-laws, a resource dedicated to making e-biking accessible and clear for all. This information is crucial for e-bike riders, retailers, and suppliers to ensure compliance and safety on the roads.