E-Bike Laws in the US: Which rules apply in which states?

As Covid-19 and the global pandemic keeps most of the US in lockdown, the growth of e-bikes in the US continues to grow exponentially. People are looking for alternative ways around cities that don’t involve taking public transport, and e-bikes are providing people with a quick, cheap way around their neighborhoods.

This growth in e-bikes has caused conflict in some places, with both e-bike and non-motorised users unclear about the rules on where e-bikes can be used. Across the US, the rules and regulations for riding e-bikes changes depending on which state (and sometimes, depending on the county) you’re in. This article will give you a breakdown of the e-bike laws in the US across every state.

Please note that we at AltRiders are not lawyers, so this does not constitute any legal advice, but hopefully can give you a helpful overview. Also, towns often have their own individual rules for e-bikes, so it’s good to check with the local authorities or land managers if you’re unsure of the rules. We would always advise riding e-bikes sensibly; in some states e.g. laws allow you to ride on the sidewalks, but we would advise users to exercise caution when riding around pedestrians.

 

Alabama

In Alabama, an e-bike is defined as a “motor-driven cycle”, meaning there are more requirements that for normal cycles. If you’re riding an e-bike you have to carry a license, helmets are required and there is a 14-year ago minimum. E-bikes are also not allowed on sidewalks or bike paths. There are further rules for electric mountain bikes, and they vary significantly across the state. Generally e-bikes are allowed anywhere motorised vehicles are allowed and not allowed if non-motorised vehicles are prohibited.

 

Alaska

In Alaska, an e-bike is defined as a “motor-driven cycle”, meaning there are more requirements that for normal cycles. If you’re riding an e-bike you have to carry a license, helmets are required and there is a 14-year ago minimum. E-bikes are also not allowed on sidewalks or bike paths. Again, e-mountain bike access varies significantly, and when in doubt you should ask the local land manager about access to specific trails.

 

E-bike tips:

• White Mountains Winter Tour in Fairbanks, Alaska
• Yakutat Area Trails in Yakutat, Alaska

 

Arizona

 In Arizone, an e-bike is defined as a “motorized electric bicycle”, but e-bikes are limited to 20 mph and must have pedals. E-bikes with these requirements follow the same rules as traditional bikes. They have no registration, licensing or insurance requirements.

 

E-bike tips:

• Hualapai Mountains Gold King Mansion Ride in Kingman, Arizona
• Fort Valley Trails in Flagstaff, Arizona

 

Arkansas

In 2017, Arkansas recently passed e-bike legislation that defines three classes of e-bikes and regulates their use and sale. To qualify as an e-bike in Arkansas, the bike must have pedals and a motor with no more than 750 watts. There are three classes of e-bike in Arkansas:

• Class 1: provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and tops out at 20 mph
• Class 2: motor may provide assistance without the rider pedaling, and tops out at 20 mph
• Class 3: provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and tops out at 28 mph

 

Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are allowed wherever regular bikes are allowed, whereas Class 3 e-bikes are only allowed on the road.

 

California

In California, e-bikes are regulated like normal bicycles, but the state still designates three classes of e-bikes.

• Class 1: provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and tops out at 20 mph
• Class 2: motor may provide assistance without the rider pedaling, and tops out at 20 mph
• Class 3: provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and tops out at 28 mph

If riding a Class 3 e-bike helmets are required, and cannot be ridden by people under 16 years old.

 

E-bike tips:

• Downieville Classic in Downieville, California
• Cannell Trail in Kernville, California
• Cook and Green Trail in Klamath National Forest, California

 

Colorado

In Colorado, e-bikes are regulated like normal bicycles, but the state still designates three classes of e-bikes.

• Class 1: provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and tops out at 20 mph
• Class 2: motor may provide assistance without the rider pedaling, and tops out at 20 mph
• Class 3: provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and tops out at 28 mph

If riding a Class 3 e-bike helmets are required for both rider and passenger, and cannot be ridden by people under 16 years old. E-bikes are allowed on roads and bike lanes, and are allowed on bike and pedestrian paths if the motor is unengaged.

 

Connecticut 

In Connecticut, an e-bike is defined as a “motor-driven cycle”, meaning there are more requirements that for normal cycles. If you’re riding an e-bike you have to carry a license and helmets are required for anyone who is 15 years or younger. Electric bikes are not allowed on sidewalks.

 

Delaware

In Delaware, an e-bike is defined as a bicycle as long as the e-bike motor is under 750 w, and has a maximum speed of 20mph. If the e-bike meets these requirements the same rules that apply to human-powered bicycles apply to e-bikes. E-bikes are allowed on sidewalks and bike path, and helmets are required for anyone under 18 years old. If riding an electric mountain bike, generally e-bikes may not be permitted in areas that specify non-motorised vehicles, but this must be confirmed with local land managers.

 

Florida

In Florida, an e-bike is defined as a bicycle as long as the e-bike is powered by human power, and has a maximum speed of 20mph. If the e-bike meets these requirements the same rules that apply to human-powered bicycles apply to e-bikes. If riding an electric mountain bike, generally e-bikes may not be permitted in areas that specify non-motorised vehicles, but this must be confirmed with local land managers.

 

E-bike tips:

• Alafia River State Park in Lithia, Delaware
• Oleta River State Park in North Miami Beach, Delaware

 

Georgia

In Georgia, an e-bike is defined as an “electric assisted bicycle” as long as the e-bike has pedal, a maximum speed of 20mph, and a motor under 1,000w. If the e-bike meets these requirements the same rules that apply to human-powered bicycles apply to e-bikes. Helmets are required and there is a 15 year age minimum for e-bike use. E-bikes are allowed on bike paths, but may not be used on sidewalks.

 

E-bike tips:

• Stone Mountain, Atlanta, Georgia

 

Hawaii

In Hawaii, an e-bike is defined as a “low-speed electric bicycle” if the maximum speed is under 20 mph. Uniquely to Hawaii, e-bikes users must be registered and pay a fee of $30 at a city hall. You also have to be 18 years old to register. These rules have understandably prevented e-bikes from taking off in Hawaii, despite e-bikes being allowed everywhere, including on bike paths.

 

E-bike tips:

• Tantalus Drive, Honolulu, Hawaii
• Haleakala, Maui, Hawaii

 

Idaho

In Idaho, e-bikes are classified as electric bicycles, but the same rules apply to human-powered bicycles as to e-bikes. Idaho also has three separate classes of e-bike:

• Class 1: provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and tops out at 20 mph
• Class 2: motor may provide assistance without the rider pedaling, and tops out at 20 mph
• Class 3: provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and tops out at 28 mph

 

E-bike tips:

• Mackay Reservoir, Idaho
• Independence Creek Tour, Pinehurst, Idaho
• Big Casino to Little Casino, Stanley, Idaho

 

Illinois

In Illinois, an e-bike is defined as a “low-speed electric bicycle,” if the e-bike’s motor is under 750w, has a maximum speed of 20mph and has pedals. E-bikes in Illinois are not allowed on sidewalks. It is unclear if e-bikes are allowed on sidewalks, and recommended that you consult your town officials.

 

E-bike tips:

• Sangamon River, Springfield, Illinois
• Lily Pood, Chicago, Illinois

 

Indiana

E-bikes are regulated like normal bicyclesin Indiana, with the same rules applying to e-bikes as mechanical bicycles. Indiana does designate three classes of e-bikes:

• Class 1: provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and tops out at 20 mph
• Class 2: motor may provide assistance without the rider pedaling, and tops out at 20 mph
• Class 3: provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and tops out at 28 mph

Class e-bikes are not allowed on trails or bike paths, and you must be at least 15 to ride a class 3 e-bike. Helmets must always been worn by riders on class 3 e-bikes.

 

Iowa

In Iowa, an e-bike is defined as a “bicycle,” if the e-bike’s motor is under 750w, has a maximum speed of 20mph and has pedals. Helmets are not required and there are no age limits. The rules on where e-bikes can ride are not well-defined, but are generally allowed on sidewalks and bike paths.

 

E-bike tips:

• Coralville Lake, Iowa

 

Kansas

In Kansas, an e-bike is defined as an “electric assisted bicycle” as long as the e-bike has pedals, a maximum speed of 20mph, and a motor under 1,000w. If the e-bike meets these requirements the same rules that apply to human-powered bicycles apply to e-bikes. E-bikes are allowed on sidewalks and bike paths.

 

E-bike tips:

• Flint Hills, Emporia, Kansas
• Turkey Trail, Elkhart, Kansas

 

Kentucky

In Kentucky, if an e-bike has pedals and can be operated under human as well as motor power it is defined as a bicycle and therefore follows all the same rules as a normal bicycle. If riding an electric mountain bike, generally e-bikes may not be permitted in areas that specify non-motorised vehicles, but this must be confirmed with local land managers.

 

Louisiana

In Louisiana an electric bicycle is defined as a “motorized bicycle” if the maximum speed is no more than 25 mph and motors are restricted to 50cc. Riders must register their bike with the local DMV, have a motorcycle license and be at least 15 years old. Even the helmet requirements in Louisiana: you need a helmet with a lining, padding, visor and chin strap. Finally, you can not have any passengers on your e-bike, you have to have at least one 1 headlamp, 1 reflector and 1 brake. Louisiana’s e-bike laws are some of the strictest in any state or country, so it’s no surprise that not many people there are buying e-bikes!

 

Maine

Maine has similar requirements to Louisiana. In Maine an electric bicycle is defined as a “motorized bicycle” if the maximum speed is no more than 25 mph and motors are restricted to 50cc. Riders must register their bike with the local DMV, have a motorcycle license and be at least 16 years old.

 

E-bike tips:

• Acadia National Park, Maine
• Agamenticus, Ogunquit, Maine

 

Maryland

In Maryland, an e-bike is defined as an electric assisted bicycle, as long as the bike motor is 500w or less, doesn’t reach more than 20 mph and has pedals. If the bike meets these requirements, the same rules that apply to non-motorised bicycles apply to e-bikes. You don’t need helmets, there is no minimum age, and e-bikes can go on all bike paths.

 

E-bike tips:

• West Maryland Rail Trail, Fort Frederick State Park, Maryland
• Cohill to Hancock, Tonoloway State Park, Maryland

 

Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, an e-bike is defined as a “motorized bicycle”, which means there are specific requirements for riding electric bikes. You have to carry a license and must register the electric bike. You also need a helmet, and have to be above 16 years old. You can only ride e-bikes on roads.

 

E-bike tips:

• Emerald Necklace Trail, Boston, Massachusetts
• Pittsfield State Forest, Pittsfield, Massachusetts

 

Michigan

In Michigan, most e-bikes are regulated the same as non-motorized bicycles. There are no requirements for insurance, licenses, or registration. However, the state designates three different types of e-bikes. The classes of e-bike are as follows:

• Class 1: provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and tops out at 20 mph (allowed on bike paths and trails)
• Class 2: motor may provide assistance without the rider pedaling, and tops out at 20 mph (not allowed on bike paths)
• Class 3: provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and tops out at 28 mph (not allowed on bike paths, and must be over 14 years old. If you are under 18 years old you must also wear a helmet).

 

E-bike tips:

• The Manistee River Loop Trail, Manistee National Forest, Michigan
• Grand Island Loop, Hiawatha National Forest, Michigan

 

Minnesota

In Minnesota, an electric bicycle is defined as an electric-assisted bicycle if the e-bike motor is 1000w or less, has a top speed of 20 mph and has pedals. The same rules that apply to mechanical bicycles also apply to e-bikes, but you have to be 15 years old to use an e-bike. You are allowed to ride on sidewalks and bike paths and don’t need helmets. In Minnesota, there are no license or registration requirements.

 

E-bike tips:

• Jenson Lake Trail, Lebanon Hills Regional Park, Minnesota
• Hyland and Bush Lakes Loop Trail, Hyland-Bush-Anderson Lakes Park, Minnesota

 

Mississippi

In Mississippi, an electric bicycle is defined as a bicycle with a motor attached. E-bikes must follow the same rules as mechanical bicycles, and don’t have any registration, licensing or insurance requirements. You don’t need helmets and there is no minimum age. You can also ride e-bikes on sidewalks and bike paths. Riding an electric bike in Mississippi is easy, with almost no regulation!

 

E-bike tips:

• Richardson Creek Trail, Homochitto National Forest, Mississippi
• Bethel Trail, De Soto National Forest, Mississippi

 

Missouri

In Missouri, an electric bicycle is defined as a motorized bicycle, or electric assisted bicycle as long as its maximum speed is not more than 30 mph. The way bicycles are defined means that they are subject to different rules than regular bicycles. If riding an electric bike in Missouri you must carry a license, and be at least 16 years old.

 

E-bike tips:

• Lone Wolf Trail, Castlewood State Park, Missouri
• Big Piney Trail, Paddy Creek Wilderness, Missouri

 

Montana

In Montana, an electric bicycle is defined as an electric assisted bicycle as long as the maximum speed is not more than 20 mph. In Montana, e-bikes and mechanical bikes follow the same rules. You don’t need helmets, there are no age requirements and you can ride your e-bike on bike paths and the sidewalks!

 

E-bike tips:

• Triple Tree Trail, Bozeman, Montana
• Grotto Falls Trail, Custer Gallatin National Forest, Montana

 

Nebraska

In Nebraska, an electric bicycle is defined as an electric assisted bicycle, as long as it has a maximum speed of 20 mph, the motor has less than 750w and it has pedals. If it meets these requirements, electric bikes follow the same rules as human-powered bicycles. You don’t need helmets, there are no age requirements and you can ride your e-bike on bike paths and the sidewalk!

 

E-bike tips:

• Platte River State Park Trail Loop, Platte River State Park, Nebraska
• Swanson Park Trail, Swanson, Nebraska

 

Nevada

In Nevada, an e-bike is defined as an electric assisted bicycle as long as it has a maximum speed of 20 mph, the motor has less than 750w and it has pedals. If it meets these requirements, electric bikes follow the same rules as human-powered bicycles. You don’t need helmets, there are no age requirements and you can ride your e-bike on bike paths and the sidewalk!

 

E-bike tips:

• Tunnel Creek Trail, Toiyabe National Forest, Nevada
• Van Sickle Bi-State Park, Nevada

 

New Hampshire

In New Hampshire, an e-bike is defined as an electric assisted bicycle as long as it has a maximum speed of 20 mph, the motor has less than 750w and it has pedals. There are no registration or licensing requirements, but you have to be 14 years old to ride an e-bike, and helmets are not required if you are over 14 years. Under 14 years old can ride as a passenger on an e-bike. E-bikes are not allowed on sidewalks or regular bike paths, they must be ridden on the road.

 

E-bike tips:

• North Mountain and Boulder Trail, Pawtuckaway State Park, New Hampshire
• Sawyer River Road Area, Bartlett Village, New Hampshire

 

New Jersey

In New Jersey, electric bikes are defined as motorized bicycles, are considered to be more like motorcycles than bicycles and have registration, licensing and insurance requirements that are the same as motorbikes. Helmets are required when riding electric bikes and the minimum age for e-bikes is 15 years old. You cannot ride an electric bike on bike paths or sidewalks.

 

E-bike tips:

• Delaware River Ride, Hopewell, New Jersey
• Pottersville, Tewksbury, New Jersey

 

New Mexico

In New Mexico, electric bikes are not defined as bikes at all, but are instead defined as mopeds. To ride an electric bike you need a license and insurance for your electric bike. It is advised to wear a helmet, but the rules on helmets for electric bike users are unclear.

 

E-bike tips:

• Atalaya Mountain Trail, Santa Fe National Forest, New Mexico
• Grindstone Lake, Lincoln National Forest, New Mexico

 

New York

In New York, electric bikes are known as motor driven bicycles and must meet the same requirements for driving cars or motorbikes. You need to register your bike, have a driving license and register the bicycle. In New York City, electric bikes that have a maximum speed of 20 mph (Class 1) are required to follow the same rules as mechanical electric bikes. Class 2 and 3 electric bikes are not allowed within New York City.

 

E-bike tips:

• Rivergate Trail, Rivergate, New York
• Bear Mountain, Bear Mountain State Park, New York

 

North Carolina

In North Carolina, electric bikes are defined as electric assisted bicycles if the motor is under 750w, has a maximum speed of 20mph and has pedals. If the electric bike meets these rules, most of the same rules that apply to mechanical bicycles apply to electric bicycles. However, you must be 16 years old to ride an electric bicycle and e-bikes are not allowed on sidewalks.

 

E-bike tips:

• Triple Falls Trail, Dupont State Forest, North Carolina
• Lake Norman Lakeshore Trail, Lake Norman State Park, North Carolina

 

North Dakota

In North Dakota, electric bicycles are defined as motorised bicycles, and it is confusing which rules of the road apply to e-bikes and which don’t. The minimum age for riding electric bikes is 14 years old, you must wear a helmet, and you are not allowed to bike on sidewalks. If in North Dakota it’s best to check which your local government about where you can ride your bike!

 

E-bike tips:

• Turtle River Nature Trail, Turtle River State Park, North Dakota
• Bison Plant Trail, Minot Park District, North Dakota

 

Ohio

In Ohio, electric bicycles are defined as motorised bicycles, if they have a motor less than 745w, a maximum speed of 20mph and pedal. Electric bicycles in Ohio have many of the same requirements as when driving a car or motorcycle. You need to register your bike, have a license and insure your electric bicycle. You must be 14 years old to drive an electric bicycle and helmets are not required.

 

E-bike tips:

• Superior Trail, Pedro, Ohio
• Hanging Rock Trail, Ironton, Ohio

 

Oklahoma

In Oklahoma, electric bicycles are defined as electric-assisted bicycles and have some of the same requirements as cars and motorbikes. You need a license and insurance. You don’t need helmets, and there is no minimum age, which is contradictory because you do need a license (but these are the official rules)! You can also ride your electric bike on sidewalks and bike paths.

 

E-bike tips:

• Elk Mountain Trail, Charons Garden Wilderness, Oklahoma
• Bison Trail, Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge, Oklahoma

 

Oregon

In Oregon, an electric bicycle is defined as an electric assisted bicycle, and follow the same rules as mechanical bicycles as long as it has a maximum power output of 1000w, has pedals and has a top speed of 20 mph. Electric bicycles are allowed on bike paths, but not on sidewalks, and you must be at least 16 years old. You don’t have to wear a helmet.

 

E-bike tips:

• Elkhorn Crest Loop, Sumpter, Oregon
• Post Canyon, Hood River, Oregon

 

Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, e-bikes are defined as pedalcycles with electric assist, if the electric bike has a maximum speed of 20 mph, pedals and a motor under 750w. If the bike meets these rules, the rules that apply to mechanical bicycles apply to electric bikes. However, the minimum age to use e-bikes is 16 years old. It is unclear whether or not you can use electric bikes on bike paths, so be sure to check with your local government.

 

E-bike tips:

• Appalachian Trail, Hamburg, Pennsylvania
• Lake Galena Bike Trail, Peace Valley Park, Pennsylvania

 

Rhode Island

In Rhode Island, e-bikes are defined as electric motorized bicycles if they have pedals, a maximum speed of 25 mph and a motor of no greater than 1491w. You do not have to register your e-bike, but you must follow other rules that apply to cars and motorcycles.

 

E-bike tips:

• Kent County Gravel Route, Kent County, Rhode Island
• Cliff Walk, Newport, Rhode Island

 

South Carolina

In South Carolina, electric bikes are legally defined as mopeds and therefore subject to the same requirements as cars and motorcycles. You have to register and insure your electric bike, but this has been difficult for electric bike users in South Carolina, who may choose to forgo these requirements. You must be 14 years old to ride an electric bike, and helmets are not required.

 

E-bike tips:

• Sulphur Springs Trail, Paris Mountain State Park, South Carolina
• Swamp Rabbit Trail, Cleveland Park, South Carolina

 

South Dakota

In South Dakota, electric bikes are legally defined as mopeds and therefore subject to the same requirements as cars and motorcycles. You have to register and insure your electric bike, but this has been difficult for electric bike users in South Carolina, who may choose to forgo these requirements. You must be 14 years old to ride an electric bike, and helmets are not required.

 

E-bike tips:

• Mickelson Trail, Deadwood, South Dakota
• Little Elk Creek Trail, Black Hills National Forest, South Dakota

 

Tennessee

 In Tennessee, electric bikes are not defined, but follow the same rules as mechanical bicycles, with some exceptions. There are three classes of bicycles as follows:

• Class 1: provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and tops out at 20 mph
• Class 2: motor may provide assistance without the rider pedaling, and tops out at 20 mph
• Class 3: provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and tops out at 28 mph

You can ride your electric bike on bike paths, but not on sidewalks, and Class 3 electric bikes have more restrictions than the lower speed electric bikes. It’s best to check with your local government for the rules in your city.

 

E-bike tips:

• Benton Falls Trail, Cherokee National Forest, Tennessee
• Big Soddy Creek Trail, Tennessee

 

Texas

In Texas, an electric bike is defined as an electric bicycle, if the motor has a maximum speed of 20 mph. The same rules apply to both electric bicycles and human powered bicycles. You don’t need a helmet, there are no age limits and you can ride your bike on bike paths and sidewalks.

 

E-bike tips:

• Lost Mine Trail, Big Bend National Park, Texas
• The Lighthouse Trail, Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Texas

 

Utah

In Utah, electric bikes follow most of the same rules as mechanical bicycles, as long as they fall into Class 1 and 2 restrictions. Utah defines three classes of e-bikes as follows:

• Class 1: provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and tops out at 20 mph
• Class 2: motor may provide assistance without the rider pedaling, and tops out at 20 mph
• Class 3: provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and tops out at 28 mph

There may be more restrictions on the faster, Class 3 electric bikes (like riding on bike paths), and it’s a good idea to check with your local government. As a general rule in Utah, electric bikes are allowed on bike paths but not on sidewalks.

 

 

E-bike tips:

• Pa’rus Trail, Zion National Park, Utah
• Avenue Twin Peaks, Salt Lake City, Utah

 

Vermont

In Vermont, electric bikes are defined as motor driven cycles and have some of the same requirements as cars and motorbikes. Electric bikes must be registered and insured, but helmets are not required. You must be 16 years old to ride an electric bike. The use of electric bikes on bike paths is not well defined, so it’s best to check with the rules in your local area.

 

E-bike tips:

• Colchester Causeway Trail, Winooski, Vermont
• Blueberry Hill Loop, Warren, Vermont

 

Virginia

In Virginia, electric bikes are defined as electric power assisted bicycles if the electric bike does not reach more than 25 mph, has a motor under 1000w and has pedals. If the e-bike meets these requirements, many of the same rules that apply to mechanical bicycles apply to e-bikes. However the minimum age for driving electric bikes is 14 years old, and you can ride your bike on bike paths and sidewalks.

 

E-bike tips:

• Lake Accotink Trail, Lake Accotink Park, Virginia
• Conway Robinson Blue Trail, Conway Robinson Memorial State Forest, Virginia

 

Washington

In Washington, electric bikes follow most of the same rules as mechanical bikes, and don’t have registration or licensing requirements. Washington defines three classes of e-bikes:

• Class 1: provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and tops out at 20 mph
• Class 2: motor may provide assistance without the rider pedaling, and tops out at 20 mph
• Class 3: provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and tops out at 28 mph

There are specific rules for each class of e-bikes. Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are allowed on bike paths and trails, but Class 3 e-bikes must ride on the roads only. You also must be 16 years old to drive a Class 3 electric bike.

 

E-bike tips:

• Iller Creek Trail, Dishman Hills Natural Area, Washington
• Lewis River Falls Trail, Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Washington

 

West Virginia

In West Virginia, electric bikes are defined as mopeds, so are regulated like motorcycles and cars. There are licensing, registration and insurance requirements for riding electric bikes, but these are not well laid out and remain unclear. Helmets are required for electric bikes and you must be 15 years old to drive an electric bike. The use of electric bikes on bike paths is unclear. In general, in West Virginia it’s best to clarify the rules of electric bikes with the local government of your area.

 

E-bike tips:

• Long Point Trail, New River Gorge National River, West Virginia
• Coopers Rock State Forest Loop, Coopers Rock State Forest, West Virginia

 

Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, electric bikes are defined as motor bicycles and follow some of the same rules as mechanical bicycles when riding on the roads, if the bicycle’s motor has a maximum power output of 750w, pedals and the bike doesn’t go faster than 20 mph. However, to ride an electric bike, you must have a valid driving license, and e-bikes are not allowed on bike paths. You don’t have to wear a helmet, but the rider must be at least 16 years old.

 

E-bike tips:

• West Bluff Trail, Devil’s Lake State Park, Wisconsin
• John Muir Blue Loop Trail, Kettle Moraine State Forest, Wisconsin

 

Wyoming

In Wyoming, electric bikes are defined as mopeds, so are regulated like motorcycles and cars. There are licensing, registration and insurance requirements for riding electric bikes, but these are not well laid out and remain unclear. Helmets are required for electric bikes and you must be 15 years old to drive an electric bike. The use of electric bikes on bike paths is unclear. In general, in Wyoming it’s best to clarify the rules of electric bikes with the local government of your area.

 

E-bike tips:

• Turtle Rock Loop Trail, Medicine Bow National Forest, Wyoming
• Osprey Falls Trail, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

 

 

 

Hopefully you found this overview on the e-bike laws in the US helpful! Please let us know in the comments below in case we have missed anything!

 

Read More on AltRiders

• Everything you need to know about Electric Bicycles
• Accessories for Electric Bikes
• Best Electric Bikes for Commuting in 2020
• Folding Electric Bikes: Reviews of the best foldable Ebikes for 2020
• The 10 Fastest Electric Scooters You Can Buy in 2021