New to the world of E-Biking? Learning the E-Bike Laws in the United States is going to be a must if you want to operate your handy new vehicle. So, are there standard federal laws that apply or is it only state by state?
Currently in 2023 11 states have very basic E-Biking Laws, while 39 have more developed Class-based laws. The 11 states with basic legislation include Alaska, Hawaii, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Montana, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, and Washington D.C.
While it seems a bit overwhelming at first, in today’s article we’re going to provide you with some of the basics, including Non Class-based and Class-Based E-Bike laws and we’ll also provide you with everything you need to learn the laws specific to your state.
If you’re ready, let’s talk about E-Bike Law in the United States and what you need to know to keep your riding legal and ticket-free!
What is legally considered an E-Bike?
While the laws are going to vary quite a bit from state to state, what legally constitutes an E-Bike at its most basic tends to be the same (or very close to it) across the board. An E-Bike is a two or three-wheeled vehicle defined by the following basic traits:
- Hybrid propulsion – E-Bikes may be propelled by their motor or by the means of fully-functional pedals.
- 750 Watts or less motor – An E-Bike will possess a motor that will operate at 750 watts or less, giving it a rating of approximately 1 Horsepower.
- Operating speed less or equal to 20 mph – The operating speed that E-Bikes are expected to run within is 20 miles per hour or less. This speed assumes a ride of 170 pounds, utilizing both the pedals and the boost of the electric motor.
Now, this touches on the basics of what an E-Bike is from the law’s perspective, but of course in the United States, each state has a say in the specific laws that are going to apply to these hybrid propulsion vehicles.
In some states where E-Bikes have been popular for a little longer, the laws are subsequently more developed. In these states, the vehicles are divided into classes to better ensure their safe operation, rather than applying a ‘one size fits all’ set of laws for these hybrid vehicles.
In the next sections, we’re going to talk about class-based and non-class-based E-Bike laws so that you can get the general ‘gist’ of what will be expected when you are driving an E-Bike and we’ll go on from there to help you get more specific, up-to-date information for your state.
Class system: What is it and does your state use it?
Like any vehicle, E-Bikes may be upgraded, accessorized, and personalized to the point that two E-Bikes might be different as night and day.
In order to ensure safe operation, 39 states currently employ a ‘class-based’ system that helps to better define a representative approximation of the types of E-Bikes expected (and allowed) on the road. If you live in any state EXCEPT the states listed below, then the Class system is something you’ll need to know.
Non-Class-Based states are as follows:
- Alaska
- Hawaii
- Kentucky
- Massachusetts
- Montana
- New York
- North Carolina
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- Washington D.C.
If you are not in one of these states, then your state utilizes a class system, and it divides up E-Bikes into 3 classes that you’ll need to know about. The 3 classes of E-Bikes are as follows:
- Class 1 – These E-Bikes run on a combination of pedal and motor alone – NO THROTTLE – and have a maximum speed of 20 miles per hour or lower. These are the most basic E-Bikes that work on pedal assist alone, ie they will NOT function on motor alone.
- Class 2 – Class 2 E-Bikes are the next tier and like Class 1, they won’t go over 20 miles per hour, but Class 2 models possess a throttle that allows you to move the E-Bike on motor power alone when you want to do so.
- Class 3 – Class 3 bikes, like Class 1, are pedal-assist models – but capable of speeds up to a maximum of 28 miles per hour.
Speed limits may vary from state to state, so you’ll want to take a closer look at your state-specific laws for your class of bike – especially in New York, where population density in certain areas makes a huge difference.
For more information, People for Bikes is a non-profit organization that has compiled a list of E-Bike laws state-by-state which you can view and bookmark to keep you current.
Now that you know the class of your bike, you should be able to compare this to the associated laws and this will give you a more concise answer as far as driving rules, expected safety gear, and more.
If you don’t live in one of the 39 states that employ a class system, then the laws are going to be very different and while the People for Bikes link can give you more specifics, we’re going to touch on some of the basics in the next section so that you’ll have a better overall idea of how they are regulated.
Non-Class-based system states: The basics
The 11 states below have eschewed the standard of the other 39 states and instead created laws that are all their own.
We’ll touch on each state in alphabetical order to briefly give you an idea of what they are looking for and this will allow you to see a trend that can help ensure that you stay on the right side of the law and you’ll also know how your bike is categorized in each state – a must to keep abreast of swiftly-changing laws..
Just don’t forget to check the state-specific list that we have linked once you’ve learned the basics – Laws change all the time and you’ve got to be vigilant to avoid potentially expensive tickets!
Alaska
In Alaska, E-Bike operators may be as young as 14 years old and while they’ll need an operating license, insurance and registration are not required. Just stay off bike paths and sidewalks and while you aren’t required to wear one in Alaska, a helmet if still a good idea!
In Alaska, E-Bikes are classified as ‘motor-driven cycles’, so keep this in mind to help when you review the laws.
Hawaii
In Hawaii, an E-Bike owner must be at least 18 years of age and will need to pay a $30 registration fee. Once this is done, however, any member of the household who is at least 15 years of age may operate the E-Bike – and anyone under 16 needs a helmet.
E-Bikes in Hawaii must have a maximum speed of 20mph or less and are classified as ‘low-speed electric bicycles’.
Kentucky
In Kentucky, E-Bikes are considered to be no different than a standard bicycle, so you can ride them on the sidewalk and on bike paths, a helmet is optional, and there are no age restrictions, registration, or insurance requirements.
They are classified simply as ‘bicycles’, so if you’re E-Biking in Kentucky, then you’re definitely lucky!
Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, it’s safety first, so you’ll need a helmet to operate your E-Bike, and the minimum age to do so is 16. Your E-Bike is NOT allowed on bike paths or the sidewalk and it must be registered and an operating license is required to use it. You won’t, however, need insurance!
In this state, E-Bikes are categorized as ‘motorized bicycles’, provided that the top speed is 25 miles per hour – anything over that, however, may change your classification and the laws that will apply to your E-Bikes use.
Montana
Like Kentucky, Montana laws are pretty lax on E-Bikes. No insurance, registration, or licensing is required, and you can ride them on bike paths or the sidewalk if you like – even without a helmet (but please don’t do that!).
It’s important to note that to enjoy these lax rules, your E-Bike must have a maximum speed of 20mph or LESS and if that is the case, it is classified as an ‘electric assisted bicycle’ for the purposes of law.
North Carolina
In North Carolina, the minimum operator age is 16, and insurance, registration, and licensing requirements are currently waived. You can drive the E-Bike anywhere that standard bicycles are allowed but with bike paths, you’ll need to check your specific location – as that’s a local judgement call.
Here these bikes are classified as ‘electric assisted bicycles’ but to stay in that classification, your E-Bike must have a top speed of 20mph or below.
Oregon
In Oregon you’re allowed a lot more power and freedom, as for the most part, E-Bikes are classified the same as bicycles with a few exceptions. Notably, you can ride on bike paths, but sidewalks are NOT allowed. No licensing, insurance, registration, or helmets are required and the minimum operator age is 16.
In Oregon, E-Bikes are classified as ‘electric-assisted vehicles’ and must have a top speed of 20mph or less and functional pedals. Your motor must also be 1000 watts or less to fall in this category.
Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, 16 years old is the minimum E-Bike operator age and helmets are optional. Registration, insurance, and licensing are NOT required either but there are a few rules on your bike specifications that need to be observed.
E-Bikes here are classified as ‘pedalcycles with an electric assist’ and the vehicle specs must include functional pedals, a top speed of 20mph or less, no more than a 750-watt motor, and the bike needs to weigh less than 100 pounds sans the operator.
Rhode Island
Rhode Island law is shaky on the subject of bike paths, so you’ll need to check in your city before driving on them. Registration is not required here and your motor may be up to 1491 watts and your max speed can be up to 25 mph – which definitely ups the ‘fun factor’/
In Rhode Island, these bikes are classified as ‘electric motorized bicycles’, so laws in this category are what you’ll need to memorize.
South Carolina
South Carolina is a special case, in that they don’t really have a specific categorization for E-Bikes other than it’s considered a vehicle.
What KIND of vehicle depends on what you’ve got, but if your E-Bike has a 750-watt motor or less, then it won’t fall into the ‘moped’ category and you won’t need insurance or registration. As the laws are fairly hazy as of 2023, we recommend reviewing your laws locally to stay out of trouble!
Washington D.C.
As long as you are at least 16 years old, you can operate an E-Bike in Washington D.C., and the laws are fairly close to standard bicycle laws – you won’t need insurance registration, or licensing, and take it anywhere that standard bicycles are allowed.
E-Bikes are categorized here as ‘motorized bicycles’ but don’t supercharge your speed – it needs to be 20mph or less and have operable pedals to apply.
Some closing words on E-Bike laws
In today’s article, we’ve given you a crash course in Ebike laws in the USA and as you can see, there are some standards that seem to carry across the board.
At its most basic, an E-Bike with a 750-watt motor and operable pedals will generally not require insurance or registration and the age requirements are fairly lax, but a lot depends on whether or not your state follows a class system.
Now that you know the basics, don’t forget that you can see state-specific laws at People for Bikes and we recommend that you do so – laws change all of the time and as E-Bikes are just starting to take off, the best way to protect yourself is to get current and check every month. After that – enjoy your E-Bike!
Reference Sources
People for Bikes; “Electric Bike Laws – State by State”
RAEV; “Ebike Laws in the United States – Updated Guide 2023”
Discerning Cyclist; “Electric Bikes Laws USA: State-by-State E-Bike Rules Explained”
