State By State Electric Bike Laws In the USA

People often ask us if there is an age limit to ride an electric bike or is it required to have a driving license or is it compulsory to wear a helmet. And the answer to these questions is almost always: it depends on your location.

Therefore, we decided to gather together state-by-state electric bike laws in the USA. Since most states use the 3-class system to classify electric bikes, we suggest reading our “E-Bike Classes Explained” article.

Table of Contents

Alabama

In Alabama, ebikes are treated like traditional bicycles. It means the same rules apply to both on the road. Also, the e-bike classification system helps to define electric bikes in Alabama.

E-Bike Laws in Alabama

E-Bike age limit: No age limit for class 1 and 2 ebikes. Must be over 16 to ride a class 3 ebike.
Helmet rules: All riders under 16 must wear a helmet. When riding a class 3 ebike, everybody must wear a helmet.
Riding on sidewalks: Allowed
Riding on bike lanes: Allowed
E-bike registration: Not required
License needed: Not required
E-bike insurance: Not required

Alaska

In Alaska, the e-bike class system is not in use. Instead, electric bikes are defined as a “motor-driven cycle”.

E-Bike Laws in Alaska

E-Bike age limit: 14
Helmet rules: Not required
Riding on sidewalks: Not allowed
Riding on bike lanes: Not allowed
E-bike registration: Not required
License needed: Yes
E-bike insurance: Not required

Arizona

Arizona is very liberal with e-bikes. The 3-class system is in use and the same rules apply to them as traditional bikes.

E-Bike Laws in Arizona

E-Bike age limit: No limit
Helmet rules: Not required
Riding on sidewalks: Allowed
Riding on bike lanes: Allowed
E-bike registration: Not required
License needed: Not required
E-bike insurance: Not required

Arkansas

In Arkansas, electric bikes are treated the same way as conventional bicycles. Also, the 3-class system is in use for ebikes.

E-Bike Laws in Arkansas

E-Bike age limit: No limit for class 1 and 2 e-bikes. Must be over 16 to ride a class 3 e-bike.
Helmet rules: Not required for class 1 and 2 bikes. When riding a class 3 e-bike, people under 21 must wear a helmet.
Riding on sidewalks: Not regulated by the state. Local governments have the authority to restrict it.
Riding on bike lanes: Not regulated by the state. Local governments have the authority to restrict it.
E-bike registration: Not required
License needed: Not required
E-bike insurance: Not required

California

In California, electric bikes have the same rules as human-powered bicycles. California was the first state to adopt the ebike classification system.

E-Bike Laws in California

E-Bike age limit: No limit for class 1 and 2 e-bikes. Must be over 16 to ride a class 3 e-bike.
Helmet rules: Not required for class 1 and 2 bikes. When riding a class 3 e-bike, everybody must wear a helmet.
Riding on sidewalks: Not regulated by the state. Local governments have the authority to restrict it.
Riding on bike lanes: Not regulated by the state. Local governments have the authority to restrict it.
E-bike registration: Not required
License needed: Not required
E-bike insurance: Not required

Colorado

In Colorado, electric bikes have the same rules as regular bicycles. Also, to classify electric bikes, the 3-class system is in use.

E-Bike Laws in Colorado

E-Bike age limit: No limit for class 1 and 2 e-bikes. Must be over 16 to ride a class 3 e-bike.
Helmet rules: Not required for class 1 and 2 bikes. When riding a class 3 e-bike, people under 21 must wear a helmet.
Riding on sidewalks: Not regulated by the state. Local governments have the authority to restrict it.
Riding on bike lanes: Not regulated by the state. Local governments have the authority to restrict it.
E-bike registration: Not required
License needed: Not required
E-bike insurance: Not required

Connecticut

In Connecticut, ebikes are treated like traditional human-powered bikes. Also, the ebike classes are in use.

E-Bike Laws in Connecticut

E-Bike age limit: No limit for class 1 and 2 e-bikes. Must be over 16 to ride a class 3 e-bike.
Helmet rules: Everybody must wear a helmet when riding an electric bike.
Riding on sidewalks: Class 3 ebikes are not allowed on sidewalks. Local authorities may restrict class 1, and 2 ebikes but are not regulated by the state.
Riding on bike lanes: Class 3 ebikes are not allowed on bike paths. Local authorities may restrict class 1, and 2 ebikes but are not regulated by the state.
E-bike registration: Not required
License needed: Not required
E-bike insurance: Not required

Delaware

In Delaware, the 3-class system is in use and ebikes have the same rules as regular bicycles.

E-Bike Laws in Delaware

E-Bike age limit: No limit for class 1 and 2 e-bikes. Must be over 16 to ride a class 3 e-bike.
Helmet rules: Not required for class 1 and 2 bikes. When riding a class 3 e-bike, everybody must wear a helmet.
Riding on sidewalks: Allowed
Riding on bike lanes: Allowed
E-bike registration: Not required
License needed: Not required
E-bike insurance: Not required

Florida

In Florida, electric bikes are treated as traditional bicycles. Also, the 3-class system is in use.

E-Bike Laws in Florida

E-Bike age limit: No limit
Helmet rules: Riders under 16 must wear a helmet when riding an electric bike.
Riding on sidewalks: Allowed
Riding on bike lanes: Allowed
E-bike registration: Not required
License needed: Not required
E-bike insurance: Not required

Georgia

In general, electric bicycles in Georgia are regulated like bicycles. Also, the e-bike class system is in use.

E-Bike Laws in Georgia

E-Bike age limit: No limit for class 1 and 2 e-bikes. Must be over 15 to ride a class 3 e-bike.
Helmet rules: Not required for class 1 and 2 bikes. When riding a class 3 e-bike, everybody must wear a helmet.
Riding on sidewalks: Class 3 ebikes are forbidden from sidewalks unless it is adjacent to a roadway.
Riding on bike lanes: Class 3 ebikes are forbidden from bike paths unless it is adjacent to a roadway.
E-bike registration: Not required
License needed: Not required
E-bike insurance: Not required

Hawaii

In Hawaii, the e-bike class system is not in use. Instead, electric bikes are defined as “low-speed electric bicycles”. When ebike is powered by the motor, the speed can not exceed 20mph.

The main difference with most other states is that an electric bike must be registered in city hall or the state registration unit in Honolulu. The registration fee is $30 and you must be at least 18 years of age.

E-Bike Laws in Hawaii

E-Bike age limit: Must be at least 15 to operate an e-bike if it’s registered to a household member. Must be at least 18 to register an electric bike.
Helmet rules: Everybody under 16 must wear a helmet when riding an electric bike.
Riding on sidewalks: Allowed
Riding on bike lanes: Allowed
E-bike registration: Required
License needed: Not required
E-bike insurance: Not required

Idaho

In Idaho, electric bikes have the same rules as traditional bicycles. Also, Idaho designates 3 classes of electric bikes.

E-Bike Laws in Idaho

E-Bike age limit: No limit
Helmet rules: Not required
Riding on sidewalks: Allowed
Riding on bike lanes: Allowed
E-bike registration: Not required
License needed: Not required
E-bike insurance: Not required

Illinois

In Illinois, e-bikes are regulated like bicycles. Also, an e-bike class system is in use.

E-Bike Laws in Illinois

E-Bike age limit: No limit for class 1 and 2 e-bikes. Must be over 16 to ride a class 3 e-bike.
Helmet rules: Not required
Riding on sidewalks: Forbidden
Riding on bike lanes: Allowed
E-bike registration: Not required
License needed: Not required
E-bike insurance: Not required

Indiana

In Indiana, the same rules of the road apply to electric bikes and traditional bikes. Also, a 3-class system is in use in Indiana.

E-Bike Laws in Indiana

E-Bike age limit: No limit for class 1 and 2 e-bikes. Must be over 15 to ride a class 3 e-bike.
Helmet rules: Not required for class 1 and 2 bikes. When riding a class 3 e-bike, everybody under 18 must wear a helmet.
Riding on sidewalks: Class 3 ebikes are forbidden from sidewalks unless it is adjacent to a roadway.
Riding on bike lanes: Class 3 ebikes are forbidden from sidewalks unless it is adjacent to a roadway.
E-bike registration: Not required
License needed: Not required
E-bike insurance: Not required

Iowa

In Iowa, e-bikes are regulated like bicycles and the same road rules apply. Also, a 3-class system is in use.

E-Bike Laws in Iowa

E-Bike age limit: No limit for class 1 and 2 e-bikes. Must be over 16 to ride a class 3 e-bike.
Helmet rules: Not required
Riding on sidewalks: Allowed, but class 3 e-bikes can’t exceed the posted speed limit, or can’t ride over 20mph if there’s no posted speed limit.
Riding on bike lanes: Allowed, but class 3 e-bikes can’t exceed the posted speed limit, or can’t ride over 20mph if there’s no posted speed limit.
E-bike registration: Not required
License needed: Not required
E-bike insurance: Not required

Kansas

In Kansas, electric bikes are regulated like bicycles and the same road rules apply. Also, an e-bike classes system is in use.

E-Bike Laws in Kansas

E-Bike age limit: No limit for class 1 and 2 e-bikes. Must be over 16 to ride a class 3 e-bike.
Helmet rules: Not required
Riding on sidewalks: Allowed
Riding on bike lanes: Allowed
E-bike registration: Not required
License needed: Not required
E-bike insurance: Not required

Kentucky

In Kentucky, there is no specific law for electric bikes. If the electric bike has pedals, it is considered a bicycle and the same road rules apply.

E-Bike Laws in Kentucky

E-Bike age limit: No limit
Helmet rules: Not required
Riding on sidewalks: Allowed
Riding on bike lanes: Allowed
E-bike registration: Not required
License needed: Not required
E-bike insurance: Not required

Louisiana

In Louisiana, electric bikes are regulated like bicycles and the same road rules apply. Also, the 3-class system is in use.

E-Bike Laws in Louisiana

E-Bike age limit: No limit for class 1 and 2 e-bikes. Must be over 12 to ride a class 3 e-bike.
Helmet rules: Not required for class 1 and 2 bikes. When riding a class 3 e-bike, everybody must wear a helmet.
Riding on sidewalks: Allowed
Riding on bike lanes: Allowed
E-bike registration: Not required
License needed: Not required
E-bike insurance: Not required

Maine

In Maine, electric bikes are regulated as bicycles and the same road rules apply. Also, the 3-class system is in use.

E-Bike Laws in Maine

E-Bike age limit: No limit for class 1 ebikes. Must be at least 16 to ride class 2 and 3 ebikes.
Helmet rules: Everybody under 16 must wear a helmet when riding an electric bike.
Riding on sidewalks: Class 3 ebikes are forbidden from sidewalks unless it is adjacent to a roadway.
Riding on bike lanes: Class 3 ebikes are forbidden from bike paths unless it is adjacent to a roadway.
E-bike registration: Not required
License needed: Not required
E-bike insurance: Not required

Maryland

In Maryland, electric bikes are regulated as bicycles and the same road rules apply. Also, the 3-class system is in use.

E-Bike Laws in Maryland

E-Bike age limit: No limit for class 1 and 2 e-bikes. Must be over 16 to ride a class 3 e-bike.
Helmet rules: Not required
Riding on sidewalks: Class 3 ebikes are forbidden from sidewalks unless it is adjacent to a roadway.
Riding on bike lanes: Class 3 ebikes are forbidden from bike paths unless it is adjacent to a roadway.
E-bike registration: Not required
License needed: Not required
E-bike insurance: Not required

Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, there were no e-bike classes in use until the end of 2022. As of then, the definition of class 1 and 2 e-bikes was signed into law. It means, if you ride a class 1 or class 2 electric bike, you have the same rights and privileges as bicycle riders.

E-Bike Laws in Massachusetts

E-Bike age limit: 16
Helmet rules: Required for everybody
Riding on sidewalks: Allowed for class 1 and 2 ebikes
Riding on bike lanes: Allowed for class 1 and 2 ebikes
E-bike registration: Not required
License needed: Not required
E-bike insurance: Not required

Michigan

In Michigan, e-bikes are regulated as traditional bicycles and the same road rules apply. Also, the 3-class system is in use.

E-Bike Laws in Michigan

E-Bike age limit: No limit for class 1 and 2 e-bikes. Must be over 14 to ride a class 3 e-bike.
Helmet rules: Not required for class 1 and 2 bikes. When riding a class 3 e-bike, everybody under 18 must wear a helmet.
Riding on sidewalks: Class 1 e-bikes are allowed. Class 2 and 3 ebikes are not allowed.
Riding on bike lanes: Class 1 e-bikes are allowed. Class 2 and 3 ebikes are not allowed.
E-bike registration: Not required
License needed: Not required
E-bike insurance: Not required

Minnesota

In Minnesota, electric bicycles are regulated the same way as traditional bikes and the same road rules apply. Also, there is a 3-class system in use in Minnesota.

E-Bike Laws in Minnesota

E-Bike age limit: Must be over 15 to ride an electric bike.
Helmet rules: Not required
Riding on sidewalks: Allowed
Riding on bike lanes: Allowed
E-bike registration: Not required
License needed: Not required
E-bike insurance: Not required

Mississippi

In Mississippi, ebikes are regulated as bicycles. The same road rules apply to both. Also, the e-bike classification system is in use.

E-Bike Laws in Mississippi

E-Bike age limit: No limit for class 1 and 2 e-bikes. Must be over 16 to ride a class 3 e-bike.
Helmet rules: Not required
Riding on sidewalks: Allowed
Riding on bike lanes: Allowed
E-bike registration: Not required
License needed: Not required
E-bike insurance: Not required

Missouri

In Missouri, e-bicycles are regulated the same way as traditional bicycles. The same road rules apply to both. Also, the 3-class system is in use.

E-Bike Laws in Missouri

E-Bike age limit: No limit for class 1 and 2 e-bikes. Must be over 16 to ride a class 3 e-bike.
Helmet rules: Not required
Riding on sidewalks: Allowed
Riding on bike lanes: Allowed
E-bike registration: Not required
License needed: Not required
E-bike insurance: Not required

Montana

In Montana, the electric bike classification system is not in use.

But still, as long as the e-bike has pedals and the motor doesn’t provide more than 20mph speed, ebikes have the same road rules as traditional bicycles.

E-Bike Laws in Montana

E-Bike age limit: No limit
Helmet rules: Not required
Riding on sidewalks: Allowed
Riding on bike lanes: Allowed
E-bike registration: Not required
License needed: Not required
E-bike insurance: Not required

Nebraska

In Nebraska, the electric bicycle law is very similar to the law of Montana. The ebike classification system is not in use.

Instead, e-bikes are called “electric assisted bicycles” if the motor is less than 750W and it doesn’t provide a speed over 20mph. Then, the same road rules as traditional bicycles apply.

E-Bike Laws in Nebraska

E-Bike age limit: No limit
Helmet rules: Not required
Riding on sidewalks: Allowed
Riding on bike lanes: Allowed
E-bike registration: Not required
License needed: Not required
E-bike insurance: Not required

Nevada

In Nevada, there is a 3-class system in use. And ebikes are regulated the same way as conventional bicycles.

E-Bike Laws in Nevada

E-Bike age limit: No limit
Helmet rules: Not required
Riding on sidewalks: Allowed
Riding on bike lanes: Allowed
E-bike registration: Not required
License needed: Not required
E-bike insurance: Not required

New Hampshire

In New Hampshire, there is a 3-class system in use. Electric bikes have the same road rules as bicycles.

E-Bike Laws in New Hampshire

E-Bike age limit: No limit for class 1 and 2 e-bikes. Must be over 16 to ride a class 3 e-bike.
Helmet rules: Not required for class 1 and 2 bikes. When riding a class 3 e-bike, everybody under 18 must wear a helmet.
Riding on sidewalks: Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are allowed. Class 3 ebikes are not allowed.
Riding on bike lanes: Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are allowed. Class 3 ebikes are not allowed.
E-bike registration: Not required
License needed: Not required
E-bike insurance: Not required

New Jersey

In New Jersey, the e-bike classification system is partially used. However, they use only classes 1 and 2 from this system. Class 3 ebikes are out of limits.

It means class 3 ebikes are defined as motorized bicycles in New Jersey. And motorized bicycles require registration, insurance, and a license as other motor vehicles.

E-Bike Laws in New Jersey

E-Bike age limit: No limit for class 1 and 2 ebikes. Must be over 15 to ride class 3 ebike.
Helmet rules: Not required
Riding on sidewalks: Not allowed
Riding on bike lanes: Allowed
E-bike registration: Not required for class 1 and 2 ebikes. Required for class 3 ebikes.
License needed: Not required for class 1 and 2 ebikes. Required for class 3 ebikes.
E-bike insurance: Not required for class 1 and 2 ebikes. Required for class 3 ebikes.

New Mexico

In New Mexico, the e-bike classification system is in use, and ebikes are regulated like bicycles.

E-Bike Laws in New Mexico

E-Bike age limit: No limit for class 1 and 2 e-bikes. Must be over 16 to ride a class 3 e-bike.
Helmet rules: Not required
Riding on sidewalks: Class 1 ebikes are allowed. Class 2 and 3 ebikes are not allowed.
Riding on bike lanes: Class 1 ebikes are allowed. Class 2 and 3 ebikes are not allowed.
E-bike registration: Not required
License needed: Not required
E-bike insurance: Not required

New York

In New York, the e-bike classification system is in use, and electric bikes are regulated the same way as human-powered bicycles. However, while the original system allows class 3 ebikes to have motor assistance up to 28mph, in New York, the motor assistance of class 3 ebikes can’t be over 25mph.

It’s important to note that it’s prohibited to ride in New York City with a traditional class 3 e-bike with motor assistance up to 28mph.

E-Bike Laws in New York

E-Bike age limit: No limit
Helmet rules: Not required
Riding on sidewalks: Allowed
Riding on bike lanes: Allowed
E-bike registration: Not required
License needed: Not required
E-bike insurance: Not required

North Carolina

In North Carolina, they don’t use the traditional e-bike classification system. Instead, electric bikes are defined as “electric assisted bicycles” if the motor is less than 750W and a maximum speed is up to 20mph. Also, the e-bike must have operable pedals.

If these criteria are met, e-bikes are regulated the same way as regular bicycles.

E-Bike Laws in North Carolina

E-Bike age limit: Must be over 16 to ride an electric bike.
Helmet rules: Not required
Riding on sidewalks: Allowed
Riding on bike lanes: Allowed
E-bike registration: Not required
License needed: Not required
E-bike insurance: Not required

North Dakota

In North Dakota, the traditional e-bike classification system is in use. Electric bikes have the same road rules as conventional bikes.

E-Bike Laws in North Dakota

E-Bike age limit: No limit
Helmet rules: Not required for class 1 and 2 bikes. When riding a class 3 e-bike, everybody under 18 must wear a helmet.
Riding on sidewalks: Allowed
Riding on bike lanes: Allowed
E-bike registration: Not required
License needed: Not required
E-bike insurance: Not required

Ohio

In Ohio, the e-bike 3-class system is in use and there are the same road rules for electric bikes as traditional bikes.

E-Bike Laws in Ohio

E-Bike age limit: No limit
Helmet rules: Not required for class 1 and 2 bikes. When riding a class 3 e-bike, everybody must wear a helmet.
Riding on sidewalks: Allowed
Riding on bike lanes: Allowed
E-bike registration: Not required
License needed: Not required
E-bike insurance: Not required

Oklahoma

In Oklahoma, the traditional ebike classification system is in use. E-bikes are regulated with the same road rules as traditional bicycles.

E-Bike Laws in Oklahoma

E-Bike age limit: No limit for class 1 and 2 e-bikes. Must be over 16 to ride a class 3 e-bike.
Helmet rules: Not required
Riding on sidewalks: Allowed for class 1 and 2 ebikes. Not allowed for class 3 ebikes.
Riding on bike lanes: Allowed for class 1 and 2 ebikes. Not allowed for class 3 ebikes.
E-bike registration: Not required
License needed: Not required
E-bike insurance: Not required

Oregon

In Oregon, the ebike 3-class system is not in use. E-bikes are classified as “electric assisted bicycles” if the motor has less than 1,000 Watts, ebike has pedals, and it doesn’t go faster than 20mph. Then, e-bikes are regulated as human-powered bicycles.

E-Bike Laws in Oregon

E-Bike age limit: Must be over 16 to ride an electric bike.
Helmet rules: Not required
Riding on sidewalks: Not allowed
Riding on bike lanes: Allowed
E-bike registration: Not required
License needed: Not required
E-bike insurance: Not required

Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, they also don’t use the e-bike 3-class system. Instead, electric bikes are defined as “pedalcycles with electric assist” if the motor is less than 750W and won’t provide more speed than 20mph. Also, the e-bike must have pedals and the e-bike weight must be less than 100 lbs.

E-Bike Laws in Pennsylvania

E-Bike age limit: Must be over 16 to ride an electric bike.
Helmet rules: Not required
Riding on sidewalks: Allowed
Riding on bike lanes: Allowed
E-bike registration: Not required
License needed: Not required
E-bike insurance: Not required

Rhode Island

In Rhode Island, they also don’t have the 3-class system in use. Instead, e-bikes are defined as “electric motorized bicycles” if they meet 2 criteria. First, the e-bike motor must not have more than 1491 Watts and the speed must be less than 25mph.

If you wonder why the motor is limited with such a strange number of Watts, then 1491W equals exactly 2 horsepower.

E-Bike Laws in Rhode Island

E-Bike age limit: No limit
Helmet rules: Not required
Riding on sidewalks: Not regulated by state law. Check local rules.
Riding on bike lanes: Not regulated by state law. Check local rules.
E-bike registration: Not required
License needed: Not required
E-bike insurance: Not required

South Carolina

In South Carolina law, there is no specific classification for electric bikes. Therefore, electric bicycles are considered vehicles. So electric bikes are regulated with the same road rules as any other vehicle.

However, ebikes have exempt from the definition of “moped” if the motor of the e-bike has less than 750W. In this case, no registration or license is needed.

E-Bike Laws in South Carolina

E-Bike age limit: Not regulated by state law.
Helmet rules: Not regulated by state law.
Riding on sidewalks: Not regulated by state law.
Riding on bike lanes: Not regulated by state law.
E-bike registration: Not required
License needed: Not required
E-bike insurance: Not required

South Dakota

In South Dakota, the traditional e-bike classification system is in use. E-bikes have the same road rules as regular bicycles.

E-Bike Laws in South Dakota

E-Bike age limit: No limit for class 1 and 2 e-bikes. Must be over 16 to ride a class 3 e-bike.
Helmet rules: Not required
Riding on sidewalks: Allowed for class 1 and 2 e-bikes. Not allowed for class 3 e-bikes.
Riding on bike lanes: Allowed for class 1 and 2 e-bikes. Not allowed for class 3 e-bikes.
E-bike registration: Not required
License needed: Not required
E-bike insurance: Not required

Tennessee

In Tennessee, electric bikes are defined through an e-bike classification system.

E-Bike Laws in Tennessee

E-Bike age limit: No limit for class 1 and 2 e-bikes. Must be over 14 to ride a class 3 e-bike.
Helmet rules: Not required for class 1 and 2 e-bikes. When riding a class 3 e-bike, everybody must wear a helmet.
Riding on sidewalks: Not allowed
Riding on bike lanes: Allowed for class 1 and 2 e-bikes. Not allowed for class 3 ebikes.
E-bike registration: Not required
License needed: Not required
E-bike insurance: Not required

Texas

In Texas, ebikes are defined through an electric bike classification system.

E-Bike Laws in Texas

E-Bike age limit: No limit for class 1 and 2 e-bikes. Must be over 15 to ride a class 3 e-bike.
Helmet rules: Not required
Riding on sidewalks: Allowed
Riding on bike lanes: Allowed
E-bike registration: Not required
License needed: Not required
E-bike insurance: Not required

Utah

In Utah, the e-bike classification system with 3 classes is in use. Electric bikes are regulated with the same road rules as traditional bicycles.

E-Bike Laws in Utah

E-Bike age limit: No limit
Helmet rules: Not required
Riding on sidewalks: Not allowed
Riding on bike lanes: Allowed
E-bike registration: Not required
License needed: Not required
E-bike insurance: Not required

Vermont

In Vermont, the system of 3 ebike classes is in use. Electric bikes and traditional bikes have the same road rules.

E-Bike Laws in Vermont

E-Bike age limit: No limit for class 1 and 2 e-bikes. Must be over 16 to ride a class 3 e-bike.
Helmet rules: Not required
Riding on sidewalks: Allowed
Riding on bike lanes: Allowed
E-bike registration: Not required
License needed: Not required
E-bike insurance: Not required

Virginia

In Virginia, electric bikes are regulated through e-bike classes.

E-Bike Laws in Virginia

E-Bike age limit: No limit for class 1 and 2 e-bikes. Must be over 14 to ride a class 3 e-bike.
Helmet rules: Not required for class 1 and 2 e-bikes. When riding a class 3 e-bike, everybody must wear a helmet.
Riding on sidewalks: Allowed
Riding on bike lanes: Allowed
E-bike registration: Not required
License needed: Not required
E-bike insurance: Not required

Washington

In Washington, the electric bike classification system is in use. If the electric bike fits into three classes, the same road rules apply to traditional bicycles.

E-Bike Laws in Washington

E-Bike age limit: No limit for class 1 and 2 e-bikes. Must be over 16 to ride a class 3 e-bike.
Helmet rules: Not required
Riding on sidewalks: Allowed for class 1 and 2 e-bikes. Not allowed for class 3 ebikes.
Riding on bike lanes: Allowed for class 1 and 2 e-bikes. Not allowed for class 3 ebikes.
E-bike registration: Not required
License needed: Not required
E-bike insurance: Not required

Washington DC

In Washington DC, the 3-class system is not in use. Instead, an e-bike is defined as a “motorized bicycle” if it has operable pedals and the motor doesn’t provide a speed over 20mph. Then, the same road rules apply to ebikes as human-powered bikes.

E-Bike Laws in Washington DC

E-Bike age limit: Must be over 16 to ride an electric bike.
Helmet rules: Not required
Riding on sidewalks: Allowed
Riding on bike lanes: Allowed
E-bike registration: Not required
License needed: Not required
E-bike insurance: Not required

West Virginia

In West Virginia, the 3-class classification system is in use to define electric bikes.

E-Bike Laws in West Virginia

E-Bike age limit: No limit
Helmet rules: Everybody under 15 must wear a helmet.
Riding on sidewalks: Allowed for class 1 and 2 e-bikes. Not allowed for class 3 ebikes.
Riding on bike lanes: Allowed for class 1 and 2 e-bikes. Not allowed for class 3 ebikes.
E-bike registration: Not required
License needed: Not required
E-bike insurance: Not required

Wisconsin

in Wisconsin, the 3-class classification system is in use to define electric bikes.

E-Bike Laws in Wisconsin

E-Bike age limit: No limit for class 1 and 2 e-bikes. Must be over 16 to ride a class 3 e-bike.
Helmet rules: Not required
Riding on sidewalks: Not regulated by state law. Check local laws.
Riding on bike lanes: Not regulated by state law. Check local laws.
E-bike registration: Not required
License needed: Not required
E-bike insurance: Not required

Wyoming

In Wyoming, the 3-class classification system is in use to define electric bikes.

E-Bike Laws in Wyoming

E-Bike age limit: No limit
Helmet rules: Not required
Riding on sidewalks: Allowed
Riding on bike lanes: Allowed
E-bike registration: Not required
License needed: Not required
E-bike insurance: Not required

All laws and regulations are collected from the PeopleforBikes.org website.