Are Electric Bikes Street Legal (Detailed Info: All 50 States)

Electric bikes have been rising in popularity and as such there are various laws put in place from state to state that help control the risks of e-bikes. I found that in every state I traveled to I had the same question: Are Electric Bikes Street Legal?

As a general rule, Electric bikes are street legal in all 50 states. However, some states require you to have a license to operate them. Depending on the state, they are classified in the same category as either mopeds or bicycles, though some states give them an entirely separate classification.

If you wanted a one-stop guide on what you need to know to ride an e-bike in your state, you found it! Here’s a comprehensive list of electric bike laws from all 50 states.

States With Noteworthy Requirements on Whether eBikes are Street Legal

The following states are noteworthy when it comes to the electric bike requirements. They are also states which have the highest number of people using electric bicycles.

Here is a quick summary of each of these states, but, as always, refer to your city, town, or county regulations on electric bicycles down below in this article.

Are electric bikes street legal in California?

As a general rule, electric bikes are street legal in California. California classifies electric bicycles under 3 classifications. You can ride an eBike in California with some restrictions depending on the electric bikes class.

Class 1 bicycles are pedal operated and travel at speeds less than 20 miles per hour. Class 2 electric bicycles are not pedal-operated but stay at the same speeds as Class 1. Class 3 electric bicycles are pedal-assisted and can reach up to 28 miles per hour. Anything faster than that is considered a moped.

Class 1 and 2 e-bikes do not require a certain age, a license, or a license plate, though they do have a requirement that anyone under 17 years of age who is riding an electric bicycle must wear a helmet. Class 3 e-bikes similarly do not require a license or a license plate, but you must be at least 16 years old to drive one. Class 3 e-bikes are also not allowed on bike paths, though everything else is fair game.

Are electric bikes street legal in Florida?

As a whole, electric bikes are street legal in Florida. Electric bicycles were given all of the same rights and privileges as normal bikes and the age requirements were removed. E-bikers have to follow the same helmet guidelines as normal bikers.

Florida– In 2020, Florida created a new class of bicycles which includes all electric bicycles.

Are electric bikes legal in New York State?

As a whole, Electric bikes are street legal in New York State and New York City. New York City places Ebikes into three classes based on whether it is pedal-assisted or uses a throttle. If your eBike is considered a class three you are required to use a helmet at all times while you ride your electric bike.

Do you need a license for an electric bike in New York?

In total, Both New York State and New York City do not require a license for electric bicycles. You do not need a license for Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 eBikes. You are free to operate ebikes on bike lanes throughout the city.

Are electric bikes street legal in Pennsylvania?

As a general rule, electric bikes are street legal in Pennsylvania if they do not have a throttle. In Pennsylvania, an eBike is street legal only if it has pedal assist with no throttle.

Pennsylvania– Pennsylvania’s definition for electric bicycles is also different from other states. Pennsylvania accepts only “pedalcycles with electric assist”, which means that e-bikes that propel themselves instead of helping the rider are not counted. Furthermore, e-bikes in Pennsylvania must have an engine with less than 750-watt power output. They must also travel at less than 20 miles per hour.

Though the definition of what makes up an e-bike is different from other state’s definitions, there are few requirements on e-bikes in Pennsylvania. They can go anywhere that normal bikes can go, and helmets are not required. The age requirement is 16 years old.

States That Require a Standard Driver’s License to Ride an Electric Bike

One of the most common requirements that a state might have for riders of electric bicycles is that they all must have a current driver’s license (a class D license). This usually happens in states where e-bikes are classified as motorized bicycles. The license requirement keeps people safe by ensuring that operators know the laws of the road and they are old enough to cycle safely.

However, you should keep in mind that as time goes on, laws and policies regarding electric bicycles change. Furthermore, local officials have the power to restrict the operation of electric bicycles as they see fit. For these reasons, check with your local town, city, or county when in doubt about your local restrictions. As of recently, the following states had a standard drivers license requirement:

Connecticut– Connecticut classifies e-bikes as a bike that operates with a motor and allows anyone with a standard driver’s license to operate them.

Hawaii– E-bikes are considered to be mopeds in the state of Hawaii, requiring both a driver’s license and a 30 dollar registration fee from the operators.

Idaho- The state of Idaho requires both a class D driver’s license and liability insurance on behalf of the operator of an electric bicycle.

Kentucky– Kentucky e-bike policy mandates helmets for everyone under the age of 18 along with a driver’s license.

Louisianna– E-bike owners in Louisianna are also required to wear a helmet and have a driver’s license.

Massachusetts– The top speed that Massachusetts allows for e-bikes is 25 mph. They require a driver’s license.

Missouri– Missouri doesn’t have a specific classification for e-bikes, but it does require all operators of motorized vehicles to possess a license.

Nebraska- Electric bikes are considered to be mopeds in Nebraska, which require both helmets and licenses to drive.

New Jersey– In addition to requiring a license to ride an electric bicycle, New Jersey requires a motorcycle helmet to be worn when on an e-bike.

New Mexico– New Mexico requires motorcycle helmets on all riders of e-bikes, and the driver must have a license.

North Dakota– Depending on how powerful the motor is on an electric bicycle, North Dakota will require a driver’s license.

Rhode Island- Rhode Island requires a license for operators of a motorized bicycle, so whether or not you need a license depends on the classification of the specific bike you are riding. Bicycles that use electricity to assist the operators pedaling should be fine.

Wisconsin– Wisconsin has several interesting requirements for e-bikers, including the class D license. Electric bicycles can go no faster than 20 miles per hour.

States That Require a Different License for E-Bikes

In some states, e-bikes are classified as motorcycles rather than simple motorized bicycles. In these states, you must obtain a Class M License (a motorcycle license) before driving an electric bicycle. As always, check your local laws for any other registration or licensing requirements.

Alabama– Alabama requires both a motorcycle license and a motorcycle helmet from operators of e-bikes. The minimum age requirement for this type of license is 14.

Alaska– This state limits e-bike engines to 50cc and their operators to class M licenses.

Indiana– Rather than a licensing requirement, Indiana asks all e-bikers to have an ID card on them while biking.

Oklahoma– Oklahoma requires any form of licensing from riders of electric bicycles.

States That Have No Licenseing Requirements for eBikes

Thankfully for e-bike lovers, the majority of states have no licensing requirements when it comes to e-bikes. Most of these states have an entirely separate classification system for electric bicycles rather than grouping them under motorcycles or motorized bicycles.

However, most of these states are only able to do this by placing requirements on what an e-bike actually is.

In general, e-bikes must be capped at a maximum speed to not have a licensing requirement. This speed is usually 20 miles per hour, though sometimes it is extended up to 28 miles per hour (which is the fastest that an electric bike can go without being considered a moped). Though local laws restrict e-bikes in many locations, the following states do not require a drivers license for e-biking:

Arizona- There are no licensing, helmet, or age requirements placed on owners of electric bikes in Arizona.

Arkansas- Arkansas requires no license to ride e-bikes, but the fastest and most powerful e-bikes must be ridden with a helmet.

Colorado– The state of Colorado has no special requirements for e-bikers other than a max speed of 20 miles per hour.

Delaware– Delaware requires helmets and that electric bike owners keep to the maximum speed of 20 miles per hour.

Georgia– All e-bikes in Georgia are useable without a license, though you must be at least 15 years old to drive the faster e-bikes.

Illinois– Though Illinois does not require a license, the state does not allow e-bikes to be driven on sidewalks.

Iowa– Iowa also keeps e-bikers to a maximum speed of 20 miles per hour unless the driver is pedaling themselves.

Kansas– Kansas mandates helmets on minors, but it does not require licenses.

Maine– Electric bicycles in Maine are free game for people over the age of 16, but the fastest models cannot be driven on highway bike paths.

Maryland– Helmets and speed limits are mandated in Maryland, and electric bicycles are not allowed on sidewalks except in specific circumstances.

Michigan– Michigan keeps electric bikers to 20 miles per hour in all cases on bike paths and trails. A helmet is required for younger riders (as is customary for all states).

Minnesota– The minimum age requirement for riding an electric bicycle in Minnesota is 15 years old. Bike trails are marked to allow or prohibit electric bikes.

Mississippi– Electric bicycles are not allowed on conventional bike paths, and the biker must be at least 16 years of age. Younger persons may ride an electric bike as a passenger.

Montana– Montana has some of the fewest restrictions on electric bikes. There is no age limit, helmet requirement, or license required to operate an e-bike as long as the bike travels at less than 20 miles per hour.

Nevada– In Nevada, electric bicycles are rideable on all bike paths and trails that normal bicycles are allowed on. There is no age limit, but adults should not recklessly endanger the lives of children by placing them on an electric bicycle.

New Hampshire– New Hampshire also has a 16-year-old age limit on the fastest electric bikes and a helmet requirement on everyone less than 18 years of age.

North Carolina– E-bikes are allowed on North Carolina sidewalks anywhere that bicycles are. The maximum speed for e-bikes is 20 miles per hour as usual. There are no helmet requirements.

Ohio– E-bikes follow the same regulations in Ohio as bicycles. They can go anywhere that bicycles can, but helmets are required.

Oregon- E-bikes in Oregon are allowed on bike paths but not on sidewalks. All ages must wear a helmet, but you must be at least 16 years old to ride.

South Carolina– South Carolina differentiates between mopeds (which have licensing requirements) and e-bikes (which do not) based on the strength of the e-bike’s engine. If the output is over 750 watts, it is a moped.

South Dakota– People under 16 years of age may only ride an e-bike as a passenger. E-bikes can go anywhere that normal bicycles can go, as long as local laws permit it.

Tenessee– Tennesee’s age requirement is 14 years old. All drivers and passengers of e-bikes must wear a helmet. E-bikes may not be ridden on the sidewalk.

Texas– The age requirement in Texas is 15 years old. E-bikes follow the same rules of the road as normal bicycles.

Utah– E-bikes are allowed on bike paths but not on sidewalks in Utah. There are no licensing requirements.

Vermont- Vermont considers e-bikes as motor-assisted bicycles and has no helmet requirements for the e-bikers.

Virginia– The age requirement in Vermont is 14. All riders and passengers must wear a helmet. Bike paths are fair game for e-bikes.

Washington- While normal, slower e-bikes are allowed on bike paths in Washington, the fastest electrical bicycles are not. To drive these faster bikes, you must be at least 16 years old.

West Virginia– Electric bicycles that go less than 20 miles per hour are allowed on public paths and trails, but those that reach 28 miles per hour have a 16-year-old age requirement.

Wyoming– Wyoming has no helmet, age, license, or path requirements for e-bikes other than whatever the local laws are.