Do You Need a License for an Electric Motorcycle?
I just got my first electric motorcycle! However, I’m wondering if I need a license to ride it.
As a whole, you need a license to ride an electric motorcycle in the US. Specific requirements may vary from state to state and depend on the type of electric motorcycle you have. Therefore, it’s always best to check with your state and local laws for rules and regulations regarding e-motorcycles.
In this article, we are going to tackle whether a license is required to ride an electric bike in general and we will go into detail about some particular states, such as New York and New Jersey.
Do You Need a License For an Electric Motorcycle?
Like electric bikes, electric motorcycles are equipped with batteries. Unlike standard motorcycles powered by gas engines, e-motorcycles rely on rechargeable batteries. Ensuring your e-motorcycle is charged is crucial for uninterrupted rides. While e-motorcycles share batteries with e-bikes, the rules and regulations governing e-bikes don’t apply to e-motorcycles. Therefore, although most states don’t require a license to ride an electric bike, riding an electric motorcycle does necessitate one, as they’re still classified as motorcycles due to their high-powered engines.
Most states in the United States require a license to ride an electric motorcycle, with specific requirements varying by state. Additionally, beyond a license, some states may mandate registration and insurance. Electric motorcycles fall into different categories or classes, and the requirements may differ for each. While there are specific requirements for some e-motorcycle categories, typically, a standard motorcycle license is sufficient. However, some states may require an endorsement, which usually involves passing a practical and written exam. In cases where states classify electric motorcycles as mopeds, a moped vehicle license is needed. It’s also important to note that processing registration and requirements may involve fees.
In addition to a license, registration, and insurance, there may be minimum age requirements for electric bike riders, and helmets might be mandatory at all times. Restrictions on bike or e-bike lanes, streets, and trails could also apply. If you’re transitioning from e-bikes to e-motorcycles, it’s essential to review the rules and regulations for riding e-motorcycles, as they differ from those for e-bikes.
“A long ride…A little more laughter, A little less worry, A little more kindness, A little less hurry.”
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Are Electric Motorcycles Street-Legal?
As a general rule, electric motorcycles can be street legal in many places, including some states in the United States. However, you must meet certain requirements and comply with rules and regulations regarding e-motorcycles.
Electric motorcycles are typically street-legal, but their legality varies depending on the area. Some countries permit e-motorcycles on bike lanes if they meet specific criteria. However, in most US states, e-motorcycles aren’t allowed on bicycle and e-bike lanes.
There are electric motorcycles designed for use on public streets and others for off-road use. If you plan to ride your e-motorcycle on the streets, ensure you have all the necessary legal documents and meet requirements. This often includes having a driver’s license, e-motorcycle registration, and insurance. Wearing a helmet is also essential for your safety and the safety of others.
If you are looking to purchase an electric motorcycle, check out these e-motorcycles:
| Electric Motorcycle | Cost |
| Tarform Vera | Pre-order from $16,000 |
| VMX08 Carbon Fiber 6KW 72v On/Off Road DOT Approved E-Moto | $5,999 |
| VGX06 Cafe Racer Style Electric Motorcycle DOT Approved | $6,199 |
| Ukko S | – |
| 2023 KTM FREERIDE E-XC | MSRP: $ 11299 |
| S2 MULHOLLAND | $15,999 |
| 2023 RX1E Electric Motorcycle | $8,495 |
Do You Need a License For an Electric Motorcycle in NJ?
As a whole, in New Jersey (NJ), you need a license to operate an electric motorcycle. According to the law in New Jersey, motorized bicycles (mopeds), whether electric or gas-powered, need to undergo proper registration and licensing.
If your electric motorbike has functioning pedals, it could be considered a moped bicycle. In the case that it falls under the moped bicycle category, a moped license is required, regardless of whether the motorized bicycle (moped) is electric or not. To obtain a moped license, you must be at least 15 years old; otherwise, you are prohibited from operating one. You need to pass knowledge and vision tests and take a road test to obtain a permit to ride a motorized bicycle. To learn more about moped bicycle licensing, check here.
If your electric motorbike doesn’t have pedals and its engine is less than 50 cc, it’s not considered a moped. So, you won’t need to register it as a moped bicycle. Instead, it’s classified as a motorcycle, meaning you’ll need to follow New Jersey’s motorcycle rules and regulations. For requirements and the process for obtaining a motorcycle license, you can check here.
Once you’ve met all the requirements and obtained the necessary licenses and permits, you’re ready to hit the road with your electric motorcycle!
Do You Need a License For an Electric Motorcycle in NY?
On average, you need a license to operate an electric motorcycle in New York (NY). Mopeds or motorcycles, whether electric or not, typically do not have fully functioning pedals, so the rules and regulations for riding them are different from those for e-bikes.
In New York, you don’t need a license to ride an electric bike. However, electric motorcycles are different from electric bikes, so the laws governing them are different. Mopeds and motorcycles require a license. In New York City, there are three classes of mopeds: Class A, B, and C, with maximum speeds of 40 mph (64 kph), 30 mph (48 kph), and 20 mph (32 kph) respectively.
It’s mandatory to register mopeds with the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) regardless of their class. For Class A mopeds, a motorcycle driver’s license (M/MJ) is required, while for those in Classes B and C, a regular driver’s license is needed. Furthermore, for Class C mopeds, you might need to have an M endorsement.
You must also be at least 16 years old to ride an e-bike or moped bicycle, and wearing helmets is essential for everyone’s safety.
To learn more about how to register a moped bicycle in NYC, check the video below.
Do I Need a License to Ride an Electric Motorbike?
As a general rule, you need a license to ride an electric motorbike. In most cases, ‘motorbike’ and ‘motorcycle’ are often used interchangeably. Like an electric motorcycle, an electric motorbike is a two-wheeled vehicle powered by an engine and has a rechargeable battery.
An electric motorbike does not have operational pedals like electric bikes. They can be propelled using the throttle, but unlike standard motorbikes, electric motorbikes do not use gas or fuel to run. Instead, they rely on rechargeable batteries. So, if it stops, you have to charge the motorbike for it to be used again. In most cases, electric motorbikes usually have bigger batteries compared to e-bikes and may have more powerful motors. Some of them can also be ridden at much higher speeds. As a result, a license is required. You may also need to register your electric motorbike and have insurance. Additionally, some states may also have certain age requirements for you to operate one. So, it’s best to check your state and local rules and regulations to understand the process and comply with the necessary documents.
Wherever you choose to ride, do not forget to wear safety gear. If you have an electric bike and would like to buy a helmet, you can explore our recommended helmets by checking out our article ‘Best eBike Helmet (Why You Need a Special Helmet for eBikes).’
