The last thing you want to think about when riding your new electric bike is worrying about getting a ticket or a fine. While only a few states require a license for e-bikes, most areas have additional local e-bike regulations that cyclists should be aware of. After all, you don't want to risk taking your new bike on the road and paying huge fines. Following your local rules not only helps you avoid pesky fines but also promotes safe riding and trail sharing for everyone. That said, doing research on the specific requirements and e-bike classifications can be a challenge until you have a good grasp of your state’s e-bike laws. Some states consider e-bikes the same as regular bicycles, while others treat them as mopeds or electric vehicles. For this reason, the licensing laws for e-bikes vary from state to state in the US. So, do you need a license to ride an e-bike bike? Let's dive into the license requirements of US states to find the answer.
Current federal e-bike laws are outdated and vague, largely leaving it up to the individual states to create specific e-bike legislation. According to federal regulations, a low speed electric bike is defined as a vehicle with fully operable pedals and a motor rated at 750 watts or fewer. The bike should also have a speed-limit mechanism that limits the motor’s assistance to a maximum of 20 mph.
These federal rules only technically apply to Class 1 e-bikes— Class 2 e-bikes are excluded because they utilize a pedal-free throttle system. Remember that Class 3 e-bikes aren’t considered low speed electric bikes since they can assist up to 28 mph.
Now, back to the main question… Do you need a license to ride an electric bike on a federal level?
As per federal bike laws, you don't need a license to ride an electric bike since Class 1 e-bikes are considered similar to traditional bicycles (as opposed to motorized vehicles). You still have to follow all the normal bike rules set by the Department of Motor Vehicles to avoid fines— there isn't any compromise on that. The most important point, however, is that while riders aren’t restricted on a federal level, individual states may have additional requirements for cyclists.
"We need more people on both bicycles and e-bikes while cultivating education and onboarding along with it. I totally understand people's concerns about possible misuse of e-bikes and making roads more dangerous than they already are—their concerns need to be taken seriously. Personally, I'm not a fan of heavier regulation or strict licensing requirements and think that other initiatives would serve everyone better in the long term.” — Theo, head of Sundays USA.
At the time of writing, at least 36 US states use the three tiered classification system for bikes powered by electric motors. This categorization is based on the bike’s functionality and motor power.
The rest of the states carry their own regulations with some loosely following the three-class system while others merge different laws together. For example, license rules, helmet requirements, and e-bike categories may vary depending on location.
If your state operates under the three-tiered system, you don't need to have a license for your bike since they aren’t categorized as motor vehicles.
However, if you live in states such as Alaska, Hawaii, Missouri, and North Dakota, you may need to complete some additional paperwork to ride an e-bike. Keep in mind that the specific laws on e-bikes in your area depend on the local jurisdiction—rules may differ even across parts of your state. Many new e-bike laws have been introduced in recent years are are expected to continue evolving. The national bicycle advocacy group PeopleForBikes has created detailed documents for each state outlining their electric bike requirements— find your state’s most up-to-date rules here.
If you live in Florida, you don’t need a license or registration to ride your e-bike. You can take your bike anywhere a standard vehicle is allowed to go without a helmet.
However, there are a few jurisdictions, such as Sanibel Island, that don’t allow e-bikes.
When in California you don't need a license to ride your e bike. However, this law may not apply for much longer, as a license may soon be required for e-bike riders.
Also, children under 12 may be strictly prohibited to ride an ebike in the state.
Alaska continues to define an electric bicycle as a “motor-driven cycle” and enforces tighter regulations, including the need for an Class M license. However, e-bikes are not subject to registration or insurance requirements.
The local laws of Arizona allow e-bike riders to ride without any registration and license. That said, you must carry your government issued ID when on the road.
If you plan to ride the bike at a speed of more than 25 miles per hour, you need to have a Class M license with you.
The Kentucky e-bike laws allow you to ride an e-bike without insurance or a license. Additionally, there aren’t any age or helmet restrictions for riders.
The procedure to get a license depends on the local ordinance. But mostly, the process is the same as for regular motor-driven vehicles.
The handful of US states that still require e-bike riders to have a license include: Alaska, Hawaii (mandatory registration fee), and New Jersey (Class 3 e-bikes). Most other states have already adopted the three-class tier system that better categorizes e-bikes and makes it easier to understand where you can legally ride your electric bike. Remember that local areas can have special requirements so it’s always best to check the local regulations.
Keep your e-bike protected by contacting a comprehensive bicycle insurance company like Sundays Insurance. Pedal with peace of mind knowing that you and your e-bike are covered with the best insurance designed by and for the cyclists.
At Sundays, we love e-bikes and the e-bike community. We've designed a great insurance product with very competitive pricing. Get a quote now!
15 U.S. Code § 2085 - Low-speed electric bicycles
www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/15/2085
Adopt the Three-Class eBike systembosch-ebike.com/au/everything-about-the-ebike/stories/three-class-ebike-system
Electric Bike Laws - State by State
peopleforbikes.org/electric-bikes/state-laws
Department of Motor Vehicles
dmvusa.com
