Abstract:
While most U.S. states don't require licenses for e-bikes, requirements vary based on location and e-bike class. Here's what to remember:
- Know your e-bike's class
- Check state and local requirements
- Follow age restrictions
- Maintain required safety equipment
- Consider optional insurance
With e-bike sales skyrocketing - jumping from 287,000 units in 2019 to over 1.1 million units in 2022 in the US alone - more people than ever are asking this question. Sure, it's not quite a motorcycle, but it's not exactly your grandpa's old bicycle either. So what's the deal with licensing? Don't worry - we've got you covered. Let's cut through the confusion and break down everything you need to know about e-bike licensing in the US, from coast to coast.
What Is E-Bike Classifications?
It's important to know how e-bikes are classed before getting into license standards. Based on these groups, you can find out what rules apply to your bike and where you can ride it. Most states and the federal government recognize three classes of electric bikes:
| Class | Assistance Type | Maximum Speed | Common Uses |
| Class 1 | Pedal-assist only | 20 mph | Commuting, leisure riding |
| Class 2 | Throttle-assisted | 20 mph | Urban transportation, delivery |
| Class 3 | Pedal-assis | 28 mph | Long-distance commuting |
Want to know what actually makes your two-wheeler an "e-bike" in the eyes of the law? Let's look at the official rulebook. According to Section 38 of the U.S. Code (15 U.S.C.), here's what counts as a "low-speed electric bicycle" at the federal level. To qualify, your ride needs to tick all these boxes:
- Two or three wheels
- Fully working pedals (yes, you still need to be able to pedal the old-fashioned way)
- An electric motor under 750 watts (that's about 1 horsepower)
- A speed cap of 20 mph when running on motor power alone on a flat, paved surface with a 170-pound rider
What Are the State-by-State Licensing Requirements for E-Bikes in the U.S.?
Good news for most riders: 36 states have adopted the three-tier classification system and don't require licenses for e-bikes. However, different states have very different license rules for e-bikes. Some treat them the same as regular bikes, while others have tighter rules. Here's what you need to know about the rules in different states:
| State | License Required | Specific Conditions or Exceptions |
| Alabama | No | Riders must be at least 14 years old to operate an e-bike. Helmets are required for riders under 16. |
| Alaska | Yes | Riders must be at least 14 years old and have parental permission to obtain the M2 permit. Those over 16 can ride with an M1 or M3 license after holding an instruction permit for 6 months. |
| Arizona | No | Riders must carry identification while riding; no age restrictions for riding e-bikes. |
| Arkansas | No | Individuals under 16 years of age may not operate a Class 3 e-bike. Helmets are required for Class 3 e-bike riders under 21 years old. Local regulations may restrict access in some areas. |
| California | No | Riders of Class 3 e-bikes must be at least 16 years old and wear helmets. No age restrictions for Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes. |
| Colorado | No | Class III e-bikes can only be operated by those who are aged 16 or older. |
| Connecticut | No | Riders must be at least 16 years old to operate a Class 3 e-bike. Helmets are required for all riders under 16 on any class of e-bike and for all riders of Class 3 e-bikes regardless of age. |
| Delaware | No | Operators and passengers of Class 3 e-bikes must wear helmets if under 18 years old. Persons under 16 may only ride Class 3 e-bikes as passengers. |
| Florida | No | Riders must be at least 16 years old to operate Class 2 e-bikes; helmets are required for riders under 16. |
| Georgia | No | Riders of Class 3 e-bikes must be at least 15 years old; helmet use is mandatory for Class 3 e-bikes. |
| Hawaii | No | Registration required for e-bikes; must be 18 to register, but those 15+ can operate if registered to a household member. Helmets required for riders under 16. |
| Idaho | No | Riders must be at least 15 years old to operate a Class 3 e-bike. |
| Illinois | No | Riders must be at least 16 years old for Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes, and at least 18 years old for Class 3 e-bikes. E-bikes are not permitted on sidewalks. |
| Indiana | No | Class 3 e-bikes are not allowed on certain trails unless adjacent to a highway or roadway. No age restrictions for operating e-bikes, but individuals under 15 cannot ride Class 3 e-bikes. |
| Iowa | No | Class 3 e-bikes require riders to be at least 16 years old. E-bikes must have a motor of less than 750W and cannot exceed 20 mph when powered solely by the motor. |
| Kansas | No | Minimum age of 15 years to ride on public roads. |
| Kentucky | No | No age restrictions or helmet requirements for riders. |
| Louisiana | No | Riders must be at least 12 years old to operate a Class 3 e-bike. All Class 3 operators and passengers must wear helmets. |
| Maine | No | Riders under 16 may only operate Class 1 e-bikes; Class 3 e-bikes are allowed on trails only if permitted by the facility manager. |
| Maryland | No | Class 3 e-bikes require the rider to be at least 16 years old.42 |
| Massachusetts | No | Riders must be at least 16 years old; e-bikes are not allowed on sidewalks or bike paths; helmets are required for riders under 17. |
| Michigan | No | A rider must be at least 14 years old to operate a Class 3 e-bike. |
| Minnesota | No | Riders must be at least 15 years old to operate an e-bike. |
| Mississippi | No | Riders must be at least 16 years old to operate a Class 3 e-bike. |
| Missouri | No | Riders must be at least 16 years old to use an e-bike. |
| Montana | No | No minimum age restrictions, but safer for riders to be at least 16 years old. |
| Nebraska | No | No specific conditions or exceptions for licensing requirements. |
| Nevada | No | Riders of Class 3 e-bikes must be at least 16 years old; no age restrictions for other classes. |
| New Hampshire | No | Operators aged 16 and under must wear helmets; for Class 3 e-bikes, operators must be at least 16 years old and wear a helmet if under 18. |
| New Jersey | No | Riders must be at least 14 years old to ride an electric bike; helmets are required for riders under 17 years old. |
| New Mexico | No | Riders must be at least 15 years old to operate any e-bike, and at least 16 years old to ride a Class 3 e-bike. Class 3 e-bikes must have a horn or bell and a rearview mirror for safety. |
| New York | No | For Class 3 e-bikes, a valid driver's license or moped/motorcycle endorsement is required. Riders must be at least 16 years old to operate any class of e-bike. |
| North Carolina | No | Riders must be at least 16 years old. Helmets are not required. E-bikes are allowed on sidewalks if traditional bicycles are permitted. |
| North Dakota | Yes | Riders under the age of 14 must wear a helmet. |
| Ohio | No | Riders of Class 3 e-bikes must wear helmets; no age restrictions for riding. |
| Oklahoma | No | Riders must be at least 16 years old to operate Class 3 e-bikes. |
| Oregon | No | Riders must be at least 16 years old to operate a Class 3 e-bike. No age restrictions for Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes. Helmets are not required for e-bike riders. |
| Pennsylvania | No | Riders must be at least 16 years old. E-bikes must weigh no more than 100 pounds, have a motor not exceeding 750 watts, and cannot exceed 20 mph on a level surface when powered by the motor only. |
| Rhode Island | No | Riders under the age of 21 must wear helmets. |
| South Carolina | No | E-bikes with motors over 750 watts require licensing and registration. Riders must be at least 14 years old and are recommended to wear helmets. Local laws may vary. |
| South Dakota | No | Riders must be at least 16 years old to operate a Class III e-bike. |
| Tennessee | No | Riders must be at least 14 years old to operate a Class 3 e-bike. E-bikes are classified into three classes: Class 1 (pedal-assist only), Class 2 (motor can propel the bike), and Class 3 (pedal-assist up to 28 mph). No insurance or registration is required. |
| Texas | No | Riders must be at least 16 years old to operate a Class 3 e-bike. No one under 15 can operate a Class 3 e-bike unless they are a passenger. |
| Utah | No | Riders of Class 3 e-bikes must be at least 16 years old. Individuals under 14 may not operate an electric assisted bicycle with the motor engaged on public property unless supervised by a guardian. |
| Vermont | No | Individuals under 16 cannot operate a Class 3 electric bicycle on a road but can ride as passengers. |
| Virginia | No | Riders must be at least 14 years old or under adult supervision. All riders under 18 must wear a helmet. Class 3 e-bikes are not allowed on all bike paths. |
| Washington | No | Riders under 16 cannot operate Class 3 e-bikes unless they are passengers. Helmets are required for riders under 16. |
| West Virginia | No | Class 3 e-bike operators may require a valid driver's license; riders must be at least 16 years old; helmet use is mandatory for riders under 17. |
| Wisconsin | No | Riders under age 16 cannot operate Class 3 e-bikes; e-bikes allowed on most state trails if motor is not engaged. |
| Wyoming | No | None |
Essential Safety Gear and Equipment for E-Bike Riders
Whether your state requires a license or not, and regardless of age restrictions, safety should always be your top priority when riding an e-bike. After all, sharing the road with cars while cruising at 20+ mph means you need to take proper precautions. Here's what you'll need:
- Helmet: This is non-negotiable! A properly fitted helmet can reduce the risk of head injury by up to 85% in case of an accident.
- Lights and Reflectors:
Back: Red reflector or light to make sure cars can spot you from behind
- Working Brakes: Both front and rear brakes should be in top condition. Test them before every ride - better safe than sorry!
- Bell or Horn: Required in some cities, but helpful everywhere. A friendly "ding" is often more effective (and more neighborly) than shouting to alert pedestrians.
- Reflective clothing or vest (especially during dawn/dusk)
- Gloves for better grip and protection
- Rearview mirror(either handlebar or helmet-mounted)
- Phone mount for easy navigation
- Basic repair kit for unexpected issues
Get the most up-to-date information by calling your local motor vehicle department or bicycle advocacy organization. As electric bikes become more popular, rules may change. For safe and legal riding, it's important to stay up to date.