In general, electric bikes are allowed in the United States.
However, every state has its own laws that you should be aware of before purchasing an e-bike or riding one on public roads.
Some states have restrictions based on age and power output from the motor. For example, a rider must be at least 16 years old to ride an electric bike in the state of New York. An electric bike cannot have a power output more than 750 watts in some states, or less than 20 horsepower with two brake-systems (one for each wheel).
The same restrictions on age and motor power apply to mopeds as well. There are also laws against unlicensed riders driving bicycles with an electric motor attached.
Some cities have banned electric bikes as well, but that varies by state and municipality. You should always check the laws in your area before purchasing an e-bike for on road use.
Across the country electric bicycles have a long list of rules and regulations that they need to follow but Local, State and Federal Government do not always see eye to eye on these laws so it is often necessary for us to make them aware of our existence. What States are Electric Bikes Legal let’s take a look.
What States are Electric Bikes Legal in US
Electric bikes are legal in most states, but there are some restrictions from city to city which might make it illegal for you to ride your e-bike on a specific road.
Electric bicycles can be used legally in most parts of the US except few places that have restricted their use based on local laws.
There is a restriction depending where you want to ride an electric bike.
Most cities allow people to travel using an electric bicycle as long as they follow all traffic rules and regulations while riding one so this means wearing proper safety equipment such as helmets when traveling over public roads or walkways with your e-bike.
As always, check out local laws before taking off with your brand new electric bicycle!
Where e-Bikes are restricted in United States
On federal lands (National Forests, National Parks and BLM) e-bikes are not allowed.
In the state of Arizona, e-bikes do not meet federal safety standards and can’t be sold.
Electic bikes also restricted in New York City cause they do not meet federal standards.
Electric bikes are also restricted in the state of California to class three speed limits which is 20 mph maximum and can’t be equipped with throttles.
Are Electric Bikes Street Legal in New Hampshire
New Hampshire law states that you need to wear a helmet while riding an electric bicycle on public roadways and walkway areas but it is not required on private property. You also can’t ride your bike against the flow of traffic unless there are signs allowing you to do so. That is a general rule for all bikes, not just electric ones.
In New Hampshire it is illegal to ride your eBike on any public property with a speed limit of more than 35 mph unless there are signs allowing you to do so or if the area has been specifically designated as a recreation trail by state law. This means that in NH people can pedal faster than in other states and you can ride your eBike when walking would be allowed.
Are Electric Bikes Street Legal in New Hampshire? Yes, for all intents and purposes they are street legal as long as the rules of roadways apply to them such as following traffic laws like yielding to pedestrians on sidewalks, obeying stop lights etc.
Are Electric Bikes Street Legal in Texas
Texas electric bike laws state that electric bikes are allowed on public roads or anywhere else outside of the city. You can’t ride your bike against the flow of traffic unless there are signs allowing you to do so. That is a general overview for electric bike laws in Texas but it’s always best to double check with your local governing authority.
Are Electric Bikes Street Legal in California
California has some of the most stringent laws on electric bikes in the country. They require that they be registered and insured, the rider must have a motorcycle license and wear a helmet at all times, and you cannot ride faster than 20 mph on motor-assisted bikes without it being considered moped or scooter riding which requires registration, insurance etc.
California law states that you need to wear a helmet while riding an electric bicycle over public roadways and walkway areas but it is not required for private property use. You also can’t ride your bike against the flow of traffic unless there are signs allowing you to do so. That is a general overview for electric bike laws in California, but it’s always best to double check with your local governing authority.
Are Electric Bikes Street Legal in Florida
Florida electric bike laws state that you need to wear a helmet while riding an electric bicycle on public roadways and walkway areas.
Are Electric Bikes Street Legal in Georgia
Georgia law states that when using an electric bike over any kind of open roadway, both the rider and the bicycle must be equipped with proper lighting equipment including reflectors and lights for traveling during low-light conditions.
Are Electric Bikes Street Legal in Oklahoma
Oklahoma law states that you can’t ride an electric bike against the flow of traffic unless there is signage allowing it so always check with your local governing authority before hitting the road!
Are Electric Bikes Street Legal in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania electric bike laws state that electric bikes are allowed to be used on the road or sidewalk as long as they follow all traffic rules and regulations including having proper safety equipment such as helmets when traveling over public roads while riding an e-bike.
Are Electric Bikes Street Legal in Ohio
Ohio electric bike laws state that you need to wear a helmet while riding an electric bicycle on the road or sidewalk.
Are Electric Bikes Street Legal in Arkansas
In Arkansas eBikes are classified as bicycles and there is no age limit for riders but drivers do need a valid driver’s license, must follow traffic laws that pertain to bicycles and cannot ride more than two side by side on the road. No localities are allowed to pass any laws that would prevent these rules from being enforced.
Are Electric Bikes Street Legal in Virginia
Virginia electric bike laws state that you need to wear a helmet while riding an electric bicycle on public roadways and walkway areas.
Are Electric Bikes Street Legal in NY
NY electric bike laws state that you need to wear a helmet while riding an electric bicycle on the roads or walkways.
New York law states that when using your electric bike over any kind of open roadway, both the rider and the bicycle must be equipped with proper lighting equipment including reflectors and lights for traveling during low-light conditions.
Are Electric Bikes Street Legal in Maryland
Maryland law states that when using your electric bicycle over any kind of open roadway, both the rider and the bicycle must be equipped with proper safety equipment including reflectors and lights for traveling during low-light conditions.
Are Electric Bikes Street Legal in Washington State
Washington law states that you need to wear a helmet while riding an electric bike over public roadways or walkway areas but it is not required on private property. You also can’t ride your bike against the flow of traffic unless there are signs allowing you to do so. That is a general overview for electric bike laws in Washington, but it’s always best to double check with your local governing authority.
Are Electric Bikes Street Legal in Carolina
South Carolina law states that when using an electric bike over any kind of open roadway, both the rider and the bicycle must be equipped with proper lighting equipment including reflectors and lights for traveling during low-light conditions.
Are Electric Bikes Street Legal in Indiana
Indiana law states that you can’t ride an electric bike against the flow of traffic unless there is signage allowing it so always check with your local governing authority before hitting the road!
Are Electric Bikes Street Legal in Jersey
New Jersey law states that you need to wear a helmet while riding an electric bicycle on public roadways and walkway areas as well as having front and rear lights turned on when using your e-bike during nighttime hours or any other time where poor lighting makes it hard for others to see you.
Illinois Electric Bike Laws
Illinois law states that an electric bike can be used on private roads or driveways as well as on streets that are designated for low-speed electric bicycle use only.
Are Electric Bikes Street Legal in Kansas
Kansas law states that you can’t ride an electric bike against the flow of traffic unless there is signage allowing it so always check with your local governing authority before hitting the road!
Are Electric Bikes Street Legal in Tennessee
Tennessee law states that when using your e-bike over any kind of open roadway, both the rider and the bicycle must be equipped with proper lighting equipment including reflectors and lights for traveling during low-light conditions.
Are Electric Bikes Street Legal in Arizona
In Arizona eBikes are classified as bicycles and require no registration or license plate but drivers do need a valid driver’s license, must follow traffic laws that pertain to bicycles and cannot ride more than two side by side on the road. No local jurisdictions can regulate electric bikes so all vehicles on the road are required to follow all state laws.
Arizona law states that when using an electric bicycle over any kind of open roadway, both the rider and the bicycle must be equipped with proper lighting equipment including reflectors and lights for traveling during low-light conditions.
Are Electric Bikes Street Legal in Utah
Utah law states that you can’t ride an electric bike against the flow of traffic unless there is signage allowing it so always check with your local governing authority before hitting the road!
