Maryland Electric Bike Laws

Three-class law · State parks: Class 1 on designated trails

House Bill 939 (2019) created Classes 1, 2 and 3 and raised the motor limit to 750 watts; an e-bike counts as a bicycle and needs no title or registration. No one under 16 may operate a Class 3 e-bike on a public highway, though a younger rider may be a passenger on one built for passengers. HB 375 (2025, chapter 558) made sidewalk riding legal statewide from October 1, 2025 unless a local ordinance bans it.

E-bike classes
Three
E-bike license
No
Class 3 minimum age
16
E-bike helmet
Under 16
State parks
Class 1 on designated trails
Moped registration
Title and decal

By vehicle

Rules for E-Bikes, Stand-Up E-Scooters and Mopeds in Maryland

Maryland rules by vehicle
VehicleDefinitionMinimum ageLicenseRegistrationInsuranceHelmetSidewalksTrails
E-bike, Class 1 and 2Class 1, 2; 750 W maxNoneNoNoNoUnder 16Yes, unless local banPaths unless agency bans
E-bike, Class 3Class 3, 28 mph16NoNoNoUnder 16Yes, unless local banOnly paths beside roads, or if allowed
Stand-up e-scooterElectric low-speed scooter: under 100 lb, 20 mphNoneNoNoNoUnder 16Yes, unless local banPaths unless posted
Seated e-scooter (moped)Moped or motor scooter16License or moped permitTitle and decalYesYes, plus eye protectionNoNo

Where to ride

Where Each Vehicle May Ride

  • E-bike, Class 1 and 2. Natural-surface trails may be restricted
  • E-bike, Class 3. Under 16 as passenger only
  • Stand-up e-scooter. No roads over 50 mph or expressways
  • Seated e-scooter (moped). Roads and bike lanes where allowed

Equipment

Equipment Rules for E-Bikes

Permanent label showing class, top assisted speed and motor wattage (since January 1, 2020); tampering that changes the class is barred unless the label is replaced; helmet under 16 under the bicycle helmet law.

City rules

What Cities and Counties Can Change

Counties and cities may ban sidewalk riding by ordinance, ban Class 1 and 2 e-bikes from bicycle paths, allow Class 3 on paths away from roads, and regulate e-bikes on natural-surface trails. Anne Arundel County posts a 15 mph limit for all users on county trails and allows bicycles, including e-bikes, on county sidewalks.

Parks and trails

State Parks, Federal Lands and Rail Trails in Maryland

Maryland Department of Natural Resources rules effective in 2026 open some natural-surface and multi-use trails on DNR land to Class 1 pedal-assist e-bikes where posted; throttle and 28 mph e-bikes stay on roads and parking lots, with an exception for adaptive e-bikes. Class 1 e-bikes were already allowed on the Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail and the Western Maryland Rail Trail.

Record

Sources

E-bike, Class 1 and 2
Transp. 11-117.1, 21-1103; HB 939 (2019); HB 375 (2025)
E-bike, Class 3
Transp. 11-117.1; HB 939 (2019)
Stand-up e-scooter
Transp. 11-117.2, 11-104; HB 375 (2025)
Seated e-scooter (moped)
MVA moped and scooter rules
Status
Verified
Open items
COMAR citation for the 2026 DNR e-bike rule; SB 743 (2026 e-bike study workgroup) showed no action past a Senate hearing
Last verified
Q4 2026