Michigan Electric Bike Laws

Three-class law · State parks: Class 1 where bicycles allowed; Class 2 by permit

Michigan adopted the three-class system in 2017 Public Act 139, effective January 28, 2018 (MCL 257.13e and 257.662a), for e-bikes with motors of 750 watts or less. Class 3 riders must be 14 or older, and Class 3 riders and passengers under 18 must wear a helmet. House Bill 6339 (2026), on e-bike certification standards, was introduced in September 2026 and has not passed.

E-bike classes
Three
E-bike license
No
Class 3 minimum age
14
E-bike helmet
No state rule
State parks
Class 1 where bicycles allowed; Class 2 by permit
Moped registration
Yes

By vehicle

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

Michigan rules by vehicle
VehicleDefinitionMinimum ageLicenseRegistrationInsuranceHelmetSidewalksTrails
E-bike, Class 1Class 1; 750 W maxNo state ruleNoNoNoNo state ruleLocal rulesLinear trails, unless local ban
E-bike, Class 2Class 2; 750 W maxNo state ruleNoNoNoNo state ruleLocal rulesOnly where authorized
E-bike, Class 3Class 3; 750 W max14NoNoNoUnder 18Local rulesOnly where authorized
Stand-up e-scooterElectric skateboard: 2,500 W, 25 mph max12 on roadsNoNoNoUnder 19Yes, yield to pedestriansLocal rules
Seated e-scooter (moped)Moped: 100 cc, 30 mph max15YesYesNoUnder 19NoNo

Where to ride

Where Each Vehicle May Ride

  • E-bike, Class 1. Roads, bike lanes and paved or crushed-stone trails
  • E-bike, Class 2. Roads and bike lanes
  • E-bike, Class 3. Under 14 as passenger only
  • Stand-up e-scooter. Roads 45 mph or less with handlebars, 25 mph without
  • Seated e-scooter (moped). Roads; driver license or moped license

Equipment

Equipment Rules for E-Bikes

Permanent label showing class, top assisted speed and motor wattage, replaced if the bike is modified; bicycle lamp and reflector rules apply at night; no state speedometer rule.

City rules

What Cities and Counties Can Change

Local authorities may regulate or ban Class 1 e-bikes on linear trails and must authorize Class 2 and 3 there, after a public hearing; cities and townships may also regulate electric skateboards and scooters on sidewalks and streets. Hampton Charter Township in Bay County banned e-bikes and e-scooters from its parks in 2026 (Ordinance 72).

Parks and trails

State Parks, Federal Lands and Rail Trails in Michigan

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources allows Class 1 e-bikes on state park, recreation area and state forest trails open to bicycles, except game areas and congressionally authorized trails such as the North Country Trail; Class 2 needs a free DNR mobility permit, and Class 3 is barred from state-managed trails. All classes may ride DNR roads open to bicycles; Mackinac Island State Park requires a permit.

Record

Sources

E-bike, Class 1
MCL 257.13e; 257.662a; 2017 PA 139
E-bike, Class 2
MCL 257.13e; 257.662a; 2017 PA 139
E-bike, Class 3
MCL 257.662a(4); 2017 PA 139
Stand-up e-scooter
MCL 257.13f; 257.660; 257.658; 2018 PA 204
Seated e-scooter (moped)
MCL 257.32b; 257.658(4); 257.801e
Status
Partly verified
Open items
Whether stand-up e-scooters fall under the electric skateboard definition (MCL 257.13f) is not stated in the statute; no state minimum age for Class 1 and 2 confirmed by absence only
Last verified
Q4 2026