South Dakota Electric Bike Laws

Three-class law · State parks: Varies by park

Senate Bill 187 adopted the three-class system in 2019. An e-bike has a seat, operable pedals and a motor of 750 watts or less, and it is exempt from title and registration. Riders must be 16 or older to operate a Class 3 e-bike; Class 3 riders under 18 and all Class 3 passengers must wear a helmet.

E-bike classes
Three
E-bike license
No
Class 3 minimum age
16
E-bike helmet
No state rule
State parks
Varies by park
Moped registration
Yes

By vehicle

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

South Dakota rules by vehicle
VehicleDefinitionMinimum ageLicenseRegistrationInsuranceHelmetSidewalksTrails
E-bike, Class 1 and 2Class 1, 2; 750 W maxNoneNoNoNoNo state ruleNo state banPaths open to bicycles
E-bike, Class 3Class 3, 750 W max16NoNoNoUnder 18 and all passengersNo state banOnly paths in or beside road, or if permitted
Stand-up e-scooterNo state categoryNo state ruleNo state ruleNo state ruleNo state ruleNo state ruleNo state ruleNo state rule
Seated e-scooter (moped)Moped: 50 cc, automaticNot confirmedYesYesNot confirmedNot confirmedNoNo

Where to ride

Where Each Vehicle May Ride

  • E-bike, Class 1 and 2. Local may ban from its paths; Mickelson Trail Class 1 only
  • E-bike, Class 3. Speedometer required; not on Mickelson Trail
  • Stand-up e-scooter. Cities regulate
  • Seated e-scooter (moped). Roads

Equipment

Equipment Rules for E-Bikes

Permanent label showing class, top assisted speed and motor wattage from January 1, 2020; relabel after any speed or motor change; motor cuts out when pedaling stops or brakes are applied; speedometer on Class 3.

City rules

What Cities and Counties Can Change

A local government may ban Class 1 and 2 e-bikes from paths it controls, and may open its paths to Class 3, which is otherwise limited to paths within or beside a roadway. Agencies may also restrict e-bikes on natural-surface nonmotorized trails.

Parks and trails

State Parks, Federal Lands and Rail Trails in South Dakota

South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks manages the George S. Mickelson Trail, where Senate Bill 79 (2025) allows Class 1 e-bikes only, effective July 1, 2025; riding a Class 2 or 3 there is a Class 2 misdemeanor. Other state park trails follow the path rules in SDCL 32-20B.

Record

Sources

E-bike, Class 1 and 2
SDCL 32-20B; SB 187 (2019); SB 79 (2025)
E-bike, Class 3
SDCL 32-20B-13, 32-20B-14; SB 187 (2019)
Stand-up e-scooter
none found
Seated e-scooter (moped)
SDCL 32-3-1; 32-20-1
Status
Partly verified
Open items
No state stand-up e-scooter category found; moped minimum age, insurance and helmet rule not confirmed from statute; no Game, Fish and Parks e-bike policy found beyond the Mickelson Trail
Last verified
Q4 2026