Learn about the essential electric bicycle laws in your state before you start biking. Get up to date information with this comprehensive guide!
Idaho: Legal for children age 12 and older.
In Idaho, kids aged 12 and older can legally ride e-bikes. There is no minimum age for riding an electric bicycle in Idaho.
Alabama: Legal for children age 16 and older.
Alabama: Legal for children age 16 and older.
In Alabama, it’s legal for children age 15 or older to ride electric scooters and skateboards. For younger bicyclers, the state requires that children be at least 16 years old before riding an electric bicycle on public streets and roads. This includes both traditional pedal-powered bikes and those that are motorized.
Alaska: Legal for children age 16 and older.
Alaska is the only state that allows 16 year olds to ride electric bikes.
Riding an electric bike in Alaska is a great experience, but it’s also important to know the laws before you get started. There are some states where they are legal, while other states have a ban on them. To make sure that you stay out of trouble, check out this article on what you need to know about riding an electric bike by state for 2022!
Arizona: Legal for children age 13 and older.
- Children age 13 and older are allowed to ride electric bikes in Arizona. Children under the age of 13 are not allowed to ride electric bikes.
- Electric bikes are legal on the road, on bike trails and sidewalks, so long as speed is limited to 20 mph or less (see summary below).
- Electric bikes cannot be used on any roadway that is part of an interstate highway system (roads with a center divider or barrier between opposing lanes).
Arkansas: Legal for children age 16 and older.
- Alabama: Legal for children age 16 and older.
- Alaska: Legal for children age 16 and older.
- Arizona: Legal to ride with a helmet at any age, but only if they’re on private property that you own or lease. Must yield right-of-way to pedestrians on sidewalks, crosswalks, and in parking lots. You can’t ride on the shoulder or bike lanes (unless you have a permit). *
- Arkansas: Legal for children age 16 and older.
- California: Legal to ride with a helmet at any age, but only if they’re on private property that you own or lease and away from traffic lanes not designated as bike paths.
- Colorado: Legal to ride with a helmet at any age, but only if they’re on private property that you own or lease.
- Connecticut: Do not have restrictions about riding an electric bicycle without training wheels.
- Delaware: Do not have restrictions about riding an electric bicycle without training wheels.
- District Of Columbia (DCA): Do not have restrictions about riding an electric bicycle without training wheels
- . Florida: No specific laws regarding using electric bicycles in this state.
- Georgia: No specific laws regaring using electric bicycles in this state.
- Hawaii: No specific laws regarding using electric bicycles in this state.
- Idaho: No specific laws regarding using electric bicycles in this state.
- Illinois: No specific laws regarding using electric bicycles in this state.
- Indiana: Only allowed on roads where there is no speed limit greater than 35 mph when traveling 20 mph or less; otherwise subject to local ordinances concerning vehicles/bicycles
California: Legal for children age 14 and older.
California law states that electric bikes are legal for children age 14 and older. Children under age 14 can ride electric bikes with adult supervision, and children under 15 must wear a helmet when they do so. Children under 16 must also wear a helmet, as well as have a license to operate an electric bicycle.
Colorado: Legal for children age 14 and older.
The Colorado statutes allow electric bikes for children ages 14 years old and older. Electric bicycles (E-bikes) are limited to a maximum speed of 20 MPH. Helmets are required by law for riders under 18 years of age and do not need a driver’s license to operate an E-bike on the streets, bike trails and sidewalks. Keep in mind that some cities may have additional legislation for these vehicles so be sure you know before you ride!
Connecticut: Legal for children age 15 and older.
Connecticut residents must be 16 or older to ride an electric bike. However, children 15 and younger can ride electric bikes alone if they have adult supervision. Children under 16 may also ride electric bikes on sidewalks that are no more than 10 feet wide and have a speed limit of 25 mph or less.
Delaware: Legal for children age 12 and older.
Delaware law allows children age 12 and older to ride electric bikes. Children under 16 must wear a helmet that meets the standards of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
Florida :Legal for children age 15 and older.
Florida doesn’t have any laws regarding electric bicycles. It does require that people who are 15 years old or older (with adult supervision) be allowed to ride electric bikes on public roads, but there is no law specifying how fast the bike can go. The state has no helmet law, registration law or license requirement for riders under age 18.
Georgia :Legal for children age 15 and older.
The state of Georgia does not have a specific age requirement for electric bicycles, but it does have a law that states that anyone under the age of 16 cannot operate a motorized vehicle on public property unless they are accompanied by an adult who holds a valid license or permit for the operation of that type of vehicle. According to this law, electric bicycles are treated as any other type of motorized vehicle and must be registered with the Department of Revenue if used on public streets and highways.
Hawaii :Legal for children age 15 and older.
Hawaii is the only state where you must be age 15 or older to ride an electric bike. Electric bikes are illegal for anyone under age 15, but in Hawaii they’re legal for anyone over that age.
While some states have laws about helmets for children and adults (including Hawaii), most don’t have a law about whether or not it’s required for electric bike riders. If your state doesn’t specify, then it’s up to you!
In Hawaii you can ride your e-bike at 20 mph, the max speed allowed by law on any vehicle there (including cars). Also note that if you’re going over 20 mph then your bike does need registration as well as insurance! The power limit for e-bikes here is 750 watts (which is enough for most ebikes).
Idaho :Legal for children age 12 and older.
Idaho is the only state that allows children to ride electric bikes at age 12. Other states require riders over 16 years old to wear a helmet, but Idaho requires only riders over 12 years old to do so.
Illinois :Legal for children age 15 and older.
Illinois is a great state for electric bicycles. It’s one of the few states that allows 15-year-olds and older to ride an e-bike without a license or registration. In fact, Illinois has one of the best laws in terms of allowing children to ride e-bikes. The only restriction on age is that you must be at least 16 years old or have special permission from your parent or guardian.
If you’re under 18 years old, you can’t legally buy an electric bicycle in Illinois without your parents’ permission (even if you’re over 16). But once they give their blessing, there are no restrictions on how much power your bike can have!
Learn electric bicycle laws to stay safe
Before you hit the road on your electric bike, it’s important to know the laws in your state. States have very different rules about what an electric bicycle is and how it should be ridden. Some states require helmets and license plates, while others have no regulations at all. If you’re planning a cross-country trip with your e-bike, or even just want to ride around town with friends, check out this list of essential laws by state so you don’t get into trouble with local police officers!
Conclusion
The laws are changing, so it is important to keep up with them! The best way to do this is by checking the Department of Motor Vehicles website. You can also talk with an e-bike expert who can help steer you in the right direction.
