Michigan's E-Bike Law
Michigan's E-Bike Law for the Road
» E-bikes are regulated like bicycles. The same rules of the road apply to both e-bikes and human-powered bicycles.
» E-bikes are not subject to the registration, licensing, or insurance requirements that apply to motor vehicles.
» Michigan designates three classes of e-bikes:
›Class 1: Bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the e-bike reaches 20 mph.
›Class 2: Bicycle equipped with a throttle-actuated motor, that ceases to provide assistance when the e-bike reaches 20 mph.
›Class 3 : Bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the e-bike reaches 28 mph.
»Class 1 e-bikes are allowed on bike paths and linear trails; while class 2 or 3 e-bikes are not, unless the local agency authorizes them. When in doubt, check with your town, city, or county for local rules and regulations.
»Helmets are required for riders of Class 3 e-bikes under 18 years of age. Persons under 14 years of age may not ride a Class 3 e-bike, unless they are riding as a passenger. To ride an e-bike within the Mackinac Island State Park, a permit is required.
eMTB Guidelines
» On federal, state, county and local trails, e-mountain bike (eMTB) access varies significantly.
» Generally, any natural surface trail that is designated as open to both motorized and non-motorized uses is also open to eMTBs.
» eMTBs may not be allowed on trails managed for non-motorized activities.
» Do not ride your eMTB in areas where the local rules are unclear. Ride legally and only on authorized trails to show that mountain bikers are responsible trail users.
» When in doubt, ask your local land manager about access to specific trails. Local land rules change frequently.
Michigan's E-Bike Law for Trails
» LOCAL: Consult your local land management agency.
» STATE: Currently, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources does not allow e-bikes on natural surface trails like hiking or MTB trails. Ebikes are permitted on improved surface linear trails and rail-trails. Contact the department for the most up to date information. PeopleForBikes is monitoring this policy and will update this document as needed.
» FEDERAL: The majority of public lands managed for recreation in Michigan are under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Forest Service, where eMTBs are considered motorized vehicles and have access to motorized trails. Contact the U.S. Forest Service Eastern Regional Office for more information.
Michigan's E-Bike Law for the Road
Electric bicycles are designed to be as safe as traditional bicycles, do not compromise consumer safety, and benefit bicyclists who may be discouraged from riding a traditional bicycle due to limited physical fitness, age, disability or convenience.
In many states, e-bikes are regulated under antiquated laws primarily aimed at combustion engine vehicles such as mopeds or scooters. PeopleForBikes is clarifying state laws governing the use of e-bikes in the U.S. Every state’s law is different, but the objective is to ensure that low-speed e-bikes are regulated similarly to traditional, human-powered bicycles.