E-bikes and speed pedelecs in Arkansas (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Arkansas uses the three-class system with motors under 750 W, and e-bikes follow bicycle rules without licence, registration or insurance. Class 3 riders must be 16 or older, and class 3 riders and passengers under 21 must wear a helmet. Class 3 e-bikes are restricted on bicycle and multi-use paths.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Legal classRiding on public roads | Own e-bike class system (class 1, 2 or 3) [1] |
| Minimum ageRiding on public roads | Class 3: 16 years. Under 16s may ride as a passenger on a class 3 e-bike designed for passengers. [1] |
| HelmetRiding on public roads | Class 3: operators and passengers under 21 must wear a bicycle helmet meeting 16 C.F.R. part 1203. No helmet duty is stated for class 1 and 2. [1] |
| LicenceRiding on public roads | Not a motor vehicle, and not subject to the licensing and operator licence provisions of the title. [1] |
| Plate and insuranceRiding on public roads | Not subject to the insurance, registration and certificate of title provisions of the title. [1] |
| Cycle pathsRiding on public roads | Class 1 and 2: may use bicycle or multi-use paths where bicycles are permitted, unless the local authority prohibits it. Class 3: not on bicycle or multi-use paths unless within or adjacent to a highway or roadway, or the local authority permits it. [1] |
| E-bike classesRiding on public roads | Three classes: class 1 (pedal assist) and class 2 (throttle) stop assisting at 20 mph, class 3 (pedal assist) at 28 mph. Class 3 riders must be 16 or older; class 3 riders and passengers under 21 must wear a helmet, and class 3 e-bikes need a speedometer. [1] |
| Maximum motor powerRiding on public roads | An electric bicycle has an electric motor of less than 750 watts. [1] |
Notes
- Class 1: motor assists only while pedalling, up to 20 mph. Class 2: motor may propel the bike alone, up to 20 mph. Class 3: motor assists only while pedalling, up to 28 mph. Motor under 750 W.
- Read as enacted in Act 956 of 2017. Later amendments to the Arkansas Code were not checked.
Sources
- Arkansas General Assembly: Act 956 of 2017 (HB 2185), Electric Bicycle Act (Arkansas Code 27-51-1701 to 27-51-1706) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Arkansas and neighbouring states
| State | Legal class | Minimum age | Helmet | Licence | Plate and insurance | Cycle paths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | Class 1-3, bicycle rules | Class 3: 16 | Class 3, under 21 | None | Not required | Class 3 restricted |
| Louisiana | Class 1, 2, 3 (bicycle) | Class 3: 12 | Class 3: all riders | Not a motor vehicle | Not a motor vehicle | Allowed; class 3 can be banned |
| Missouri | Class 1, 2, 3 (bicycle) | 16+ for Class 3 | ⚠ Not yet verified | Not required | Not required | Allowed, local limits |
| Mississippi | Three classes | Class 3: 16 | ⚠ Not yet verified | None needed | Not required | Where bikes allowed; paths can ban |
| Oklahoma | Three classes | Class 3: 16 | ⚠ Not yet verified | No driver licence | No plate, no insurance | Allowed unless prohibited |
| Tennessee | Three classes | Class 3: 16 | Class 3: all riders | Not a motor vehicle | No plate, no insurance | Class 3 restricted on paths |
| Texas | Three classes | Class 3: 15 | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | Cannot be registered | Allowed where bicycles are |
More rules in Arkansas
- Cannabis
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 30 mph (urban districts)
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (intermediate licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 14 (learner's licence)
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes (permissible Class C items only) · Minimum age to buy: 12
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Offence only with purpose to use it unlawfully · Locking or one-handed knives: Same rule; switchblades named in definition
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $11.00 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Texting only · Hands-free use: Allowed (not under 18)
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Under 15 only
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.02% under 21
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.