E-bikes and speed pedelecs in Maryland (2026)

Last reviewed: 9 October 2026

In short: Maryland defines three classes of electric bicycle (motor up to 750 W; 20 mph or 28 mph) and excludes them from the definition of a motor vehicle. They may be ridden where bicycles are allowed, including on sidewalks unless a local ordinance prohibits it. Nobody under 16 may operate a Class 3 bike on a public highway, and Class 3 bikes are restricted on bicycle paths.

RuleWhat applies
Legal classRiding on public roadsOwn e-bike class system (class 1, 2 or 3) [1]
Minimum ageRiding on public roadsA person under 16 may not operate a Class 3 electric bicycle on a public highway. No age limit is stated for Class 1 and 2. [2]
HelmetRiding on public roadsA person under 16 who rides a bicycle, or is a passenger, must wear a helmet. The helmet section is written for bicycles; whether it applies to an electric bicycle follows from the bicycle rules. [3]
LicenceRiding on public roadsAn electric bicycle is not a motor vehicle. [4]
Plate and insuranceRiding on public roadsAn electric bicycle is not a motor vehicle. [4]
Cycle pathsRiding on public roadsMay be operated where bicycles are allowed, including bike lanes. The local authority or State agency may prohibit Class 1 and 2 on a bicycle path. Class 3 not on a bicycle path unless it is within or adjacent to a highway right-of-way or allowed by the authority. [2]
E-bike classesRiding on public roadsMaryland uses three classes: class 1 (pedal assist) and class 2 (assist with or without pedalling) stop assisting at 20 mph, class 3 (pedal assist) at 28 mph. A person under 16 may not operate a class 3 e-bike on a public highway, but may ride as a passenger on one designed for passengers. [1]
Riding on the pavement (sidewalk)Riding on public roadsAllowed unless a local ordinance prohibits it: Maryland law lets a person ride a bicycle on a sidewalk unless prohibited locally, and an electric bicycle counts as a bicycle (mopeds excluded from this rule). [5]
Maximum motor powerRiding on public roadsThe motor must have a rating of 750 watts or less. [1]

Notes

  • Class 1: motor assists only while pedalling, stops at 20 mph. Class 2: motor assists whether or not the rider pedals, stops at 20 mph. Class 3: assists only while pedalling, stops at 28 mph. Motor of 750 watts or less (section 11-117.1).
  • Section 21-1207.1 refers to "bicycle". Section 21-1201(c) applies the subtitle's bicycle provisions to bicycles; the electric bicycle definition is a separate section. Not confirmed that the helmet section expressly covers electric bicycles.
  • The licence, registration and insurance provisions were not read; the rule is derived from the definition of "motor vehicle", which excludes electric bicycles.

Sources

  1. Maryland General Assembly, Department of Legislative Services: Transportation Article §11-117.1 (electric bicycle) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
  2. Maryland General Assembly, Department of Legislative Services: Transportation Article §21-1205.2 (electric bicycles) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
  3. Maryland General Assembly, Department of Legislative Services: Transportation Article §21-1207.1 (bicycle helmets) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
  4. Maryland General Assembly, Department of Legislative Services: Transportation Article §11-135 (motor vehicle) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
  5. Maryland General Assembly, Department of Legislative Services: Transportation Article §21-1103 (driving on sidewalks) (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources

Maryland and neighbouring states

StateLegal classMinimum ageHelmetLicencePlate and insuranceCycle paths
Maryland
Class 1, 2, 3
16+ for Class 3
Under 16 (bicycle rule)
Not a motor vehicle
Not a motor vehicle
Allowed, Class 3 limited
District of Columbia
⚠ Not yet verified
16
⚠ Not yet verified
⚠ Not yet verified
⚠ Not yet verified
Bike lanes yes; sidewalk limited
Delaware
Class 1-3, bicycle rules
Class 3: 16
Class 3 all; under 18
None
Not required
Where bikes are allowed
Pennsylvania
Pedalcycle
16
Under 12
⚠ Not yet verified
⚠ Not yet verified
Not on freeways
Virginia
Three classes
Class three: 14, or supervised
Local ordinance (14 and under)
Not a motor vehicle
Not a motor vehicle
Allowed unless prohibited
West Virginia
Three classes
⚠ Not yet verified
Under 15
Exempt
Exempt
Class 3 restricted on paths

More rules in Maryland

  • CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal for adults 21+, within limits · Growing at home: Yes: 2 plants per household
  • Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 30 mph (35 divided residential) · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 50 mph
  • Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 yrs 6 mths (provisional licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 yrs 9 mths (learner's permit)
  • FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No (permit only; sparklers excepted)
  • Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Penknife without switchblade is not a "weapon" · Locking or one-handed knives: Listed weapon; sale or display is banned
  • Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $15.00 per hour
  • Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned (no hand use) · Hands-free use: Hands-free allowed
  • Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes, driver and front passengers · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes; police enforce only as secondary action (16+)
  • Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
  • Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21
  • Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: Any alcohol (under 21)

Compare with the other states and provinces →

General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.