E-bikes and speed pedelecs in Michigan (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Michigan defines three classes of electric bicycle (motor up to 750 W; 20 mph or 28 mph) and subjects their riders to the same Vehicle Code requirements as bicycle riders. A person under 14 may not operate a Class 3 bike, and under-18s need a helmet on one. Trail access depends on class and on the trail authority.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Legal classRiding on public roads | Own e-bike class system (class 1, 2 or 3) [1] |
| Minimum ageRiding on public roads | A Class 3 electric bicycle may not be operated by a person under 14. No age limit is stated for Class 1 and 2. [2] |
| HelmetRiding on public roads | A person under 18 who operates or rides as a passenger on a Class 3 electric bicycle must wear a bicycle helmet meeting CPSC or ASTM standards. No helmet duty is stated for Class 1 and 2. [2] |
| LicenceRiding on public roads | A person riding an electric bicycle is subject to the same requirements under the Vehicle Code as a person riding a bicycle. [2] |
| Plate and insuranceRiding on public roads | A person riding an electric bicycle is subject to the same requirements under the Vehicle Code as a person riding a bicycle. [2] |
| Cycle pathsRiding on public roads | May be ridden on any part of a highway open to bicycles, including bicycle lanes and shoulders. Class 1 on asphalt, crushed limestone or rail trails unless the authority regulates or prohibits it. Class 2 and 3 on those trails only if authorised. Not on non-motorised natural-surface trails unless allowed. [2] |
| E-bike classesRiding on public roads | Michigan uses three classes: class 1 (pedal assist) and class 2 (motor with or without pedalling) up to 20 mph, class 3 (pedal assist) up to 28 mph. A class 3 e-bike may not be operated by anyone under 14, and riders and passengers under 18 on a class 3 must wear a helmet. [1] |
| Maximum motor powerRiding on public roads | The electric motor may not be greater than 750 watts; a device whose motor exceeds 750 watts is not an electric bicycle. [1] |
Notes
- Class 1: motor assists only while pedalling, stops at 20 mph. Class 2: motor propels the bicycle to no more than 20 mph whether or not the rider pedals. Class 3: assists only while pedalling, stops at 28 mph. Motor of no more than 750 watts (MCL 257.13e).
- The statute makes the rider subject to the same requirements as a bicycle rider; it does not itself use the words licence, registration or insurance. The definition of motor vehicle (257.33) could not be read.
Sources
- Michigan Legislature: MCL 257.13e "Electric bicycle" defined (Internet Archive snapshot of 2026) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Michigan Legislature: MCL 257.662a Electric bicycle; rights of individual; requirements for class 3 (Internet Archive snapshot of 2025) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Michigan and neighbouring states
| State | Legal class | Minimum age | Helmet | Licence | Plate and insurance | Cycle paths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan | Class 1, 2, 3 (bicycle) | 14+ for Class 3 | Class 3: under 18 | Bicycle rules | Bicycle rules | Allowed, trails limited |
| Illinois | Class 1-3, bicycle rules | Class 3: 16 | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | Not on sidewalks |
| Indiana | Three classes | Class 3: 15 | Class 3: under 18 | None needed | Not required | Where bikes allowed; class 3 limited |
| Minnesota | Class 1, 2, 3 (bicycle) | 15 years | ⚠ Not yet verified | Not required | No registration | Allowed, local limits |
| Ohio | Three classes | Class 3: 16 | Class 3: helmet required | Not a motor vehicle | Not a motor vehicle | Class 3 restricted on paths |
| Wisconsin | Three classes | Class 3: 16 | ⚠ Not yet verified | Exempt | Exempt | Allowed unless restricted |
More rules in Michigan
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal for adults 21+, within limits · Growing at home: Yes: up to 12 plants
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 25 mph (business district) · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 55 mph
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceEarliest age to drive a car supervised: 14 years 9 months (level 1)
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes (consumer fireworks; licensed retail) · Minimum age to buy: 18
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Not named; "dangerous weapon" concealed is banned · Locking or one-handed knives: Former mechanical-opening ban repealed (2017)
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $13.73 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Hands-free allowed
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Adults: no; under 16: yes
- 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)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.