E-bikes and speed pedelecs in North Dakota (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: North Dakota defines electric bicycles in three classes with a motor of 750 W or less and assistance to 20 mph (classes 1 and 2) or 28 mph (class 3). An electric bicycle is not a motor vehicle, and it may be used on bicycle and multi-use paths unless a governmental entity prohibits it. A person under 18 must wear a helmet on a class 3 electric bicycle.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Legal classRiding on public roads | Own e-bike class system (class 1, 2 or 3) [1] |
| Assistance stops atRiding on public roads | 20 mph [1] |
| Minimum ageRiding on public roads | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| HelmetRiding on public roads | A person under 18 must wear a safety helmet when operating a class 3 electric bicycle. [2] |
| LicenceRiding on public roads | An electric bicycle is excluded from the definitions of motor vehicle and motorcycle in title 39. [1] |
| Plate and insuranceRiding on public roads | An electric bicycle is excluded from the definition of motor vehicle in title 39. [1] |
| Cycle pathsRiding on public roads | May be ridden on any bicycle path or multi-use path unless a governmental entity with jurisdiction prohibits it. [2] |
| E-bike classesRiding on public roads | Three classes: class 1 (pedal assist) and class 2 (motor can propel without pedalling) stop assisting at 20 mph, class 3 (pedal assist) at 28 mph. [1] |
| Maximum motor powerRiding on public roads | The electric motor must be 750 watts or less. [1] |
Notes
- Section 39-01-01 defines the electric bicycle as having a motor of 750 W or less. Class 1 and class 2 stop assisting at 20 mph and class 3 at 28 mph. Only a class 2 motor can propel the bicycle without pedalling.
- Chapter 39-10.1 names no minimum age for riding an electric bicycle; it is not verified that none applies elsewhere.
- The section names no helmet duty for class 1 or class 2 electric bicycles.
- Licensing, registration and insurance provisions in title 39 are written for motor vehicles. The text read does not restate them for electric bicycles.
Sources
- North Dakota Legislative Council: North Dakota Century Code, chapter 39-01 (General Provisions) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- North Dakota Legislative Council: North Dakota Century Code, chapter 39-10.1 (Bicycles) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
North Dakota and neighbouring states
| State | Legal class | Minimum age | Helmet | Licence | Plate and insurance | Cycle paths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Dakota | Three classes | ⚠ Not yet verified | Class 3, under 18 | Not a motor vehicle | Not a motor vehicle | Allowed unless prohibited |
| Minnesota | Class 1, 2, 3 (bicycle) | 15 years | ⚠ Not yet verified | Not required | No registration | Allowed, local limits |
| Montana | Bicycle (one class) | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | Not a motor vehicle | Not a motor vehicle | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| South Dakota | Three classes | Class III: 16 | Class III | Not a motor vehicle | Not a motor vehicle | Class III restricted on paths |
More rules in North Dakota
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Infraction under 1/2 oz (fine only) · Growing at home: Prohibited
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 25 mph · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 55 mph; 65 mph if posted
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (restricted licence at 15) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 14 (instruction permit)
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Limited list of items only · Minimum age to buy: 12
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Not named if blade under 6 in · Locking or one-handed knives: Switchblade/gravity knives named
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes (state law) · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $7.25 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: No (texting only) · Hands-free use: Allowed
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: 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: 0.02% (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.