Class 3 · verified states
Class 3 e-bike laws by state
Class 3 is the fast tier—pedal-assist up to 28 mph—and it is the class states treat most cautiously, often with its own age, helmet, and access rules. Below is whether each verified state recognizes Class 3 and the specific rules that come with it.
01 / By state
Class 3 e-bike laws by state
| State | Class 3 recognized | Class 3 rules & caveats |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska | Unsettled — see state page | Unsettled — see state page |
| Alabama | The motor assists only while the rider pedals and ceases assistance when the bicycle reaches 28 mph.Alabama Legislature — Ala. Code § 32-1-1.1 | No Alabama driver's license, registration, title, license plate, financial-responsibility filing, or motor-vehicle insurance. The operator must be at least 16; every operator and passenger must wear a qualifying helmet; the bicycle needs a speedometer; and path or controlled-access-roadway restrictions may apply.Alabama Legislature — Ala. Code § 32-5A-267· Alabama Legislature — Ala. Code § 32-5A-92 |
| Arkansas | The motor assists only while the operator pedals and stops providing assistance when the e-bike reaches 28 mph.Arkansas General Assembly — Act 956 of 2017 | No Title 27 motor-vehicle insurance, licensing, registration, operator's-license, or title requirements. The operator must be at least 16, operators and passengers under 21 need qualifying helmets, the bike needs a speedometer, and ordinary off-road path access requires local permission.Arkansas General Assembly — Act 956 of 2017 |
| Arizona | The motor assists only while the rider pedals and stops providing assistance when the bicycle or tricycle reaches 28 mph.Arizona Revised Statutes § 28-101 | No Arizona motor-vehicle title, state registration, vehicle license tax, driver's license, or vehicle insurance. A manufacturer or distributor must permanently label the class, top assisted speed, and motor wattage. Class 3 may use a bicycle or multiuse path only when the path is within or adjacent to a highway or roadway or the responsible authority or agency allows it.Arizona Revised Statutes § 28-819 |
| California | Pedal assist only, with assistance ending at 28 mph, plus a speedometer. A start-assist or walk mode may propel the bike without pedaling up to 3.7 mph.Cal. Veh. Code § 312.5 | Pedal assist to 28 mph; operator age 16+; helmet required for every operator and passenger; no driver's license, DMV registration, license plate, or motor-vehicle financial responsibility.Cal. Veh. Code § 312.5· Cal. Veh. Code § 24016· Cal. Veh. Code §§ 21200–21214.7 |
| Colorado | The motor assists only while the rider pedals and stops providing assistance when the bicycle reaches 28 mph.Colorado General Assembly OLLS — 2024 C.R.S. Title 42 | No state driver's license, Colorado DMV registration, or compulsory motor-vehicle insurance. The operator must be at least 16, every operator or passenger under 18 needs a qualifying helmet, a speedometer is required, and off-street bike or pedestrian paths are closed unless the local authority permits Class 3.Colorado General Assembly OLLS — 2024 C.R.S. Title 42· Colorado General Assembly OLLS — 2024 C.R.S. Title 10 |
| Connecticut | The motor engages only while the rider pedals and disengages when the rider stops pedaling or the bicycle reaches 28 mph.Connecticut General Assembly — Conn. Gen. Stat. § 14-1 | The rider must be at least 16, every rider and passenger must wear qualifying protective headgear, the bicycle must have a speedometer, and Class 3 may not use a bicycle or multiuse trail or path.Connecticut General Assembly — Conn. Gen. Stat. ch. 248 e-bike provisions· Connecticut Department of Transportation — E-Bikes: Riding Safely |
| District of Columbia | Unsettled — see state page | Unsettled — see state page |
| Delaware | The motor assists only while the rider pedals and ceases assistance at a speed no lower than 20 mph and no higher than 28 mph.Delaware General Assembly — 21 Del. C. § 101 | No Delaware motor-vehicle license, registration, title, plate, financial-responsibility filing, or insurance. The operator must be at least 16, every operator and passenger must wear an approved helmet, and the bicycle must have a miles-per-hour speedometer.Delaware General Assembly — 21 Del. C. §§ 4192-4198Q |
| Florida | Pedal assist only, with motor assistance ending when the bike reaches 28 mph (Fla. Stat. § 316.003(23)(c)).Fla. Stat. § 316.003 | The express license, registration, title, and financial-responsibility exemptions apply. A class 3 bike remains pedal assist, must stop assisting at 28 mph, follows bicycle access and operating rules, and requires a helmet when the rider is under 16.Fla. Stat. § 316.003· Fla. Stat. § 316.20655· Fla. Stat. § 316.2065 |
| Georgia | Class 3 definition: O.C.G.A. § 40-6-300(3) defines a Class 3 electric assisted bicycle as one with a motor that “provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling” and “ceases to provide assistance when the device reaches a speed of 28 miles per hour.”Georgia General Assembly — enacted HB 454 | Class 3 consequence: O.C.G.A. §§ 40-6-302 and 40-6-303 require an operator to be at least 15, require a helmet for every operator and passenger, require a speedometer, and provide narrower path access than Classes 1 and 2.Georgia General Assembly — enacted HB 454 |
| Hawaii | The motor assists only while the rider pedals and ceases assistance when the bicycle reaches 28 mph; the bicycle must also have a speedometer.Hawaii State Legislature — HB 2021 HD2 SD2 CD1 (Act 259) | Permanent $30 bicycle registration and a speedometer are required. Riders under 18 must wear a helmet, and a rider under 16 needs direct supervision by a parent, guardian, or person at least 18. Class 3 receives bicycle road and bikeway rules and may use an otherwise permitted sidewalk at no more than 10 mph.Hawaii State Legislature — HB 2021 HD2 SD2 CD1 (Act 259)· Hawaii State Legislature — HRS § 291C-142· Hawaii State Legislature — HRS § 291C-145 |
| Iowa | The motor may assist only while the rider pedals and must cease assistance when the bicycle reaches 28 mph or more.Iowa Legislature — Iowa Code § 321.1 | No Iowa driver's license or state motor-vehicle registration, title, inspection, or proof of financial liability coverage. The operator must be at least 16, the bicycle needs a mph speedometer, and operation on a bicycle lane or multi-use path may not exceed the posted or applicable limit—or 20 mph when no limit applies.Iowa Legislature — Iowa Code § 321.235B |
| Idaho | The motor assists only while the rider pedals and ceases when pedaling stops or the bicycle reaches 28 mph.Idaho Legislature — Idaho Code § 49-106 | No state motor-vehicle insurance, driver's license, title, registration, or plate. Idaho's cited statewide access sections give Class 3 the same bicycle-equivalent access rule as Classes 1 and 2, subject to local or public-agency exclusions, and the labeling rule applies.Idaho Legislature — Idaho Code § 49-725· Idaho Legislature — Idaho Code § 49-726· Idaho Legislature — Idaho Code § 49-727· Idaho Legislature — Idaho Code § 49-728 |
| Illinois | Pedal assist only, with motor assistance ending when the bicycle reaches 28 mph.625 ILCS 5/1-140.10 | Pedal assist to 28 mph; operator age 16+; speedometer required. Bicycle operating rules and the same road, path, and sidewalk rules apply.625 ILCS 5/1-140.10· 625 ILCS 5/11-1517 |
| Indiana | The motor assists only while the operator pedals and stops providing assistance when the bicycle reaches 28 mph.Indiana General Assembly — 2026 Indiana Code Title 9 | No Indiana driver's license, certificate of title, or state motor-vehicle registration. The operator must be at least 15, an operator or passenger under 18 must wear a qualifying helmet, and bicycle-path or multipurpose-path use requires an adjacent roadway or express authorization from the responsible local authority or state agency.Indiana General Assembly — 2026 Indiana Code Title 9 |
| Kansas | The motor assists only while the rider pedals and stops providing assistance when the bicycle reaches 28 mph.Kansas Legislature — K.S.A. 8-1489 | No Kansas vehicle liability insurance, driver's license, registration, title, or license plate. The operator must be at least 16; an under-16 passenger may ride on a Class 3 e-bike designed for passengers. Local governments and path or trail managers retain the powers stated in K.S.A. 8-1592b.Kansas Legislature — K.S.A. 8-1592b |
| Kentucky | Unsettled — see state page | Unsettled — see state page |
| Louisiana | The motor assists only while the rider pedals and stops providing assistance when the bicycle reaches 28 mph.Louisiana State Legislature — La. R.S. 32:1 | The operator must be at least 12, every operator and passenger must wear an approved helmet, and the bicycle needs a speedometer displaying mph. For paths and trails covered by the ordinary rule, a responsible manager may prohibit Class 3 without the notice, hearing, and finding conditions that apply to Class 1 and Class 2; qualifying natural-surface nonmotorized trails follow a separate manager-control rule.Louisiana State Legislature — La. R.S. 32:204 |
| Massachusetts | Unsettled — see state page | Unsettled — see state page |
| Maryland | Its motor assists only while the rider pedals and stops providing assistance when the bicycle reaches 28 mph.Maryland General Assembly — Md. Code, Transportation § 11-117.1 | Maryland includes a qualifying Class 3 electric bicycle in the definition of bicycle, so the bicycle traffic, helmet, equipment, access, and local-authority rules summarized below apply.Maryland General Assembly — Md. Code, Transportation § 11-117.1· Maryland General Assembly — Md. Code, Transportation § 11-104· Maryland General Assembly — Md. Code, Transportation § 21-1201· Maryland Department of Transportation — Micromobility in Maryland |
| Maine | The motor assists only while the rider pedals and ceases assistance when the bicycle reaches 28 mph.Maine Legislature — 29-A M.R.S. § 101 | No Title 29-A driver's-license, registration, license-plate, or financial-responsibility requirement. The operator must be at least 16, the bicycle needs a speedometer, and a passenger under 16 is allowed only on a bicycle designed for passengers and must wear a helmet. A Class 3 bicycle path must be within a highway or roadway or specifically authorized; the natural-surface path restriction also applies.Maine Legislature — 29-A M.R.S. § 2063 |
| Michigan | Pedal assist only, with motor assistance ending at 28 mph.Michigan Legislature — MCL § 257.13e | A Class 3 operator must be at least 14, and anyone under 18 who operates or rides as a passenger on one must wear a qualifying helmet. State law allows Class 3 on highway areas open to bicycles, subject to stated local exceptions; DNR does not allow Class 3 on state-managed trails.Michigan Legislature — MCL § 257.662a· Michigan DNR e-bike guidance |
| Minnesota | The motor assists only while the rider pedals and ceases assistance when the bicycle reaches 28 mph.Minnesota Revisor of Statutes — Minn. Stat. § 169.011 | The operator must be at least 15 and the bicycle must have a miles-per-hour speedometer. Its motor may be engaged on a bicycle path, bicycle trail, or shared-use path unless the local authority or state agency with jurisdiction prohibits it.Minnesota Revisor of Statutes — Minn. Stat. § 169.222 |
| Missouri | The motor assists only while the rider pedals and stops providing assistance when the bicycle reaches 28 mph.Missouri Revisor of Statutes — RSMo § 301.010 | No Missouri motor-vehicle registration, title, driver's license, or financial-responsibility requirement. The operator must be at least 16, the e-bike needs a miles-per-hour speedometer, and the government controlling a bicycle or multi-use path may prohibit Class 3 there.Missouri Revisor of Statutes — RSMo § 307.194 |
| Mississippi | The motor assists only while the rider pedals and stops providing assistance when the bicycle reaches 28 mph.Mississippi Legislature — HB 1003 (2023), as sent to Governor | No Mississippi motor-vehicle driver's license, registration, title, license plate, or financial-responsibility requirement. The operator must be at least 16, the e-bike needs a miles-per-hour speedometer, and the government controlling a bicycle or multi-use path may prohibit Class 3 there.Mississippi Legislature — HB 1195 (2021), as sent to Governor |
| Montana | Unsettled — see state page | Unsettled — see state page |
| North Carolina | Unsettled — see state page | Unsettled — see state page |
| North Dakota | The motor assists only while the rider pedals and ceases assistance when the bicycle reaches 28 mph.North Dakota Legislative Branch — N.D.C.C. ch. 39-01 | No motor-vehicle driver's license, state vehicle registration, certificate of title, or motor-vehicle liability policy is required. The bicycle needs a functioning speedometer, an operator under 18 must wear a safety helmet, and a governmental entity with jurisdiction may prohibit path use.North Dakota Legislative Branch — N.D.C.C. ch. 39-01· North Dakota Legislative Branch — N.D.C.C. ch. 39-04· North Dakota Legislative Branch — N.D.C.C. ch. 39-05· North Dakota Legislative Branch — N.D.C.C. ch. 39-06· North Dakota Legislative Branch — N.D.C.C. ch. 39-08· North Dakota Legislative Branch — N.D.C.C. ch. 39-10.1 |
| Nebraska | Its motor has a maximum design speed of no more than 28 mph on level ground, provides power only while the rider pedals, and provides no power when the bicycle is traveling faster than 28 mph.Nebraska Legislature — Neb. Rev. Stat. § 60-614.04 | Nebraska includes Class III within “electric bicycle” and includes an electric bicycle within “bicycle,” so the cited bicycle highway, sidewalk, and bicycle-path rules apply. Local authorities and government land managers may impose additional controls.Nebraska Legislature — Neb. Rev. Stat. § 60-611· Nebraska Legislature — Neb. Rev. Stat. § 60-618.03· Nebraska Legislature — Neb. Rev. Stat. § 60-6,314· Nebraska Legislature — Neb. Rev. Stat. § 60-6,317· Nebraska Legislature — Neb. Rev. Stat. § 60-678 |
| New Hampshire | Pedal assist only, with motor assistance ending when the bicycle reaches 28 mph.New Hampshire General Court — RSA 259:27-a | The operator must be at least 16, riders and passengers under 18 must wear a qualifying helmet, the bicycle needs a speedometer, and path access is limited to paths within or adjacent to a highway or roadway or paths whose manager permits Class 3.New Hampshire General Court — RSA 265:144-a |
| New Jersey | Unsettled — see state page | License + registration + insurance + helmet.P.L.2025, c.285· N.J.A.C. 11:3-11.1· N.J.S.A. 39:4-14.3q |
| New Mexico | A motor of no more than 750 watts assists only while the rider pedals and stops assisting when the bicycle reaches 28 mph.New Mexico Legislature — final SB 88 (2024) | No state title or registration requirement; a speedometer is required, a person under 16 may not operate it on a street, highway, or bicycle or pedestrian path, and its path access follows the same limited rule as Class 2.New Mexico Legislature — final SB 69 (2023)· New Mexico Legislature — final SB 88 (2024) |
| Nevada | The motor assists only while the rider pedals and stops providing assistance when the bicycle reaches 28 mph.Nevada Legislature — NRS Chapter 484B | No state motor-vehicle driver's license, registration or financial-responsibility requirement; bicycle-equivalent access subject to local and agency controls; the general e-bike equipment rules; and a required speedometer displaying miles per hour.Nevada Legislature — NRS Chapter 483· Nevada Legislature — NRS Chapter 482· Nevada Legislature — NRS Chapter 485· Nevada Legislature — NRS Chapter 484A· Nevada Legislature — NRS Chapter 484B |
| New York | Only in New York City: the motor may propel the bike without pedaling and cannot provide assistance at 25 mph or above.N.Y. Vehicle and Traffic Law § 102-c | New York City only; age 16+; helmet required; no DMV registration; state operation cap of 25 mph; manufacturer's class label required on public streets. New York City may impose tighter local limits.N.Y. Vehicle and Traffic Law § 102-c· N.Y. Vehicle and Traffic Law § 1242· N.Y. Vehicle and Traffic Law § 1238· New York DMV e-bike guidance |
| Ohio | Pedal assist only, with assistance ending when the bike reaches 28 mph.Ohio Revised Code § 4511.01 | Operator age 16+; helmet for every operator and passenger; speedometer required. Bicycle-only and shared-use paths are allowed only when within or adjacent to a highway or when the path manager authorizes class 3 use; natural-surface trails also require manager authorization.Ohio Revised Code § 4511.522 |
| Oklahoma | The motor provides assistance only while the rider pedals and ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches 28 mph.Oklahoma Legislature — Oklahoma Statutes, Title 47 | No Oklahoma motor-vehicle insurance, financial-responsibility, driver-license, vehicle-registration, or title requirement. The operator must be at least 16, the e-bike needs a miles-per-hour speedometer, and the authority or agency controlling a bicycle or multiuse path may prohibit Class 3 there.Oklahoma Legislature — Oklahoma Statutes, Title 47 |
| Oregon | The motor provides assistance only while the rider pedals, stops providing assistance when the bicycle reaches 28 mph, and the bicycle must have a speedometer.Oregon Legislative Assembly — ORS chapter 801 | The operator must currently be at least 16 but needs no Oregon driving privilege. The e-bike must have a speedometer, is treated as a bicycle rather than a motor vehicle, is exempt from state title and registration, may use bicycle roads, lanes, and designated paths, and may not use sidewalks.Oregon Legislative Assembly — ORS chapter 801· Oregon Legislative Assembly — ORS chapter 807· Oregon Legislative Assembly — ORS chapter 803· Oregon Legislative Assembly — ORS chapter 814 |
| Pennsylvania | Unsettled — see state page | Unsettled — see state page |
| Rhode Island | The motor assists only while the rider pedals and stops providing assistance when the electric bicycle reaches 28 mph.Rhode Island General Assembly — R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-19.7-1 | No Rhode Island registration; operator age 16 or older; a helmet for every operator or passenger under 21 in the places listed by § 31-19.7-3; and vehicle-like road rights and shoulder access. The state-property section gives the Department of Environmental Management regulatory authority but reserves its express state-path permission for Class 1.Rhode Island General Assembly — R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-3-2.2· Rhode Island General Assembly — R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-19-3· Rhode Island General Assembly — R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-19.7-2· Rhode Island General Assembly — R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-19.7-3 |
| South Carolina | Unsettled — see state page | Unsettled — see state page |
| South Dakota | Pedal assist only, with motor assistance ending when the bicycle reaches 28 mph.South Dakota Legislature — SDCL § 32-20B-9 | The operator must be at least 16 and the bike must have a functioning speedometer. Operators under 18 and every passenger must wear a helmet. Bicycle and multi-use paths are allowed only beside a highway or roadway or when the responsible governmental entity expressly permits Class III use.South Dakota Legislature — SDCL § 32-20B-12· South Dakota Legislature — SDCL § 32-20B-13· South Dakota Legislature — SDCL § 32-20B-14· South Dakota Legislature — SDCL § 32-20B-15 |
| Tennessee | The motor assists only while the rider pedals and stops providing assistance when the bicycle reaches 28 mph.Tennessee Department of Transportation — Tennessee Bicycle Laws | No Tennessee motor-vehicle driver's license, title, registration, or financial-responsibility coverage. A street or highway operator must be at least 16; every operator and passenger must wear a compliant helmet; street or highway operation requires a speedometer; and path or trail access is limited to routes within or adjacent to a street, highway, or state highway unless the responsible local government or state agency permits it.Tennessee Department of Transportation — Tennessee Bicycle Laws· Tennessee General Assembly — SB 1782 / Public Chapter 651 (2026) |
| Texas | The motor assists only while the rider pedals, and the top assisted speed is more than 20 but less than 28 mph.Texas Transportation Code Chapter 664 | Operator age 15+ and a speedometer required when manufactured or sold; no state driver's license, registration, or motor-vehicle financial responsibility; the same statewide access framework as other qualifying e-bikes.Texas Transportation Code Chapter 664· Texas Transportation Code Chapter 551· Texas Transportation Code Chapter 502· Texas Transportation Code Chapter 521· Texas Transportation Code Chapter 601 |
| Utah | The motor assists only while the rider pedals, stops providing assistance when the bicycle reaches 28 mph, and the bicycle has a speedometer.Utah Legislature — Utah Code § 41-6a-102 | No Class D driver license, motorcycle endorsement, state registration, or owner's or operator's security is required. The operator must be at least 16, the bicycle needs a speedometer, and the highway helmet rule generally applies to an operator or rider under 21.Utah Legislature — Utah Code § 53-3-202· Utah Legislature — Utah Code § 41-1a-202· Utah Legislature — Utah Code § 41-12a-301· Utah Legislature — Utah Code § 41-6a-1115.5· Utah Legislature — Utah Code § 41-6a-102· Utah Legislature — Utah Code § 41-6a-1505 |
| Virginia | Pedal assist only, with motor assistance ending when the bicycle reaches 28 mph.Virginia General Assembly — Va. Code § 46.2-100 | No state driver's license or DMV registration; speedometer required; helmet required for every operator and passenger; a rider under 14 needs immediate supervision by someone at least 18; path managers may prohibit Class 3, and Virginia State Parks do not authorize it on park bicycle paths.Virginia General Assembly — Va. Code § 46.2-904.1· Virginia General Assembly — Va. Code § 46.2-908.1· Virginia Administrative Code — 4VAC5-30-276 |
| Vermont | The motor assists only while the rider pedals and stops providing assistance when the bicycle reaches 28 mph.Vermont General Assembly — 23 V.S.A. § 4 | No Vermont motor-vehicle registration, inspection, title, operator’s license, or chapter 11 financial responsibility. The bike needs a miles-per-hour speedometer, its operator must be at least 16, and a path manager may prohibit it.Vermont General Assembly — 23 V.S.A. § 1136a |
| Washington | Pedal assist only, with motor assistance ending at 28 mph, plus a speedometer.RCW 46.04.169 | Age 16+; no driver's license or state vehicle registration; allowed on facilities within or next to a highway; barred from shared-use paths and generally from sidewalks unless a local or route-specific exception applies.RCW 46.20.500· RCW 46.16A.080· RCW 46.61.710 |
| Wisconsin | The motor assists only while the rider pedals and stops providing assistance when the bicycle reaches 28 mph.Wisconsin Legislature — Wis. Stat. § 340.01(15ph) | No Wisconsin operator's license, state vehicle registration, certificate of title, or motor-vehicle financial responsibility. The operator must be at least 16 and the bicycle must have a reasonably accurate speedometer; access remains subject to local and agency restrictions.Wisconsin Legislature — Wis. Stat. § 346.806· Wisconsin Legislature — Wis. Stat. § 347.489(3m)· Wisconsin Legislature — Wis. Stat. § 349.18 |
| West Virginia | The motor assists only while the rider pedals and ceases providing assistance when the e-bike reaches 28 mph.West Virginia Legislature — enrolled Committee Substitute for HB 2062 | No state motor-vehicle registration, title, driver's license, or financial-responsibility requirement; a speedometer is required; every operator or passenger under 15 must wear a helmet; and bicycle-path, multiuse-trail, and single-use-trail access is generally barred unless the route is within a highway or roadway or the responsible public body expressly permits Class 3.West Virginia Legislature — enrolled Committee Substitute for HB 2062 |
| Wyoming | The motor assists only while the rider pedals and stops providing assistance when the bicycle reaches 28 mph.Wyoming Legislature — current Title 31 | A qualifying Class 3 e-bike receives § 31-5-707's state paperwork exemptions. A manufacturer or distributor must permanently label its class, 28 mph top assisted speed, and motor wattage, and the responsible local authority or state agency may regulate it on trails.Wyoming Legislature — current Title 31 |
Class 3 often carries its own helmet, age, and path rules—open a state for the detail. Each state links to its full guide, with the statute beside every answer.
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