If your bike’s electric motor is capped below 750 watts and does not surpass 20 mph with throttle-assist or 28 mph with pedal-assist, you do not need a license. For a 1,000W e-bike, you will need a license, registration, and insurance.
Benefits to Trading In Your Used E-Bike
Written by: Nick Cowie | July 18, 2026 | Time to read: 5 min
Electric bike laws vary from state to state and can even be classified differently with different legislation. The one constant across the board is the limit on motor power. Let’s take a closer look at why.
More about the Author: Nick Cowie
Nick is a writer with seven years of experience in the cycling industry. In his free time, he enjoys swimming, Jiu Jitsu, and spending time outdoors.
There is a fine line between an electric bike and a motorized vehicle. A lot of this depends on how powerful the motor is. To be considered an electric bike, your e-Bike’s power limit must be 750 watts. When you jump up to 1,000 watts, all of a sudden, you own a moped or other motorized vehicle.
If your e-Bike is street legal in the United States, it will have a permanent label showing that it is 750 watts or under. This rule is a simple one to remember, but it’s important to delve into the reasoning behind it and other rules that branch off of it.
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Table of Contents
How is an electric bike classified?
Most classifications of an electric bike are left up to the state, but at the federal level, an e-Bike is a two- or three-wheeled bike with fully operable pedals and less than 750 watts of motor power. 750 watts is equivalent to one horsepower, which is the reasoning behind the cutoff. E-Bikes are also held to all standard bicycle standards like brake thresholds, nighttime reflector visibility, and no sharp edges.
Once a bike meets the federal standards to be considered an electric bike, it is categorized as a Class 1, Class 2, or Class 3 electric bike. This means it can be ridden without a registration or license. Here are the requirements within the three-class system:
- Class 1: Pedal assist only; top speed of 20 mph; motor cannot exceed 750W.
- Class 2: Throttle assist; top speed of 20 mph; motor cannot exceed 750W.
- Class 3: Pedal assist only; top speed of 28 mph; motor cannot exceed 750W.
Why 750 watts?
750W is nearly equivalent to one horsepower. This law was birthed from precedent already set by gas-powered moped and scooter laws. They also did their best to make sure that electric bikes could fit in with bike lanes and other places that regular bikes ride without causing a disturbance.
- Moped and scooter precedents: When moped and scooter federal laws were being made, the government decided that a vehicle with an engine producing less than one horsepower would be exempt from motor vehicle requirements like license plates and registrations. Lawmakers wanted to avoid allowing electric bicycles that outperformed gas-powered mopeds.
- Speed limits: Electric bike regulations combine the 750-watt limit with a speed limit. 20 mph is the speed cap for an e-Bike that is being solely propelled by a motor throttle. Throttle-only is usually reserved for Class 2 electric bikes. The limit jumps up to 28 mph for Class 3 e-Bikes as long as it is only through pedal-assist.
- Nominal power: The law measures electric motor power as nominal power. This means it is the maximum power that the motor can sustain as an average output. Peak wattage can be above 750 watts, and many legal e-Bikes can reach over 1,000 watts for short bursts. Be sure to check the label and see what yours is classified as.
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What happens above 750 watts?
Once an electric bike surpasses the 750-watt mark and goes up to 1,000W of peak wattage, it stops being classified as an electric bike and now has a moped classification or another motorized vehicle. These vehicles are held to much stricter standards and require more paperwork. Here is what’s required to ride a 1,000W bike on a public road.
- Valid driver’s license: Just like driving a car, your 1,000-watt e-Bike requires a license since it is now a motorized vehicle.
- Registration: As is the case with any motorized vehicle, you will need to get your bike registered and fitted with license plates in accordance with your state’s laws. You must also carry active insurance.
- Helmet mandates: Most states require helmets to be worn on motorized vehicles. Check your state’s laws before riding, because these laws are typically very strict.
Where do I get a legal e-Bike?
Upway has a huge collection of legal electric bikes that are all classified on our website. All of them have the required documentation and labeling, so you can avoid stepping outside the boundaries of electric bike classification. Upway will make sure you get an electric bike with a proper legal status that does not cross the boundary into motorized vehicles. All of our 1000W electric bikes are placed into one category for the rider who wants one. Get a great deal on a refurbished e-Bike.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a license for an electric bike?
How strict is the 750-watt limit?
750 watts is the limit for nominal speed. This means that it can’t average more than 750 watts of continuous power for a sustained period. It is okay if the bike goes over that legal limit for short bursts.
How do I know my bike’s wattage?
All electric bikes are required to be equipped with visible permanent labels. This label will have information that includes details like motor wattage limits and e-Bike class in the proper classification system.
Key Takeaways
- Know the details of your bike’s motor: One of the first things you should look for before buying an electric bike is the max power output of the electric motor. This will help you figure out what kind of paperwork you need to ride it.
- Be careful with modifications: If a modification brings a bike from an electric bike to a motorized vehicle or outdates the permanent label, you now have an illegal motorized vehicle on your hands.
- Ask Upway for help: If you’re not sure what to buy, Upway can help you pick the perfect bike. Tell us what you are looking for online or in one of our Upcenters, and we can make sure your bike is legal and good for your goals.
