Do You Need a License to Ride an Electric Bike ?
Written by: Rémy Rossi | April 5, 2025 | Time to read 5 min
Does your state require a license to operate an e-Bike? Here are the latest rules.
More about the Author: Remy Rossi
Rémy Rossi is a bike writer, mechanic, and educator who got his start in community-based bike shops and co-ops. With a decade in the industry, he still wrenches on bikes when he can and plays bike polo on a fixie.
Licensing requirements for operating an electric bike vary from state to state, with some recognizing e-Bikes as vehicles and requiring a license and registration, while others treat them similarly to traditional bikes. Before buying an e-Bike, make sure you understand the relevant laws, licensing rules, and regulations in your state.
What defines an electric bicycle under federal regulations?
Three-class e-Bike system
By now, nearly every US state has adopted the three-class system to regulate electric bikes and classify models according to their assistance and speed capabilities. This system creates precise legal definitions for modern e-Bikes instead of confusing them with standard bicycles, motorized vehicles (like mopeds), or somewhere in the gray area in between. Before this standardization, there were a lot of unclear rules, and those ambiguities have been mostly done away with.
In most states with the three-tiered system, e-Bikes are exempt from registration, licensing, and insurance requirements. Nearly all states now share similar defining language for e-Bikes, safety, and operation requirements.
Electric bicycles fall under these different categories within the three-tier system:
- Class 1 e-Bike: A bicycle with an electric motor assist that only reaches 20 mph when the rider pedals.
- Class 2 e-Bike: A bicycle equipped with a motor capable of assisting when the bike reaches speeds of 20 mph.
- Class 3 e-Bike: An electric bicycle that assists only while the rider pedals and tops out at 28 mph. While federal law does not require wearing a helmet when operating an e-Bike, check your local laws to ensure compliance with state-level regulations.
Which states require a license to ride electric bikes?
Alaska
Perhaps it’s because of Alaska’s remote location far away from the rest of the contiguous US, but the state is lagging when it comes to e-Bike laws. In 2023, the state almost adopted the three-class system, but the governor eventually vetoed the bill. Electric bikes are technically unregulated at the state level, so riders defer to local and city regulations. Though in practice, you don’t need a license to ride an e-Bike in Alaska.
Hawaii
Electric bike riders in the Aloha State do not need a license but must register their e-Bike, which costs $30. E-Bike users can do this at any city hall satellite location or at the state business registration office in Honolulu.
New Jersey
New Jersey follows the three-class system, but Class 3 e-Bikes (28 mph) are defined as “low-speed vehicles” and are thus subject to stricter rules. Class 3 riders must possess an operator's license, register their e-Bike, and carry insurance.
New York
Similar to New Jersey, New York State has some additional rules when it comes to faster Class 3 electric bikes. However, New York defines a Class 3 model as any e-Bike that has a top speed of 25 mph (rather than the more common 28 mph definition). These Class 3 e-Bikes, as defined by the state, are only permitted in New York City. And in New York state, beyond bike paths and allowed trails, electric bikes are only permitted on roads with a speed limit of 30 mph or less.
Stay safe and ride within the rules
Going beyond just what the law mandates, we always advise e-Bike owners to consider others when riding. Just because it's a bike path, doesn't mean someone won't park their car in it – so keep your head up! The speed limit applies to all vehicles, including regular bikes and electric bikes.
How to choose the right e-Bike
No matter which state you ride your e-Bike, choose one to fit your needs and lifestyle with Upway. Our selection of refurbished electric bikes goes the distance to offer an eco-friendly and affordable way to commute to work and enjoy the outdoors.
Browse our affordable electric bicycles to get started on your journey to sustainable and enjoyable transportation for up to 60% off the cost of a new bike!
Key Takeaways
- Most states don’t require a license: Because of the three-class e-Bike system, most states agree that licensing and registration are usually not needed, especially for Class 1 and 2 e-Bikes.
- Some states have extra rules: States like New Jersey, New York, and Hawaii may require a license, registration, or limit where faster Class 3 bikes can be used.
- Check your local laws: Rules vary by state and city, so always verify current regulations before riding.
