MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) is a low-friction layer built into many modern cycling helmets. It's designed to allow the helmet to move slightly relative to the head during an angled impact, helping reduce rotational forces that may contribute to brain injuries.
E-Bike Helmet Requirements By State
Written by: Kazim Ladimeji | July 24, 2026 | Time to read 6 min
Do you legally have to wear a helmet on an e-Bike? The answer depends on where you ride. There are no federal helmet laws for low-powered electric bikes in the United States, but many states have introduced their own rules based on the rider's age and the class of e-Bike.
More about the Author: Kazim Ladimeji
Kazim is a UK-based cyclist and writer who discovered his passion for riding during lockdown six years ago and hasn’t looked back since. He now rides around 100 miles a week, exploring road and light gravel routes from his base in the Cotswolds, a cycling paradise. When he’s not riding or writing about e-Bike trails in the US, he’s exploring cafés, cooking, and keeping busy as a soccer dad.
Helmet laws for electric bikes vary considerably across the United States. While some states have no statewide helmet requirements for low-powered e-Bikes, others require younger riders, or everyone riding faster Class 3 e-Bikes, to wear one.
Some cities and counties have introduced their own helmet ordinances that go beyond state law. Higher-powered electric bikes that fall outside the three-class system are also usually treated as motorcycles and are subject to much stricter helmet laws.
In this article, I've researched the current e-Bike helmet laws by state, explained how helmet requirements differ between Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 electric bikes, and highlighted why it's important to check both state and local regulations before riding.
👋 Welcome to Upway!
Upway is your top destination for buying and selling e-Bikes online. Discover your next e-Bike at up to 60% off retail prices, available in new or like-new condition.
Are there federal laws mandating helmet usage on an e-Bike?
No. There are no federal laws requiring riders of low-powered electric bikes to wear bicycle helmets in the United States.
Instead, helmet laws are set at the state level, with many states imposing mandatory helmet requirements based on the rider's age and the type of e-Bike ridden. Class 3 e-Bikes, because of their higher 28 mph assisted speed, are much more likely to have mandatory helmet requirements than Class 1 or Class 2 bikes.
High-powered electric bikes that fall outside the three-class system are often classified as motorcycles. Although there is no federal motorcycle helmet law either, virtually every state regulates motorcycle helmet use, so helmet requirements are generally much stricter for e-Motos.
What is a low-powered electric bike?
While there is no universal federal definition of a low-powered e-Bike, many states follow the three-class system for defining a low-powered electric bicycle that is, for the most part, treated similarly to a conventional bicycle.
Three-class e-Bike system:
Class 1 e-Bike: Motor assists only while pedaling and stops assisting at 20 mph.
Class 2 e-Bike: Motor can propel the bike without pedaling (throttle assist) and stops assisting at 20 mph.
Class 3 e-Bike: Motor assists only while pedaling and stops assisting at 28 mph.
Three-class e-Bikes must also have:
- Fully operable pedals
- A saddle
- A maximum motor power of 750 watts
Low-powered e-Bikes (whether falling under the three-class system or another state definition) are generally treated much like conventional bicycles in terms of their rights and privileges. However, there are important exceptions, particularly regarding access to shared-use paths and trails, as well as minimum rider ages.
Age restrictions, in particular, vary considerably between states and sometimes according to the class of electric bike being ridden. I've researched and summarized the current requirements below. As state laws continue to evolve, I recommend checking the latest local regulations before riding an electric bike in the US.
What are the e-Bike helmet requirements by state?
Below are the e-Bike helmet requirements by state, but remember that even if a state doesn't have a mandatory helmet law, cities and counties within that state may introduce their own local ordinances.
For example, Arizona has no statewide helmet requirement, yet Tucson requires all bicycle and low-powered e-Bike riders under 18 to wear a helmet. Similarly, Kentucky has no statewide helmet mandate, but Louisville Metro Parks requires riders under 18 to wear helmets. Likewise, Nevada has no statewide requirement, but Clark County requires riders under 18 to wear helmets while riding an electric bicycle.
This guide refers to low-powered electric bicycles that are generally treated like conventional bicycles.
High-powered electric bikes that fall outside the three-class system, such as e-Motos, are generally treated as motorcycles. Helmet requirements are usually much stricter for these vehicles and often apply to all riders.
E-Bike helmet requirements by state below:
| State | Class 1 | Class 2 | Class 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Under 16s | Under 16s | All ages |
| Alaska | No | No | No |
| Arizona | No | No | No |
| Arkansas | None | None | 20 or younger |
| California | Under 18s | Under 18s | All ages |
| Colorado | No | No | All ages |
| Connecticut | All ages | All ages | 16+ |
| Delaware | Under 18s | Under 18s | Under 18s |
| Florida | Under 16s | Under 16s | Under 16s |
| Georgia | Under 16s | Under 16s | Under 16s |
| Hawaii | Under 16s | Under 16s | Under 16s |
| Idaho | No | No | No |
| Illinois | No | No | Under 18s |
| Indiana | No | No | Under 18s |
| Iowa | No | No | No |
| Kansas | No | No | No |
| Kentucky | No | No | No |
| Louisiana | Under 12s | Under 12s | Under 12s |
| Maine | Under 16s | Under 16s | Under 16s |
| Maryland | Under 16s | Under 16s | Under 16s |
| Massachusetts | Under 16s | Under 16s | Under 16s |
| Michigan | No | No | 14–18 years |
| Minnesota | No | No | No |
| Mississippi | No | No | No |
| Missouri | No | No | No |
| Montana | No | No | Under 18s |
| Nebraska | No | No | No |
| Nevada | No | No | No |
| New Hampshire | Under 16s | Under 16s | Under 18s |
| New Jersey | All ages | All ages | All ages |
| New Mexico | Under 18s | Under 18s | Under 21s |
| New York | Yes, if working | Yes, if working | All ages |
| North Carolina | Under 16s | Under 16s | All ages |
| North Dakota | No | No | Yes |
| Ohio | No | No | Yes |
| Oklahoma | No | No | 16+ |
| Oregon | Under 16s | Under 16s | Under 16s |
| Pennsylvania | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| Rhode Island | 21 | 21 | 21 |
| South Carolina | No | No | No |
| South Dakota | No | No | 18 |
| Tennessee | No | No | 16 |
| Texas | No | No | No |
| Utah | 21 | 21 | 21 |
| Vermont | No | No | No |
| Virginia | Under 14s | Under 14s | All ages |
| Washington | No | No | No |
| West Virginia | Under 14s | Under 14s | All ages |
| Wisconsin | No | No | No |
| Wyoming | No | No | 18 |
What is a federally approved bicycle helmet in the USA?
Riders should look for helmets certified to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) bicycle helmet standard. A genuine CPSC-certified helmet will have an inside label confirming it complies with federal bicycle helmet safety requirements.
Many premium helmets also include additional technologies such as MIPS or WaveCel, which are designed to reduce rotational forces during certain impacts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a MIPS helmet?
Do helmets make riding safer?
Yes. Although no helmet can prevent every injury, extensive research has consistently shown that bicycle helmets significantly reduce the risk of serious head injuries during crashes. Given that Class 3 e-Bikes can reach assisted speeds of 28 mph, I'd personally recommend wearing a helmet regardless of whether your state legally requires one.
How can I choose a safe helmet?
Choose a helmet that is CPSC-certified, fits snugly without moving around, and sits level on your head. Replace any helmet that has been involved in a crash, even if it looks undamaged. Features such as MIPS, reflective detailing, and integrated lights can also improve safety.
Key Takeaways
- There are no federal helmet laws for low-powered e-Bikes in the United States.
- Helmet requirements are set by individual states and, in some cases, by local municipalities.
- Class 3 e-Bikes are far more likely to have mandatory helmet requirements than Class 1 or Class 2 bikes.
There is more to Explore
Visit below articles for more info about electric bikes
