Electric Bike Laws By State

Class 3 only: all operators and passengers must wear a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet meeting CPSC or ASTM standards (§32-5A-267(j)). No statewide helmet requirement for Class 1 or Class 2 riders of any age.

E-bikes may ride on streets, roadways, highways, shoulders, bicycle lanes, and bicycle or multi-use paths. Local authorities may prohibit Class 1/2 on paths for safety after notice and public hearing, and may prohibit Class 3 on paths. All e-bike classes are prohibited on natural-surface trails designated as nonmotorized.

No statewide helmet law for e-bikes or bicycles. Anchorage requires helmets for riders 15 and younger on bicycles and e-bikes (Anchorage Code §9.38.200).

Without a state law, access is entirely determined by local jurisdictions and land managers. Alaska State Parks explicitly allow Class 1 e-bikes on many trails open to bicycles unless posted closed. Anchorage municipal code defines 'bicycle' to include 'low-speed electric bicycle' (750W or less).

HB 8 vetoed in 2023; no new statewide e-bike legislation enacted through early 2026. Anchorage ordinance AO 2024-51 is working to update local e-bike classifications.

No statewide helmet requirement for any class of e-bike or any age. Local rules vary: Tucson requires helmets for riders under 18.

Class 1 and 2 may use bicycle and multiuse paths unless local authority prohibits. Class 3 may NOT operate on bicycle or multiuse paths unless the path is within or adjacent to a highway/roadway, or unless local authority allows. Sidewalk use is subject to local control.

SB 1008 (2026 session, pending) proposes statewide speed limits on bicycle and multi-use paths. Scottsdale Ordinance §17-77.1 (effective July 31, 2025) prohibits anyone under 16 from operating Class 3 e-bikes on city property.

Class 3 requires helmets for operators AND passengers under age 21 (§27-51-1706(b)). This under-21 threshold is unique among U.S. states. The 'all_ages' value in Class 3 is the closest standard option; the actual requirement exempts riders age 21 and older. No helmet requirement for Class 1 or Class 2 at any age.

Class 1 and 2 may use bicycle and multi-use paths unless locally restricted. Class 3 is barred from bike paths unless the path is adjacent to a roadway or expressly permitted by local authority.

All bicycle and e-bike riders under 18 must wear a helmet (CVC §21212). Class 3 requires helmets for ALL riders and passengers regardless of age (CVC §21213).

Local authorities may prohibit or restrict Class 1/2 e-bikes on bike paths and trails. Class 3 e-bikes are prohibited on bike paths, trails, equestrian trails, and hiking/recreational trails unless adjacent to a roadway or local authority permits.

SB 1271 (effective Jan 1, 2026): All e-bike batteries must be certified to UL 2849, EN 15194, or equivalent standards. AB 544 (effective Jan 1, 2026): Rear red reflector or solid/flashing red light required at ALL times. AB 1774 (effective Jan 1, 2025): Prohibits selling speed-modification products. AB 875 (effective Jan 1, 2026): Authorizes impounding non-compliant sub-four-wheel vehicles.

No statewide helmet requirement for Class 1 or Class 2 riders of any age. Class 3: riders and passengers under 18 must wear a properly fitted helmet. Violation does not constitute negligence per se in civil claims.

Class 1 and 2 allowed on same bicycle and pedestrian paths as conventional bicycles unless locally restricted. Class 3 may NOT be on a bicycle or pedestrian path unless within a street/highway or the local jurisdiction expressly permits. Colorado State Parks generally allow Class 1 and 2 on multi-use trails open to bikes.

HB 25-1197 (effective August 6, 2025): Battery certification requiring lithium-ion batteries to meet UL 2849 or EN 15194 standards, enhanced labeling requirements effective January 1, 2027, and sales protections prohibiting selling non-compliant vehicles as e-bikes.

ALL e-bike riders and passengers, regardless of age or class, must wear protective headgear meeting ANSI, CPSC, ASTM, or Snell standards (CGS §14-289k(f)). This is significantly stricter than the regular bicycle helmet rule (under 16 only). Police officers, firefighters, and EMTs engaged in duties are exempt.

Class 3 is prohibited on any bicycle trail/path or multi-use trail/path. Class 1 and 2 are prohibited on natural-surface non-motorized trails unless local ordinance permits. Sidewalk riding is permitted but municipalities may prohibit by ordinance. Limited-access highways and turnpikes are prohibited.

October 1, 2025 updates (via HB 6862): Universal helmet requirement reinforced. E-bikes with no pedals and motors over 750W but under 3,500W reclassified as motor-driven cycles (requiring driver's license). Manufacturer penalties for labeling/equipment noncompliance. Regular bicycle helmet age threshold updated from under 16 to under 17.

All bicycle/e-bike riders under 18 must wear an approved helmet. Class 3: helmet required for ALL operators and passengers regardless of age. A religious exemption is available.

Sidewalks are prohibited statewide for all e-bike classes unless a local authority expressly allows. This is MORE restrictive than regular bicycles, which may ride on sidewalks. Bike paths and multi-use paths are allowed but a local authority may prohibit after notice and public hearing.

Helmets required for all bicycle/e-bike riders and passengers under 16. There is NO Class 3-specific helmet requirement at the state level. Helmet failure is not admissible as evidence of negligence.

E-bikes may be ridden where bicycles are allowed including streets, highways, roadways, shoulders, bicycle lanes, and bicycle/multiuse paths. Sidewalk access is subject to local ordinance. Path and trail access may be restricted by municipalities, counties, or state agencies.

Ch. 2025-149 (effective July 1, 2025): Local governments may now set minimum age requirements and require operators to carry government-issued photo ID. Beach/dune restriction authority added. Pending: HB 243/SB 382 would mandate crash data tracking and create an Electric Bicycle Safety Task Force (not yet enacted).

All bicycle/e-bike riders under 16 must wear a helmet. Class 3: ALL operators and passengers must wear a bicycle helmet regardless of age, meeting ANSI or Snell standards. Class 3 rental operators must provide helmets or verify the renter has one.

Class 1 and 2 allowed where bicycles are permitted, but local authority or state agency may prohibit on shared-use paths. Class 3 NOT allowed on shared-use paths unless within or adjacent to a highway OR local authority specifically permits. Sidewalk riding is generally prohibited statewide for any vehicle.

State law requires helmets for persons under 16 on bicycles/e-bikes on public roadways, bicycle paths, or other public rights-of-way. Honolulu county ordinance (Ordinance 25-006, signed February 2025) extends the helmet requirement to persons under 18 within Honolulu county.

Sidewalk riding is restricted: allowed at 10 mph or less, yielding to pedestrians, but prohibited in business districts. Counties may impose additional restrictions. Trail access is not addressed in state statute.

HB 958 (2025): VETOED by Governor Josh Green. Honolulu Ordinance 25-006 (February 2025): Establishes 750W limit on public roads, helmet under 18, reckless riding guidelines (Honolulu/Oahu only). HB 2021 (2026): Revised e-bike legislation in progress, cleared House Transportation Committee unanimously on February 11, 2026.

Idaho has NO statewide bicycle or e-bike helmet law for any age. The motorcycle/ATV helmet law applies only to persons under 18 on motorcycles, motorbikes, ATVs, and UTVs, NOT to bicycles or e-bikes. Some secondary sources incorrectly state there is an under-18 helmet requirement for e-bikes.

E-bikes may be ridden where bicycles are permitted unless excluded by local ordinance or by signage. Sidewalks and side paths are open to e-bike riders unless locally prohibited. Local variations: Boise allows Class 1 and 2 on the Greenbelt but excludes Class 3.

Illinois has NO statewide bicycle or e-bike helmet law for any age group.

E-bikes allowed on any highway, street, or roadway authorized for bicycles, including bike lanes. E-bikes allowed on bicycle paths unless the local authority prohibits. E-bikes are PROHIBITED on sidewalks statewide, a significant distinction from regular bicycles. Trail access varies by jurisdiction.

CPSC- or ASTM-compliant helmet required for any person under 18 operating or riding as a passenger on a Class 3 e-bike. No helmet requirement for Class 1 or Class 2 at the state level.

Class 1 and 2 may operate on any bicycle path or multipurpose path where bicycles are permitted unless restricted by statute, rule, or local ordinance. Class 3 is prohibited on bike paths/multipurpose paths unless the path is within or adjacent to a highway or authorized by the jurisdictional authority. Indiana DNR allows Class 1 on natural surface trails, Class 1 and 2 on hard surface trails, and all three classes on roads within properties.

Iowa has no statewide helmet law for bicycles or e-bikes for any age.

E-bike riders have the same rights and duties as traditional bicycle riders on highways. Class 3 must follow posted speed limits on bike lanes and multi-use paths; if no limit is posted, the cap is 20 mph. Sidewalk riding is governed by local ordinance.

Kansas has NO statewide bicycle or e-bike helmet law for any age. The under-18 helmet requirement in KSA 8-1598 applies ONLY to motorcycles and motorized bicycles, which are legally distinct from 'electric-assisted bicycles.' Some secondary sources incorrectly claim Kansas requires under-18 helmets for e-bikes.

E-bikes may be ridden in all places where bicycles are allowed, including streets, highways, roadways, bicycle lanes, bicycle or multi-use paths, trails, and trail networks. Cities may adopt ordinances governing e-bike operation. Natural surface nonmotorized trails are subject to local authority regulation. KDWP allows e-bikes on bicycle-approved trails only if motor assistance ceases at 20 mph.

Kentucky has no statewide bicycle or e-bike helmet law. Some local jurisdictions impose helmet rules (e.g., Louisville requires helmets in parks for riders under 18).

E-bikes may ride on roads, bike lanes, and bike paths generally as bicycles. Sidewalk access varies by locality. Louisville Metro prohibits anyone 11 and older from riding on sidewalks and bans sidewalk riding of any age downtown. Lexington bans bicycles on sidewalks in the business district.

Helmets are required for ALL operators and passengers of Class 3 e-bikes regardless of age (RS 32:204(H)). No helmet requirement for Class 1 or 2. The fine for violation is $50, which is waived if the rider provides proof of purchasing an approved helmet.

E-bikes may be ridden wherever bicycles are allowed, including streets, highways, roadways, bike facilities, bike lanes, shared-use trails, bike paths, and trails. Natural-surface nonmotorized trails are excluded unless the local authority permits. Local authorities may restrict Class 1/2 on bike paths after notice and public hearing; may restrict Class 3 without hearing.

Persons under 16 must wear a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet when operating or riding as a passenger on ANY class of e-bike. No statewide helmet requirement for riders 16 and older.

Class 1 and 2 may be operated wherever bicycles are allowed, including bike paths, unless the local authority prohibits. Class 3 may NOT use bike paths unless the path is within a highway/roadway or specifically authorized by local authority. No class of e-bike may use natural-surface nonmotorized paths unless locally authorized.

Maine updated its Electric Vehicle Fund statute (PL 2025, c. 317) to potentially extend incentive eligibility to e-bikes. No changes to the core e-bike operating rules.

Maryland requires helmets for all persons under 16 riding bicycles (including e-bikes) on any highway, bicycle way, sidewalk, or public property. Enforcement is via warning and educational materials, not fines. Some local jurisdictions have stricter rules (e.g., Montgomery County requires helmets for ALL ages).

E-bikes may be operated wherever bicycles are allowed, including bike lanes. Class 3 is restricted on bike paths unless the path is within/adjacent to a highway right-of-way or authorized by local authority. Sidewalk access varies by municipality. Riders may not use roadways with speed limits above 50 mph.

SB0014 (2025 session) was introduced proposing mandatory e-bike titling and registration ($30/year fee) through the MVA. As of February 2026, this bill has NOT been enacted.

Massachusetts requires helmets for persons 'sixteen years of age or younger' when operating or riding as a passenger on a bicycle or e-bike. Riders 17 and older have no statewide helmet requirement for Class 1/2 e-bikes. If an e-bike is classified as a 'motorized bicycle' (exceeding Class 1/2 limits), helmets are mandatory for ALL ages.

E-bikes are explicitly prohibited on sidewalks statewide, unlike regular bicycles which may ride on sidewalks outside business districts. Bike path/bikeway access may be restricted by local authority after a public hearing. Natural-surface nonmotorized trails are off-limits unless locally permitted. E-bikes may NOT operate on limited-access or express highways.

Bill S.2373 (194th session, filed 2025) proposes removing the sidewalk prohibition for e-bikes and the natural-surface trail restriction. Status pending as of February 2026.

Helmet required only for Class 3 operators and passengers under age 18. Must meet CPSC or ASTM standards. No helmet requirement for Class 1 or Class 2 riders of any age.

All three classes allowed on any highway open to bicycles, including bike lanes and shoulders. Class 1 is allowed by default on paved linear trails and rail trails; local authority may regulate or prohibit. Class 2 and 3 are allowed on paved trails only if authorized by local authority or state agency. All classes are prohibited on natural-surface nonmotorized trails unless authorized. E-bikes may not be operated in cities that prohibit non-emergency motor vehicles (e.g., Mackinac Island) unless the city council votes to allow them.

Minnesota has NO statewide bicycle or e-bike helmet law for any age. SF 3236 (2025) was introduced proposing to require under-18 e-bike operators to wear CPSC-approved helmets, but it has not been enacted.

Sidewalk riding is prohibited in business districts unless the local authority expressly permits it; otherwise allowed unless locally banned. 'Multiple mode' e-bikes follow the rules of their highest operational class. MN DNR allows all classes on state trails where bicycles are permitted. Natural-surface nonmotorized trails may be regulated by local authority or state agency.

In 2024, Minnesota amended statutes to incorporate the new 'multiple mode electric-assisted bicycle' category and added a third-party battery safety testing requirement. SF 3236 (2025) was introduced proposing an under-18 helmet requirement but has not been enacted.

Mississippi has NO statewide bicycle or e-bike helmet law. Some municipalities have local helmet ordinances (e.g., Starkville has an all-ages bicycle helmet ordinance).

E-bikes may be ridden where bicycles are permitted, including streets, highways, roadways, bicycle lanes, and bicycle/multi-use paths. For Class 1 and 2, a municipality may prohibit only after a public hearing and finding that restriction is needed for safety. For Class 3, local authorities may prohibit without needing a safety finding. Mississippi 3-foot passing law applies to e-bikes.

No statewide helmet requirement for bicycles or e-bikes of any age or class. Missouri State Highway Patrol explicitly states helmets are 'not required by state law.' Some municipalities impose local helmet ordinances: Creve Coeur requires helmets for all ages; St. Louis County Parks require helmets for riders under 17; Columbia requires helmets for ages 15 and under.

E-bikes may be ridden wherever bicycles are permitted. Bicycles are prohibited from sidewalks in business districts; outside business districts, sidewalk riding is governed by local ordinance. Class 1/2 can only be restricted from bike/multi-use paths after public notice and hearing. Class 3 can be prohibited from paths at local discretion without a hearing. Missouri State Parks permits electrically-assisted pedal bicycles on the Katy Trail at up to 20 mph.

Missouri HB 169 was introduced on February 12, 2025 to update/clarify definitions related to electric bicycles; as of February 2026, no indication it has been enacted.

No statewide bicycle or e-bike helmet law. Montana requires helmets only for motorcycle/quadricycle operators under 18, which does not apply to e-bikes. Some cities have local helmet ordinances (e.g., Billings requires helmets for riders under 16).

E-bikes are included in the statutory definition of 'bicycle' and may be ridden on all roads, bike lanes, and bike paths where bicycles are allowed. Sidewalk riding is permitted statewide unless prohibited by official traffic control devices or local ordinance; major cities restrict sidewalk riding in downtown/business districts. On state trust lands, e-bikes are treated as motorized and generally limited to public/open roads.

SB 387 (2025), which would have adopted the three-class system, passed the Senate committee 5-3 but ultimately died in the Legislature on May 23, 2025.

No statewide bicycle helmet law exists in Nebraska for any age. Some secondary sources incorrectly claim helmets are mandatory for under-18 Class 3 riders; this is not in the state statutes as enacted.

Sidewalk riding is allowed statewide; cyclists on sidewalks must yield to pedestrians. Local authorities may regulate sidewalk riding. Omaha and Lincoln ban bicycle/e-bike riding on downtown sidewalks. E-bikes may not be ridden on interstate highways or freeways.

Nebraska passed a Vulnerable Road User law in 2025 that explicitly includes e-bike operators as protected vulnerable road users.

There is NO statewide helmet requirement for any e-bike class or any age in Nevada. The original SB 383 draft included a Class 3 helmet requirement but this was deleted by amendment before enrollment. Many secondary sources incorrectly state that Nevada requires helmets for Class 3 riders under 18; this is widespread misinformation.

E-bikes are allowed wherever bicycles are allowed. Local authorities or state agencies may prohibit specific classes on bike paths or shared-use paths after notice and hearing. Natural-surface nonmotorized trails are exempt from the general permission and subject to local/agency regulation. Sidewalk access varies by municipality.

AB 168 (2025) would have allowed cyclists/e-bikers to treat stop signs as yield signs (Idaho Stop); it passed the Assembly but died in the Senate. Boulder City enacted a comprehensive e-bike ordinance effective September 18, 2025.

No statewide bicycle helmet law exists. Only Class 3 has a helmet requirement: riders and passengers under 18 must wear a CPSC- or ASTM-certified helmet. Class 1 and 2 have no helmet requirement at any age under state law.

Class 1 and 2 may be ridden on bicycle paths and multi-use paths where bicycles are permitted, but any city, town, or state agency may prohibit them. Class 3 is generally prohibited on bicycle/multi-use paths unless the path is within/adjacent to a highway or a jurisdiction expressly authorizes it. Sidewalk rules are entirely local.

HB 1703 (2026) was introduced December 12, 2025 and would require $50/year registration for all bicycles and e-bikes on public ways. Public hearing was held January 27, 2026. The bill faces significant opposition and its passage is uncertain.

Two tiers: (1) Low-speed electric bicycles (pedal-assist only, 20 mph or less): helmet required for riders/passengers under 17. (2) Motorized bicycles and electric motorized bicycles (throttle-equipped): helmet required for ALL ages, may need to meet DOT motorcycle helmet standards. The 'under_18' value in the general field is the closest template option for the baseline category; see generalNotes for the full category breakdown.

Low-speed electric bicycles may be operated on streets, highways, and bicycle paths subject to local restriction. Motorized bicycles are prohibited on interstates, median-divided highways, and highways with speed limits >50 mph. Natural surface trails are off-limits unless specifically permitted. Various municipalities (Atlantic City, Hoboken, Jersey City, Newark) have additional local restrictions.

MAJOR LEGISLATIVE OVERHAUL. Governor Murphy signed S4834/A6235 (P.L.2025, c.285) on January 19, 2026. The bill was introduced November 6, 2025 in response to fatal e-bike crashes, including a 13-year-old killed in Scotch Plains. Rushed through the lame-duck session: Senate and Assembly passage on January 12, 2026, signed January 19. The law abolished the 3-class system, created three NJ-specific categories, requires license and registration for ALL e-bikes, requires insurance for throttle-equipped models, bans e-bike use by anyone under 15, bans online sales of high-power e-bikes for one year, and bans modification kits. Compliance deadline is July 19, 2026.

The Child Helmet Safety Act requires all persons under 18 to wear protective helmets when operating or riding as a passenger on a bicycle (including e-bikes) on public roadways, bicycle paths, or other public rights-of-way.

Class 1 e-bikes are allowed on bicycle/pedestrian paths where bicycles are authorized, but municipalities may prohibit them. Classes 2 and 3 are not allowed on bicycle/pedestrian paths unless the path is within a street or highway right-of-way, or a political subdivision affirmatively permits it. Natural-surface non-motorized trails are off-limits unless the land manager permits e-bike use.

Bicycle passengers and operators under 14 must wear helmets (applies to Classes 1-2). The research uses 'under_14' but the closest standard template value is 'under_18' which is used above; the actual statutory threshold for Class 1/2 is under 14. Class 3 e-bike operators must wear helmets regardless of age. Proposed bill S1542 (2025) would additionally require 16-17-year-olds to wear helmets on Class 1/2 e-bikes, but this has not been enacted.

E-bikes are restricted to highways with posted speed limits of 30 mph or less. Sidewalk riding is prohibited statewide unless a local ordinance authorizes it. Public lands (including greenways not adjacent to highways) are off-limits unless posted for e-bike use. Class 3 is legal only in NYC (cities with population 1 million or more). E-bike riders must ride single file. NY State Parks allow Class 1-2 on park roads and paved/improved trails; Class 3 is prohibited.

NYC enacted a citywide 15 mph speed limit for all e-bikes effective October 2025. Lithium-ion battery safety laws were enacted in 2024. S1542 (2025) proposing helmet requirements for 16-17-year-olds on Class 1/2 e-bikes is pending.

Operators and passengers under 16 must wear a properly fitted bicycle helmet. Fine for violation is $10. No statewide adult helmet requirement.

E-bikes are treated as bicycles for road access. Sidewalk riding is governed locally. Charlotte bans bikes on Uptown sidewalks; Chapel Hill allows sidewalk riding at 7 mph or less. Trail access varies significantly: NC State Parks permit Class 1 and 2 where bicycles are posted; USFS National Forests treat e-bikes as motor vehicles (motorized routes only).

SB 576 (2025 Session) proposes adopting the three-class system and granting local government regulatory authority. Not enacted as of latest available information.

Class 3 only: riders under 18 must wear a safety helmet. No statewide helmet mandate for Classes 1 or 2. Local ordinances may impose additional requirements.

E-bikes are permitted on bicycle paths and multi-use paths unless a governmental entity with jurisdiction prohibits them. Sidewalk riding is governed locally. North Dakota also has a bicycle 'stop-as-yield' law at stop signs on roads with 2 or fewer lanes.

Class 3 requires helmet for ALL riders and passengers regardless of age. Helmet must meet CPSC or ASTM standards. Classes 1 and 2 have no statewide helmet requirement.

Sidewalk riding with the motor engaged is prohibited statewide for all classes; motor must be disengaged to ride on sidewalks. All e-bike classes are prohibited on natural surface trails unless specifically authorized by local authority. Class 3 is prohibited on exclusive bicycle paths and shared-use paths unless the path is within or adjacent to a highway, or the local authority/state agency authorizes it. Ohio DNAP allows Class 1 and Class 2 on paved paths in state parks; only Class 1 on mountain bike trails.

The current e-bike statute (2019/2021) contains no statewide helmet requirement for any class. An older statute technically still appears requiring helmets for operators age 18 and under, but this is widely treated as superseded by the 2019 framework. Some cities (e.g., Norman) have their own helmet rules for minors.

All classes allowed on bicycle/multiuse paths where bicycles are permitted, unless the local authority prohibits. Class 3 restricted from bicycle/multiuse paths unless within or adjacent to a highway; local authority may authorize. Natural-surface non-motorized trails are off-limits by default; local agencies may regulate. Oklahoma has a bicycle 'Idaho stop' law and a 'dead red' law for signal-triggered lights.

Oregon requires helmets for all bicycle/e-bike riders under age 16. Since e-bike operators must be 16+, the helmet requirement primarily applies to passengers under 16. There is no adult helmet mandate. A religious exemption is available.

E-bikes are prohibited on sidewalks statewide. Oregon has a mandatory sidepath law requiring use of bike lanes where present. As of July 1, 2025, OPRD rules allow e-bikes on bike and multi-use trails in State Parks where bicycles are allowed, unless specifically restricted. Deschutes National Forest began allowing Class 1 e-bikes on approximately 160 miles of singletrack trails as of December 2025.

HB 4103 (2024 Or. Laws ch. 12) created the 3-class system effective January 1, 2025. OPRD adopted new e-bike rules for state parks effective July 1, 2025. In the 2026 short session, HB 4007 proposes lowering the legal e-bike riding age from 16 to 14; NOT enacted as of February 2026.

Helmets are required only for riders and passengers under age 12. Helmet must meet ANSI, ASTM, Snell, or other nationally recognized standard. The 'under_16' value in the general field is the closest standard template option; the actual statutory threshold is under 12. No adult mandate.

E-bikes are allowed wherever pedalcycles are allowed, including roadways, bike lanes, and bike paths. Sidewalk riding is generally permitted except in business districts. On DCNR (state park/forest) lands, e-bikes are allowed where traditional bicycles are allowed, but throttle-only operation is prohibited on non-motorized trails; riders must pedal. E-bikes are completely prohibited on PA State Game Lands.

In October 2025, proposed legislation would have given PA municipalities authority to establish local e-bike ordinances (including registration requirements and sidewalk restrictions), but this bill has not been enacted as of February 2026.

NON-STANDARD THRESHOLD: Rhode Island requires e-bike riders under 21 to wear CPSC-compliant helmets (effective July 1, 2024). The 'under_18' value in the class fields is the closest standard template option; the actual statutory threshold is under 21. This applies on public highways, bicycle trails/paths, shared-use paths, parks/recreational areas, school property, and any public right-of-way. Regular bicycle helmet law is under 16. Failure to wear a helmet cannot be used as evidence of contributory/comparative negligence.

E-bikes are allowed on roads and shoulders where bicycles are permitted. Class 1 e-bikes are expressly allowed on state bicycle trails/paths. For Classes 2-3, DEM may by regulation determine allowable uses on state properties. Sidewalk riding is generally permitted unless prohibited by traffic control devices; local jurisdictions may impose additional restrictions. RI does not require mandatory use of bike lanes.

The 3-class e-bike system was enacted in 2024 (P.L. 2024, ch. 172 & 173, effective July 1, 2024). The Erika Niedowski Memorial Electric Bicycle Rebate Program continues. No additional statutory changes found for 2025-2026.

No statewide bicycle or e-bike helmet mandate exists in South Carolina.

E-bike riders must follow all bicycle rules statewide. Sidewalk and trail access rules are set at the local/municipal level. The statute requires use of bike lanes when available. E-bikes exceeding the 750W or 20 mph definition may be reclassified as motor vehicles.