Most state laws say where an electric bicycle stops: pedals, motor watts, a top speed. Here are those words for every state we cover, beside what the makers print for the electric dirt bikes in the Garage. We put the two side by side and leave the reading to you and the state: we do not place any bike on either side of the line.
The two blocks are copied from the lists below, unchanged.
As each maker prints it, units and spelling included. A figure from an owner's manual page carries the seal; one from the maker's web page is research level and says so. Where the maker prints nothing we could read, the row is blank.
Maker’s document for the Sur-Ron Light Bee X 2025, external site
Each state's answer to "Where the e-bike definition stops", restated from its official text, with the section and the date it was checked.
Alabama defines an electric bicycle as a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals, a saddle or seat for the rider, and an electric motor of less than 750 watts that meets the requirements of one of three classes. Class 1 has a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to assist at 20 miles per hour; Class 2 has a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle and is not capable of providing assistance at 20 miles per hour; Class 3 has a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to assist at 28 miles per hour. The same section defines a motorcycle as every motor vehicle having a seat or saddle for the use of the rider and designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground, excluding a tractor and an electric bicycle.
Ala. Code § 32-1-1.1(16), (36), checked . Official text for Alabama, Ala. Code § 32-1-1.1(16), (36), external site
No statewide rule found
No statewide electric bicycle definition found. 13 AAC 40.010(a)(5) defines a "bicycle" as a vehicle propelled exclusively by human power upon which a person may ride, having two tandem wheels or three wheels in contact with the ground, except scooters and similar devices.
That is not the same as no rule: land managers, local governments and tracks set their own, so ask whoever manages the ground before you ride.
What we read: 13 AAC 40.010(a)(5), checked . Official text for Alaska, 13 AAC 40.010(a)(5), external site
An electric bicycle is a bicycle or tricycle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts that fits one of three classes; Class 1, for example, gives assistance only while pedaling and stops at 20 mph.
A.R.S. § 28-101(28), checked . Official text for Arizona, A.R.S. § 28-101(28), external site
Arkansas's Electric Bicycle Act defines an electric bicycle as a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts that meets one of three classes. A Class 1 electric bicycle has a motor that provides assistance only when the operator is pedaling and ceases to assist at 20 mph; a Class 2 has a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle and is not capable of providing assistance at 20 mph; a Class 3 has a motor that provides assistance only when the operator is pedaling and ceases to assist at 28 mph. For the purposes of the Act, an electric bicycle is not a motor vehicle.
Ark. Code Ann. §§ 27-51-1702, 27-51-1703(2), checked . Official text for Arkansas, Ark. Code Ann. §§ 27-51-1702, 27-51-1703(2), external site
An electric bicycle has fully operable pedals and a motor capped at 750 watts. A two- or three-wheeler built to be modifiable past 20 mph on motor power alone or past 750 watts, one modified that way, or one with its pedals removed is not an electric bicycle and cannot be sold or labeled as one.
Cal. Veh. Code § 312.5(a), (d), checked . Official text for California, Cal. Veh. Code § 312.5(a), (d), external site
An electrical assisted bicycle is a vehicle having two or three wheels, fully operable pedals and an electric motor not exceeding 750 watts of power, and it must conform to a class: Class 1 provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and Class 2 regardless of whether the rider is pedaling, both ceasing at 20 miles per hour, while Class 3 provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases at 28 miles per hour. The definition does not include a vehicle modified so that it no longer meets the requirements for any class, or one designed, manufactured or intended by the manufacturer or seller to be easily configured, by a switch or button, a software setting, an online application or other means, so as not to meet those requirements.
C.R.S. 42-1-102(28.5)(a)(I)-(III), (b)(I)-(II), checked . Official text for Colorado, C.R.S. 42-1-102(28.5)(a)(I)-(III), (b)(I)-(II), external site
Connecticut defines an electric bicycle as a bicycle equipped with operable foot pedals and an electric motor of fewer than seven hundred fifty watts that is a class 1, class 2 or class 3 bicycle; the definition says it does not include a dirt bike or an all-terrain vehicle. A class 1 motor engages only when the rider pedals and disengages when the rider stops pedaling or the bicycle reaches twenty miles per hour. A class 2 motor may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle and disengages when the brakes are applied or at twenty miles per hour. A class 3 motor engages only when the rider pedals and disengages when the rider stops pedaling or at twenty-eight miles per hour.
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 14-1(13)-(15), (31) (2026 Supp.), checked . Official text for Connecticut, Conn. Gen. Stat. § 14-1(13)-(15), (31) (2026 Supp.), external site
Delaware defines an "electric bicycle" as a bicycle with 2 or 3 wheels that is equipped with fully-operable pedals, a saddle or seat for the rider, and an electric motor of less than or equal to 750 watts that meets 1 of 3 classes. Class 1 and Class 3 motors provide assistance only when the rider is pedaling, ceasing at 20 miles per hour or less (Class 1) or at no less than 20 and no more than 28 miles per hour (Class 3); a Class 2 motor may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle and ceases to provide assistance at 20 miles per hour or less. The separate "moped" definition covers a pedal or nonpedal bicycle having 2 tandem wheels, either of which is 10 inches or more in maximum diameter, with an internal combustion engine of less than 55cc maximum piston displacement, or an electric motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle at more than 20 miles per hour or that, if the rider is pedaling, continues to provide assistance above 28 miles per hour; "moped" does not include an electric bicycle.
21 Del. C. § 101(18), (40), checked . Official text for Delaware, 21 Del. C. § 101(18), (40), external site
An electric bicycle is a bicycle or tricycle with fully operable pedals, a seat or saddle and an electric motor of less than 750 watts, in one of three classes whose motor assistance stops at 20 mph (Classes 1 and 2) or 28 mph (Class 3). Florida's definition of an off-highway motorcycle separately excludes electric bicycles.
Fla. Stat. §§ 316.003(23), 261.03(4), checked . Official text for Florida, Fla. Stat. §§ 316.003(23), 261.03(4), external site
An electric assisted bicycle is a device with two or three wheels that has a saddle and fully operative pedals for human propulsion and an electric motor with a power output of not more than 750 watts. A Class I or Class III electric assisted bicycle has a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance at 20 or 28 miles per hour respectively, and a Class II motor may be used exclusively to propel the vehicle but is not capable of reaching 20 miles per hour. Georgia's definition of motor vehicle excludes electric assisted bicycles.
O.C.G.A. §§ 40-1-1(15.3), (33); 40-6-300, checked . Official text for Georgia, O.C.G.A. §§ 40-1-1(15.3), (33); 40-6-300, external site
Since July 15, 2026, an electric bicycle is a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of no more than seven hundred fifty watts. Class 1 assists only while pedaling and stops at 20 mph, Class 2 may propel the bicycle by the motor alone but cannot assist at 20 mph, and Class 3 assists only while pedaling, stops at 28 mph and has a speedometer. The definition does not include a high-speed electric device (motor over 750 watts and capable of more than 28 mph).
HRS § 291C-1 (as amended by Act 259, SLH 2026), checked . Official text for Hawaii, HRS § 291C-1 (as amended by Act 259, SLH 2026), external site
An electric-assisted bicycle is a bicycle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts that meets Class 1, Class 2 or Class 3. Class 1 and Class 3 assist only while the rider pedals and cease at 20 and 28 miles per hour respectively; Class 2 may propel the bicycle by itself but cannot provide assistance once it reaches 20 miles per hour.
Idaho Code § 49-106(1), checked . Official text for Idaho, Idaho Code § 49-106(1), external site
A low-speed electric bicycle is a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts that meets Class 1, Class 2 or Class 3. Class 1 and Class 3 motors provide assistance only when the rider is pedaling and cease to assist at 20 and 28 miles per hour respectively; a Class 2 motor may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle and is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches 20 miles per hour. A low-speed electric bicycle is not a moped or a motor driven cycle.
625 ILCS 5/1-140.10, checked . Official text for Illinois, 625 ILCS 5/1-140.10, external site
An electric bicycle is any bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an assistive electric motor with a power output not greater than 750 watts that meets the requirements of a Class 1, Class 2 or Class 3 electric bicycle. Class 1 and Class 3 motors provide assistance only when the operator is pedaling and cease at 20 and 28 miles per hour respectively; a Class 2 motor may be used to exclusively propel the bicycle and ceases or is unable to provide assistance at 20 miles per hour.
IC 9-13-2-49.2; IC 9-13-2-26.6; IC 9-13-2-26.7; IC 9-13-2-26.8, checked . Official text for Indiana, IC 9-13-2-49.2; IC 9-13-2-26.6; IC 9-13-2-26.7; IC 9-13-2-26.8, external site
Iowa defines a "low-speed electric bicycle" as a device having a saddle or seat for the use of a rider, two or three wheels equipped with fully operable pedals, and an electric motor of less than seven hundred fifty watts that meets one of three classes. Class 1 and Class 3 have a motor that may be used to provide assistance only when the rider is pedaling and that ceases to assist when the bicycle reaches twenty and twenty-eight miles per hour or more, respectively; Class 2 has a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle and is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches twenty miles per hour or more.
Iowa Code § 321.1(36A), checked . Official text for Iowa, Iowa Code § 321.1(36A), external site
An electric-assisted bicycle is a bicycle with two or three wheels, a saddle, fully operative pedals for human propulsion and an electric motor of less than 750 watts that meets one of three classes. Class 1 and class 3 motors assist only when the rider is pedaling and cease to assist at 20 and 28 miles per hour respectively; a class 2 motor may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle and is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches 20 miles per hour.
K.S.A. 8-1489, checked . Official text for Kansas, K.S.A. 8-1489, external site
No statewide rule found
No statewide electric bicycle definition found. Kentucky's bicycle safety standards regulation, 601 KAR 14:020, defines a bicycle as a device with an attached seat propelled primarily by human power upon which a person rides astride or upon, regardless of the number and size of the wheels in contact with the ground.
That is not the same as no rule: land managers, local governments and tracks set their own, so ask whoever manages the ground before you ride.
What we read: 601 KAR 14:020, Section 1(1), checked . Official text for Kentucky, 601 KAR 14:020, Section 1(1), external site
An electric-assisted bicycle is a bicycle with a saddle or seat for each rider, two tandem wheels either of which is sixteen inches or more in diameter or three wheels any one of which is twenty inches or more in diameter, fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than seven hundred fifty watts that meets Class one, two or three. Class one and Class three assist only when the rider is pedaling and cease at twenty and twenty-eight miles per hour respectively; a Class two motor may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle and is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches twenty miles per hour.
La. R.S. 32:1(25), checked . Official text for Louisiana, La. R.S. 32:1(25), external site
An electric bicycle is a 2-wheel or 3-wheel bicycle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts that is a Class 1, Class 2 or Class 3 electric bicycle. Class 1 and Class 3 motors provide assistance only when the rider is pedaling and cease to assist at 20 and 28 miles per hour respectively; a Class 2 motor is capable of being used exclusively to propel the bicycle but is not capable of propelling it at a speed of 20 miles per hour. A motorcycle is a motor vehicle with a seat or saddle, designed to travel with only 2 or 3 wheels of 10-inch or larger diameter in ground contact, with a motor of more than 50 cubic centimeters or an electric motor with a capacity of not less than 1,500 watts.
29-A M.R.S. § 101(22-B), (38), checked . Official text for Maine, 29-A M.R.S. § 101(22-B), (38), external site
Maryland defines an "electric bicycle" as a vehicle that is designed to be operated by human power with the assistance of an electric motor, is equipped with fully operable pedals, has two or three wheels, has a motor with a rating of 750 watts or less, and meets one of three classes. A Class 1 motor assists only when the rider is pedaling and stops assisting at 20 miles per hour; a Class 2 motor assists whether or not the rider is pedaling and stops assisting at 20 miles per hour; a Class 3 motor assists only when the rider is pedaling and stops assisting at 28 miles per hour. The off-highway recreational vehicle definition does not include an electric bicycle.
Md. Code, Transp. § 11-117.1(a), (b); § 11-140.1(b)(3), checked . Official text for Maryland, Md. Code, Transp. § 11-117.1(a), (b); § 11-140.1(b)(3), external site
Massachusetts defines an electric bicycle as a bicycle or tricycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of 750 watts or less that meets the requirements of a class 1 or class 2 electric bicycle. A class 1 electric bicycle has a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance at 20 miles per hour; a class 2 electric bicycle has a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle and is not capable of providing assistance at 20 miles per hour. The definition of motor vehicles does not include electric bicycles or motorized bicycles, and the electric bicycle section of chapter 85 takes its meaning of the term from this definition.
M.G.L. c. 90, § 1; c. 85, § 11B3/4(a), checked . Official text for Massachusetts, M.G.L. c. 90, § 1; c. 85, § 11B3/4(a), external site
Under the Michigan Vehicle Code an electric bicycle has a seat or saddle, fully operable pedals for human propulsion and an electric motor of not greater than 750 watts, and must fall within one of three classes. Class 1 and class 3 give assistance only while the rider is pedaling, class 1 cutting out at 20 mph and class 3 at 28 mph; class 2 propels the bike to no more than 20 mph whether the rider is pedaling or not.
MCL 257.13e, checked . Official text for Michigan, MCL 257.13e, external site
An electric-assisted bicycle is a bicycle with two or three wheels that has a saddle and fully operable pedals for human propulsion, meets the federal bicycle requirements in 16 C.F.R. part 1512, has an electric motor with a power output of not more than 750 watts, meets class 1, class 2, class 3 or multiple mode, and has a battery or electric drive system tested to an applicable safety standard by a third-party testing laboratory. A multiple mode electric-assisted bicycle has switchable or programmable modes that operate as two or more of those classes. Class 1 and class 3 motors assist only when the rider is pedaling and cease at 20 and 28 miles per hour respectively; a class 2 motor is capable of propelling the bicycle without pedaling and ceases to assist at 20 miles per hour. A vehicle designed, manufactured or intended by the manufacturer or seller to be configured or modified so that it does not meet those requirements is not an electric-assisted bicycle.
Minn. Stat. § 169.011, subds. 15a, 15b, 15c, 27(a)-(b), 45a, checked . Official text for Minnesota, Minn. Stat. § 169.011, subds. 15a, 15b, 15c, 27(a)-(b), 45a, external site
Mississippi defines an electric bicycle as a bicycle or tricycle equipped with fully operable pedals, a saddle or seat for the rider, and an electric motor of less than 750 watts that meets one of three classes. Class 1 and Class 3 motors provide assistance only when the rider is pedaling and cease to assist at 20 and 28 miles per hour respectively; a Class 2 motor may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle and is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches 20 miles per hour. An electric bicycle, so defined, is not a motor vehicle and is not subject to the code's provisions on financial responsibility, driver's licenses, registration, certificates of title, off-road vehicles, dirt bikes, all-terrain vehicles and license plates.
Miss. Code Ann. §§ 63-3-103(l); 63-3-1315(2), checked . Official text for Mississippi, Miss. Code Ann. §§ 63-3-103(l); 63-3-1315(2), external site
Missouri defines an electric bicycle as a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals, a saddle or seat for the rider, and an electric motor of less than 750 watts that meets one of three classes. Class 1 and Class 3 motors assist only when the rider is pedaling and cease to assist at twenty and twenty-eight miles per hour respectively; a Class 2 motor may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle and is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches twenty miles per hour.
RSMo § 301.010(15), checked . Official text for Missouri, RSMo § 301.010(15), external site
Montana defines an electrically assisted bicycle as a vehicle on which a person may ride that has two tandem wheels and an electric motor capable of propelling the vehicle and a rider who weighs 170 pounds no faster than 20 miles an hour on a paved, level surface.
Mont. Code Ann. § 61-8-102(7), checked . Official text for Montana, Mont. Code Ann. § 61-8-102(7), external site
An electric bicycle means a Class I, Class II or Class III electric bicycle. Each class is a device with two, three or four wheels, a saddle or seat for the rider, fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power, and an electric motor not exceeding seven hundred fifty watts of power that produces no more than one brake horsepower. A Class I motor only provides power when the rider is pedaling and a Class II motor is capable of providing power whether or not the rider is pedaling; both have a maximum design speed of no more than twenty miles per hour on level ground and do not provide power above twenty miles per hour. A Class III motor only provides power when the rider is pedaling, has a maximum design speed of no more than twenty-eight miles per hour on level ground and does not provide power above twenty-eight miles per hour.
Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 60-618.03, 60-614.02, 60-614.03, 60-614.04, checked . Official text for Nebraska, Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 60-618.03, 60-614.02, 60-614.03, 60-614.04, external site
Since 2021 an electric bicycle is defined in NRS 484B.017 as having fully operable pedals and a motor that produces not more than 750 watts, and meeting one of three class definitions. Nevada's moped definition leaves electric bicycles out.
NRS 484B.017 (SB 383, 2021), checked . Official text for Nevada, NRS 484B.017 (SB 383, 2021), external site
An electric bicycle is a pedaled vehicle equipped with an electric motor of less than 750 watts that falls within one of 3 classes. Class 1 and Class 3 motors provide assistance only when the rider is pedaling and cease at 20 and 28 miles per hour respectively; a Class 2 motor may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle and is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches 20 miles per hour. The OHRV definition includes any pedaled vehicle equipped with a motor that is not included in the definition of electric bicycle.
RSA 259:27-a; RSA 215-A:1, VI, checked . Official text for New Hampshire, RSA 259:27-a; RSA 215-A:1, VI, external site
Since January 19, 2026, a low-speed electric bicycle is a two-wheeled vehicle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor that assists only while the rider is pedaling and stops assisting at 20 mph. Pedal bicycles with throttle propulsion or faster assistance, up to a maximum of 28 mph on a flat surface, are defined as motorized bicycles. A two-wheeled vehicle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor capable of more than 750 watts that can exceed 28 mph is an electric motorized bicycle, which the law includes in the definition of motorcycle.
R.S.39:1-1 (as amended by P.L.2025, c.285, s.1), checked . Official text for New Jersey, R.S.39:1-1 (as amended by P.L.2025, c.285, s.1), external site
An electric-assisted bicycle is a vehicle having two or three wheels, fully operable pedals and an electric motor, in one of three classes, each with a motor not exceeding 750 watts. Class 1 and class 3 assist only when the rider is pedaling and cease at 20 and 28 miles per hour respectively; class 2 assists whether or not the rider is pedaling and ceases at 20 miles per hour. A two- or three-wheel vehicle with an electric motor for propulsion that does not meet that definition and is capable of exceeding 20 miles per hour on motor power alone is an electric mobility device.
NMSA 1978, § 66-1-4.5(A), (B), checked . Official text for New Mexico, NMSA 1978, § 66-1-4.5(A), (B), external site
A bicycle with electric assist is a bicycle no more than thirty-six inches wide with an electric motor of less than seven hundred fifty watts, operable pedals, and federal bicycle equipment compliance, and it must fit one of three classes. Class one assists only while pedaling and stops assisting at 20 mph, and class two may propel the bicycle by the motor alone but cannot assist at 20 mph. Class three exists solely within a city of one million or more people and cannot assist at 25 mph.
N.Y. Veh. & Traf. Law § 102-c, checked . Official text for New York, N.Y. Veh. & Traf. Law § 102-c, external site
Until December 1, 2026, a North Carolina electric assisted bicycle has two or three wheels, a seat or saddle, fully operable pedals for human propulsion and an electric motor of no more than 750 watts, and its maximum speed on a level surface when powered solely by the motor is no greater than 20 miles per hour. From December 1, 2026, Session Law 2026-46 replaces that speed limit: a bicycle with a motor of no more than 750 watts must meet one of three classes, class 1 assisting only while the rider is pedaling and ceasing at 20 mph, class 2 able to propel the bicycle without pedaling but ceasing at 20 mph, and class 3 assisting only while the rider is pedaling and ceasing at 28 mph.
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-4.01(7a), as rewritten by S.L. 2026-46 (H.B. 1094), s. 19(a), (f), checked . Official text for North Carolina, N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-4.01(7a), as rewritten by S.L. 2026-46 (H.B. 1094), s. 19(a), (f), external site
North Dakota defines an electric bicycle as a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals, a saddle or seat for the rider, and an electric motor of 750 or fewer watts that meets one of three classes. A class 1 motor assists only when the individual is pedaling and ceases to assist at 20 miles per hour; a class 2 motor is capable of propelling the bicycle without pedaling and ceases to assist at 20 miles per hour; a class 3 motor assists only when the individual is pedaling and ceases to assist at 28 miles per hour.
N.D.C.C. § 39-01-01(19), checked . Official text for North Dakota, N.D.C.C. § 39-01-01(19), external site
Ohio defines an electric bicycle as a class 1, class 2 or class 3 electric bicycle, each a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts. A class 1 electric bicycle provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance at 20 mph; a class 2 may provide assistance regardless of whether the rider is pedaling and is not capable of providing assistance at 20 mph; a class 3 provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases at 28 mph. Electric bicycles are excepted from the definition of motor vehicle.
ORC 4511.01(B), (SSS)-(VVV), checked . Official text for Ohio, ORC 4511.01(B), (SSS)-(VVV), external site
An electric-assisted bicycle is any bicycle with two or three wheels, fully operative pedals for human propulsion and an electric motor with a power output of not more than 750 watts that meets one of three classes. Class 1 and Class 3 motors provide assistance only when the rider is pedaling and cease to assist at 20 and 28 miles per hour respectively; a Class 2 motor may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle and is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches 20 miles per hour.
47 O.S. § 1-104(B), checked . Official text for Oklahoma, 47 O.S. § 1-104(B), external site
An electric assisted bicycle is a bicycle, which must be equipped with pedals and travel with not more than three wheels on the ground, that has an electric motor and is a Class 1, Class 2 or Class 3 electric assisted bicycle. Class 1 assists only while the rider pedals and Class 2 may be propelled by its motor without pedaling, both ceasing at 20 miles per hour; Class 3 assists only while the rider pedals, ceases at 28 miles per hour and must have a speedometer.
ORS 801.258(1)-(4); ORS 801.150(3), (6), checked . Official text for Oregon, ORS 801.258(1)-(4); ORS 801.150(3), (6), external site
Pennsylvania's electric bicycle, the pedalcycle with electric assist, weighs not more than 100 pounds, has two or three wheels more than 11 inches in diameter, an electric motor system rated at not more than 750 watts and operable pedals, and is capable of a speed of not more than 20 mph on a level surface when powered by the motor alone; the term does not include a device specifically designed for use by persons with disabilities. The law counts it as a pedalcycle. Separately, the Vehicle Code defines a motorized pedalcycle to include an electric motor-driven cycle equipped with operable pedals and an automatic transmission, powered by an electric battery or battery pack-powered electric motor, with a maximum design speed of no more than 25 mph.
75 Pa.C.S. § 102, checked . Official text for Pennsylvania, 75 Pa.C.S. § 102, external site
An "electric motorized bicycle", also called an "electric bicycle", is a two-wheel vehicle that may be propelled by human power or electric motor power, or by both, with an electric motor rated not more than two (S.A.E.) horsepower, that is capable of a maximum speed of not more than 28 miles per hour. There are three classes: Class 1 and Class 3 have a motor that assists only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to assist at 20 and 28 miles per hour respectively; Class 2 has a throttle-actuated motor that ceases to assist at 20 miles per hour.
R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 31-1-3(g), 31-19.7-1, checked . Official text for Rhode Island, R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 31-1-3(g), 31-19.7-1, external site
Electric-assist bicycles" and "bicycles with helper motors" are low-speed electrically assisted bicycles with two or three wheels, each having fully operable pedals and an electric motor of no more than 750 watts, or one horsepower, and a top motor-powered speed of less than twenty miles an hour when operated by a rider weighing one hundred seventy pounds on a paved level surface. They must meet 16 C.F.R. Part 1512 and operate so that the electric motor disengages or ceases to function when the brakes are applied or the rider stops pedaling. The definition says they are not mopeds; a moped is a cycle, defined as a motor vehicle, with or without pedals, whose electric motor is designed to have an input exceeding 750 watts and no more than 1500 watts.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-1-10(26), (29), checked . Official text for South Carolina, S.C. Code Ann. § 56-1-10(26), (29), external site
An electric bicycle is a bicycle or a tricycle equipped with a seat or saddle, with operable pedals for propulsion, and with an electric motor of seven hundred fifty watts or less. Class I and Class III motors provide assistance only when the person is pedaling and cease at twenty and twenty-eight miles per hour respectively; a Class II motor is capable of propelling the bicycle without the person pedaling and ceases to provide assistance at twenty miles per hour.
SDCL 32-20B-9, checked . Official text for South Dakota, SDCL 32-20B-9, external site
Tennessee defines an electric bicycle as a device with two or three wheels, any of which is 20 inches or more in diameter, fully operable pedals for human propulsion and an electric motor of less than 750 watts, that meets one of three classes. Class 1 assists only when the rider is pedaling and stops assisting at 20 mph; Class 2 has a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle and is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches 20 mph; Class 3 assists only when the rider is pedaling and stops assisting at 28 mph.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-8-301(1)-(4), checked . Official text for Tennessee, Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-8-301(1)-(4), external site
An electric bicycle has fully operable pedals, an electric motor of fewer than 750 watts, and a top assisted speed of 28 mph or less. Makers and sellers must label each one with its class, top assisted speed and motor wattage, and anyone who changes its speed capability must replace that label.
Tex. Transp. Code §§ 664.001(4), 664.002, checked . Official text for Texas, Tex. Transp. Code §§ 664.001(4), 664.002, external site
An electric assisted bicycle has an electric motor of not more than 750 watts, fully operable pedals on cranks fitted at original manufacture, works as a bicycle without the motor, and is a class 1, 2 or 3 or a programmable electric assisted bicycle.
Utah Code 41-6a-102 (electric assisted bicycle), checked . Official text for Utah, Utah Code 41-6a-102 (electric assisted bicycle), external site
An electric bicycle is a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals, a saddle or seat for the rider, and an electric motor of less than 750 watts that meets one of three classes. Class 1 and Class 3 motors assist only when the rider is pedaling and cease to assist at 20 and 28 miles per hour respectively; a Class 2 motor may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle and is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches 20 miles per hour.
23 V.S.A. § 4(46)(A), checked . Official text for Vermont, 23 V.S.A. § 4(46)(A), external site
Virginia defines an electric power-assisted bicycle as a vehicle that travels on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground and is equipped with pedals that allow propulsion by human power, a seat for the rider, and an electric motor with an input of no more than 750 watts. Class one assists only when the rider is pedaling and class two has a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle, both ceasing to assist at 20 miles per hour; class three assists only when the rider is pedaling and ceases at 28 miles per hour. An electric power-assisted bicycle is not subject to the Code's provisions on driver's licenses, registration, certificates of title, financial responsibility, off-highway motorcycles, and license plates.
Va. Code § 46.2-100 ("Electric power-assisted bicycle"); § 46.2-904.1(B), checked . Official text for Virginia, Va. Code § 46.2-100 ("Electric power-assisted bicycle"); § 46.2-904.1(B), external site
An electric-assisted bicycle has two or three wheels, a saddle, fully operative pedals and an electric motor of no more than 750 watts, and must fit Class 1 or 2 (assistance ends at 20 mph) or Class 3 (pedal assist ending at 28 mph, with a speedometer). Since June 11, 2026 the definition excludes any vehicle capable of exceeding 20 mph on its electric motor alone. It also excludes any vehicle designed or intended by its maker or seller to be easily configured, by a switch, a software setting or an app, so that it no longer meets those requirements.
RCW 46.04.169(1), (2) (as amended by 2026 c 159 § 2), checked . Official text for Washington, RCW 46.04.169(1), (2) (as amended by 2026 c 159 § 2), external site
An electric bicycle is a two or three wheeled vehicle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of fewer than 750 watts. Class 1 and Class 3 motors provide assistance only when the rider is pedaling and cease at 20 mph and 28 mph respectively; a Class 2 motor may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle and is not capable of providing assistance when the e-bike reaches 20 mph. If a motor is modified so that one of these limits is exceeded, the vehicle is no longer an electric bicycle; that subsection does not apply to a modified electric bicycle operated solely and exclusively on a person's own property.
W. Va. Code §§ 17C-1-70, 17C-11-8(c), checked . Official text for West Virginia, W. Va. Code §§ 17C-1-70, 17C-11-8(c), external site
An electric bicycle is a bicycle equipped with fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power and an electric motor of 750 watts or less that meets Class 1, Class 2 or Class 3. Class 1 and Class 3 motors provide assistance only when the rider is pedaling and cease to provide assistance at 20 and 28 miles per hour respectively; a Class 2 may be powered solely by the motor and is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches 20 miles per hour.
Wis. Stat. § 340.01(15ph), checked . Official text for Wisconsin, Wis. Stat. § 340.01(15ph), external site
An electric bicycle is a bicycle or tricycle with fully operable pedals, a seat or saddle and an electric motor of less than 750 watts that meets one of three classes. Class 1 and Class 3 motors assist only when the rider is pedaling and cease at 20 and 28 miles per hour respectively; a Class 2 motor may propel the bicycle without pedaling and is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches 20 miles per hour.
W.S. 31-1-101(a)(xxxiv), checked . Official text for Wyoming, W.S. 31-1-101(a)(xxxiv), external site
A maker's figure is what the maker printed for the bike as sold. Modes, firmware, gearing and the battery fitted can change what a bike does, and states word their tests differently: some count the motor's rated power, some its maximum, some the speed on motor power alone. The state's text, and the agency that enforces it, decide. Ask them before you ride anywhere public.
For one state's full answers on permits, helmets, young riders and roads, open its page from the E-Moto Hub, or use the before-you-ride checker.
Bike figures are re-read when a maker publishes a new manual; state answers carry their own check dates.
