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A person on an e-bike on a paved path on a sunny day with green grass in the background
An electric bicycle (or e-bike) is a bicycle that has a small rechargeable electric motor that can give a boost to the pedaling rider or can take over pedaling completely. To qualify as an e-bike in Michigan, the bike must meet the following requirements:
- It must have a seat or saddle for the rider to sit.
- There must be fully operational pedals.
- It must have an electric motor of no more than 750 watts (or 1 horsepower).
Whether you can ride an e-bicycle on a trail depends on several factors, including the e-bike's class, the type of trail and whether the authority that manages or oversees the trail allows the use.
E-bike classes
E-bikes are separated into three classes based on several attributes. A permanent label must be affixed on the e-bike that accurately identifies its class type. After purchase, if the bike is altered in a way that changes its class type, a new label meeting the legal criteria must be affixed that accurately identifies the new class type.
Graphic with one lightening bolt showing class 1 e-bike
Class 1
Equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and disengages or ceases to function when the bike reaches a speed of 20 miles per hour.
Graphic with two lightening bolts showing class 2 e-bike
Class 2
Equipped with a motor that propels the bike,whether the rider is pedaling or not, to a speed of no more than 20 miles per hour, and disengages or ceases to function when the brakes are applied or throttle is released. Has throttle and peddle assist.
Graphic with three lightening bolts showing class 3 e-bike
Class 3
Equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and disengages or ceases to function when the bike reaches a speed of 28 miles per hour.
What's required for each class
| Class 1 | Class 2 | Class 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum age to operate | None | None | 14 |
| Rider required to wear helmet | No | No | Yes if ages 14-18 |
| Rider must pedal for motor to engage | Yes | No | Yes |
| Maximum speed for motor assist | 20 | 20 | 28 |
Where you can ride different classes of e-bikes
| Class 1 | Class 2 | Class 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allowed on roads and bike lanes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Allowed on linear paved trails | Yes, but can be regulated | No | No |
| Allowed on nonmotorized, natural surface trails (i.e. mountain bike trails) | No, but can be authorized | No, but can be authorized | No |
| Allowed on motorized, natural surface trails (such as ORV trails) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
City, county and state roads
Class 1, 2 and 3 e-bikes
You can ride all three classes of e-bikes on all roads where a non-electric bicycle can be ridden. Additionally, you may operate an e-bike on any part of a highway that is open to a bicycle, including, but not limited to, a lane designated for the exclusive use of bicycles on the shoulder.
Michigan's linear and rail trails
Class 1 e-bikes
You may operate a class 1 e-bike on a rail trail (or linear trail) that has an asphalt or crushed limestone (or similar) surface unless otherwise prohibited. A local authority or agency of the state who has jurisdiction may regulate or prohibit the operation of class 1 e-bikes on that trail.
Examples of linear trails where you can ride a class 1 e-bike include:
- Polly Ann State Rail Trail
- Musketawa Trail
- Fred Meijer White Pine Trail State Park
- North Central State Trail
- Iron Ore Heritage Trail
- William Field Memorial Hart-Montague Trail State Park
Class 2 and 3 e-bikes
You may NOT operate a class 2 or class 3 e-bike on a linear trail or a rail trail unless authorized by the local authority or agency of the state having jurisdiction over the trail.
Michigan's natural surface trails
Class 1, 2 and 3 e-bikes
Natural surface trails are trails designated as nonmotorized. Many hiking and mountain biking trails fall into this category. No e-bikes are permitted on these trails unless the authority having jurisdiction over the trail has authorized this use.
Additional information
For a full definition of the laws surrounding e-bikes in Michigan, please view section 257.662a of the Michigan Vehicle Code.
