E-Bikes and the Law
Wisconsin Electric Bicycles Laws
A driver's license is required
No insurance, state registration or vehicle licensing is required
Electric bicycles must have fully operational pedals
The power output must be less than 750 Watts
The top speed on level ground must be less than 20 mph when the electric motor is engaged
Local registration and operation laws and statues may apply
California Electric Bicycle Laws
A driver's license is not required
No insurance, state registration or vehicle licensing is required
The rider must be 16 years of age
The rider must wear a bicycle helmet
Electric bicycles must have fully operational pedals
The power output must be less than 1000 Watts
The top speed on level ground must be less than 20mph when the electric motor is engaged
The electric motor must disengage when the brakes are applied or the throttle is released
Local registration and operation laws and statues may apply
Washington Electric Bicycle Laws
A driver's license is not required
No insurance, state registration or vehicle licensing is required
The rider must be 16 years of age
The rider must wear a bicycle helmet
The power output must be less than 1000 Watts
The top speed on level ground must be less than 20 mph when the electric motor is engaged
Local registration and operation laws and statues may apply
For more detailed e-bike law information take a look at this wikipedia article on Electric Bike Laws
* EnergE-Bikes Disclaimer *
Your e-bike should be tuned and inspected before riding it for the first time and then periodically by a professional e-bike or bicycle technician. Please operate your e-bike safely. Wear a helmet, obey all the rules of the road and be alert for other traffic. Read the Owner’s Manual. Be careful to follow the manual instructions closely when operating your e-bike and charging the Lithium-ion battery. We are not experts on all the topics covered here. We have tried to provide the most accurate and up to date information that we can find. E-bikes are new and the laws and technology are changing rapidly. We suggest you contact your DMV, local police department or local municipality if you have questions about the laws regarding e-bikes in your area.