Comprehensive Guide to E-bike Speed Limits Across the U.S.

By WIND ONEApr 3, 2025

Introduction

Electric bikes (e-bikes) have become an increasingly popular mode of transportation in the U.S., offering an eco-friendly, cost-effective, and efficient alternative to traditional bikes and motor vehicles. However, e-bike riders must comply with local laws to avoid fines and ensure road safety. Understanding speed limits and regulations by state is crucial for responsible riding.

What Are E-bike Speed Limits?

E-bike Classifications

E-bikes are categorized into three classes based on their maximum speed and pedal-assist functionality:

Class 1: Pedal-assist only, no throttle, maximum speed of 20 mph.
Class 2: Throttle-assisted with a max speed of 20 mph.
Class 3: Pedal-assist only, up to 28 mph, often restricted from bike paths.

Most states regulate e-bike usage based on these classifications, though local variations exist.

State-by-State Speed Regulations

California

Class 1 & 2: 20 mph limit
Class 3: 28 mph limit, banned from multi-use paths unless permitted
Riders under 18 must wear helmets for Class 3 e-bikes

Texas

No license required
Maximum speed: 28 mph for Class 3
Allowed on roads and bike paths unless restricted by local ordinances

Florida

Max speed: 20 mph for all classes
No registration or licensing required
Allowed on bike paths unless locally restricted

Washington

Class 1 & 2: 20 mph
Class 3: 28 mph, prohibited on sidewalks
Specific rules for trail access

(For a full list of states, refer to the comprehensive table below.)

Table: E-bike Speed Limits by State

State	Max Speed	Classification System	Helmet Requirement	Age Restriction	Road/Trail Restrictions	License/Registration
Alabama	20 mph	No	No	No	Based on local regulations	No
Alaska	20 mph	No	No	No	Not allowed on bike/multi-use paths	No
Arizona	Class 1 & 2: 20 mph, Class 3: 28 mph	Yes	No	No	Class 3 restricted on bike paths	No
Arkansas	Class 1 & 2: 20 mph, Class 3: 28 mph	Yes	No	No	Class 3 restricted on bike paths	No
California	Class 1 & 2: 20 mph, Class 3: 28 mph	Yes	Helmet required for Class 3 (<18)	No	Class 3 restricted on bike paths	No
Colorado	Class 1 & 2: 20 mph, Class 3: 28 mph	Yes	No	No	Class 3 restricted on bike paths	No
Connecticut	Class 1 & 2: 20 mph, Class 3: 28 mph	Yes	Helmet required for all (<16)	No	Class 3 restricted on bike paths	No
Delaware	Class 1 & 2: 20 mph, Class 3: 28 mph	Yes	No	No	Class 3 restricted on bike paths	No
Florida	20 mph	No	No	No	Allowed on bike paths	No
Georgia	Class 1 & 2: 20 mph, Class 3: 28 mph	Yes	No	15 (Class 3)	Class 3 restricted on bike paths	No
Hawaii	20 mph	No	No	No	Based on local regulations	No
Idaho	Class 1 & 2: 20 mph, Class 3: 28 mph	Yes	No	No	Class 3 restricted on bike paths	No
Illinois	Class 1 & 2: 20 mph, Class 3: 28 mph	Yes	No	No	Class 3 restricted on bike paths	No
Indiana	Class 1 & 2: 20 mph, Class 3: 28 mph	Yes	No	No	Class 3 restricted on bike paths	No
Iowa	20 mph	No	No	No	Based on local regulations	No
Kansas	Class 1 & 2: 20 mph, Class 3: 28 mph	Yes	No	No	Class 3 restricted on bike paths	No
Kentucky	Class 1 & 2: 20 mph, Class 3: 28 mph	Yes	No	No	Class 3 restricted on bike paths	No
Louisiana	Class 1 & 2: 20 mph, Class 3: 28 mph	Yes	No	12 (Class 3)	Class 3 restricted on bike paths	No
Maine	Class 1 & 2: 20 mph, Class 3: 28 mph	Yes	Helmet required for all (<16)	16 (Class 2 & 3)	Class 3 restricted on bike paths	No
Maryland	Class 1 & 2: 20 mph, Class 3: 28 mph	Yes	Helmet required for all (<16)	16 (Class 3)	Class 3 restricted on bike paths	No
Massachusetts	25 mph	No	Required	16	Not allowed on bike paths	Yes
Michigan	Class 1 & 2: 20 mph, Class 3: 28 mph	Yes	Helmet required for Class 3 (<18)	14 (Class 3)	Class 2 & 3 restricted on bike paths	No
Minnesota	20 mph	No	No	15	Not allowed on bike paths	No
Mississippi	20 mph	No	No	No	Allowed on bike paths	No
Missouri	30 mph	No	No	16	Based on local regulations	Yes
Montana	20 mph	No	No	No	Allowed on bike/multi-use paths	No
Nebraska	20 mph	No	No	No	Allowed on bike paths	No
Nevada	20 mph	Yes	Same as traditional bikes	No	Allowed on bike/multi-use paths	No
New Hampshire	Class 1 & 2: 20 mph, Class 3: 28 mph	Yes	Helmet required for Class 3 (<18)	18 (Class 3)	Class 3 restricted on bike paths	No
New Jersey	Class 1 & 2: 20 mph, Class 3: 28 mph	Yes	No	15 (Class 3)	Class 3 restricted on bike paths	No
New Mexico	30 mph	No	No	15	Based on local regulations	Yes
New York	Class 1 & 2: 20 mph, Class 3: 25 mph	Yes	No	No	Allowed on certain bike paths	No
North Carolina	20 mph	No	No	16	Allowed on most bike paths	No
North Dakota	20 mph	No	No	14	Varies by city	Yes
Ohio	Class 1 & 2: 20 mph, Class 3: 28 mph	Yes	Helmet required for Class 3	No	Allowed on bike paths	No
Oklahoma	Class 1 & 2: 20 mph, Class 3: 28 mph	Yes	Helmet required for Class 3	16 (Class 3)	Class 3 restricted on bike paths	No
Oregon	20 mph	No	No	16	Allowed on bike paths	No
Pennsylvania	20 mph	No	No	No	Based on local regulations	No*
Rhode Island	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
South Carolina	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
South Dakota	20-28 mph	Yes	No	No	Class 3 restricted on bike paths	No
Tennessee	20-28 mph	Yes	No	No	Class 3 restricted on bike paths	No
Texas	20-28 mph	Yes	No	No	Class 3 restricted on bike paths	No
Utah	20-28 mph	Yes	No	No	Class 3 restricted on bike paths	No
Vermont	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Age Restrictions & Additional Rules

Age Requirements

Many states require riders to be at least 16 years old for Class 3 e-bikes.
Some states impose helmet laws for riders under 18.

Sidewalk & Roadway Restrictions

Many states restrict Class 3 e-bikes from sidewalks and multi-use paths.
Local jurisdictions may impose additional rules.

Why Compliance Matters

Legal Consequences

Fines or penalties for exceeding speed limits
Potential revocation of riding privileges in certain jurisdictions

Safety Benefits

Reducing accident risks by adhering to speed limits
Enhancing pedestrian and cyclist safety on shared paths

FAQs

What is the legal top speed for an e-bike?

Most states cap e-bike speeds at 20 mph (Class 1 & 2) or 28 mph (Class 3).

Can an e-bike go faster than 28 mph?

Some modified e-bikes can exceed this limit, but doing so may reclassify them as mopeds or motorcycles, requiring registration and insurance.

Do I need a license for an e-bike?

Most states do not require a license, but some may impose age or helmet restrictions.

Are e-bikes allowed on bike paths?

Rules vary by state and city; check local ordinances for specific regulations.

Conclusion

Understanding and following e-bike speed limits ensures both legal compliance and safety. Always check your state’s specific laws before riding to avoid fines and promote a responsible riding experience.