Arkansas e-bike regulations
Arkansas adopted the three-class e-bike system through the Electric Bicycle Act (Act 956 of 2017). No license, registration or insurance is required. Class 3 operators must be at least 16, and riders under 21 on a Class 3 must wear a helmet. State parks allow Class 1 on all trails open to bicycles.
Overview
The Arkansas Electric Bicycle Act, codified at Ark. Code Ann. §§ 27-51-1701 to 27-51-1706, treats compliant electric bicycles like bicycles rather than motor vehicles. No driver license, registration, title, or motor-vehicle insurance is required for any class.
Class 3 e-bikes may only be operated by riders 16 and older, and any operator or passenger under 21 must wear a helmet. In Arkansas State Parks, Class 1 e-bikes are allowed on all trails open to bicycles; Class 2 and Class 3 access is more limited under the Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism rules.
Arkansas statutes
Electric Bicycle Act — definitions and three-class system
Ark. Code Ann. § 27-51-1702
Defines Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3 electric bicycles.
Arkansas Code (Justia)Arkansas classifies electric bicycles into three classes mirroring the national model law. Class 1 provides assistance only while pedaling and ceases assist above 20 mph. Class 2 may be propelled by a throttle alone and also ceases assist above 20 mph. Class 3 provides pedal-assist, ceases assist above 28 mph, and must have a speedometer.
Bicycle rules apply to electric bicycles
Ark. Code Ann. § 27-51-1703
E-bikes get the same rights and duties as bicycles and need no registration or insurance.
Arkansas Code (Justia)Except as otherwise provided in the Electric Bicycle Act, a person operating an electric bicycle has all the rights and duties of a bicycle rider under Arkansas traffic law, and electric bicycles are not required to be registered, titled, licensed, or insured as motor vehicles.
Rules for Class 3 electric bicycles
Ark. Code Ann. § 27-51-1706
Class 3 operators must be 16 or older; riders and passengers under 21 must wear a helmet.
Arkansas Code (Justia)A person may not operate a Class 3 electric bicycle unless he or she is at least sixteen (16) years of age. A person under twenty-one (21) years of age operating or riding as a passenger on a Class 3 electric bicycle must wear a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet.
State park trail access for e-bikes
22 CAR § 50-122 (Parks Directive 3097)
Class 1 is allowed on all state park trails open to bicycles; Class 2 and 3 access is limited.
Code of Arkansas RulesAll Class 1 pedal-assist bicycles are allowed on all Arkansas State Park trails designated for bicycles, including mountain bike trails, paved and unpaved multi-use trails, and ATV/off-road motorcycle trails. Class 2 and Class 3 electric bicycles have more limited access, generally only on trails also open to motorized vehicles, unless otherwise posted.
Arkansas government links
Last verified 2026-09-06
Arkansas meeting calendar (state, county & city)
September 2026
Showing Wed, Sep 9, 2026 — tap the day again for the whole month
City Council Meeting
Springdale City Council · City council
Wed, Sep 9, 2026
City Council Meeting
Arkansas meetings on e-bikes
No e-bike meetings recorded for this area yet.
Federal delegation
John Boozman
U.S. Senator • Republican
555 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510
Tom Cotton
U.S. Senator • Republican
326 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510
Rick Crawford
U.S. Representative • District 1 • Republican
2422 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515
French Hill
U.S. Representative • District 2 • Republican
Steve Womack
U.S. Representative • District 3 • Republican
Bruce Westerman
U.S. Representative • District 4 • Republican
State officials
Sarah Huckabee Sanders
Governor • Republican
500 Woodlane Street, Little Rock, AR 72201
Arkansas Department of Transportation
State DOT
10324 Interstate 30, Little Rock, AR 72209
Ricky Hill
State Senator — Chair, Senate Transportation, Technology and Legislative Affairs Committee • District 11 • Republican
Mike Holcomb
State Representative — Chair, House Committee on Public Transportation • Republican