Kentucky e-bike regulations
Kentucky has no statewide three-class e-bike statute. Bicycles, including e-bikes, are generally treated as vehicles under KRS Chapter 189, with bicycle safety equipment standards set by KRS 189.287 and 601 KAR 14:020. KRS 189.289 regulates electric low-speed scooters (age 16+), which is a separate device category from e-bikes.
Overview
Kentucky regulates electric bicycles under its state vehicle code. Statewide statutes below set the baseline for every county, city and school district in Kentucky. Local governments may adopt stricter rules for trails, sidewalks, beaches and campus property.
What riders should know
- Confirm your bike's class (1, 2 or 3) — most rules key off class.
- Helmet and minimum age rules often differ by class and by locality.
- Trail, path and sidewalk access is frequently set at the county or city level.
Kentucky statutes
Bicycle safety equipment standards
KRS 189.287 (601 KAR 14:020)
Directs the Transportation Cabinet to promulgate administrative regulations establishing safety standards and equipment requirements for bicycles operated on Kentucky highways.
Kentucky LegislatureElectric low-speed scooters
KRS 189.289
Regulates electric low-speed scooters, requiring operators to be at least 16 years old and applying bicycle rules of the road; this section governs scooters rather than electric bicycles.
Kentucky Legislature
Kentucky government links
Last verified 2026-09-07
Kentucky meeting calendar (state, county & city)
No scheduled meetings recorded yet.
Kentucky meetings on e-bikes
No e-bike meetings recorded for this area yet.
Federal delegation
Mitch McConnell
United States Senator • Republican
Rand Paul
United States Senator • Republican
State officials
Andy Beshear
Governor of Kentucky • Democratic
Rebecca Goodman
Secretary, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet