Maryland e-bike regulations
Maryland regulates electric bicycles under the Transportation Article, adopting a three-class system (Class 1, 2, 3) enacted in 2019. E-bikes are generally treated like bicycles and allowed wherever bicycles are permitted, subject to local trail restrictions set by counties and municipalities.
Overview
Maryland regulates electric bicycles under its state vehicle code. Statewide statutes below set the baseline for every county, city and school district in Maryland. 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.
Maryland statutes
Electric Bicycle - Definition
Md. Code, Transportation § 11-117.1
Defines 'electric bicycle' as a vehicle with two or three wheels, fully operable pedals, human power with electric motor assist, a motor rating of 750 watts or less, meeting Class 1, 2, or 3 criteria.
“Electric bicycle” means a vehicle that: (1) Is designed to be operated by human power with the assistance of an electric motor; (2) Is equipped with fully operable pedals; (3) Has two or three wheels; (4) Has a motor with a rating of 750 watts or less; and (5) Meets one of the requirements of subsection (b) of this section establishing Class 1, 2, and 3 electric bicycles.Maryland General AssemblyVehicle Laws - Electric Bicycles - Equipment and Operation
2019 Md. Laws ch. 63 (H.B. 939) / ch. 64 (S.B. 935)
Established the three-class system for electric bicycles, clarified that electric bicycles are not off-highway recreational vehicles, and allowed electric bicycles to operate wherever bicycles are allowed, subject to certain restrictions.
Maryland General Assembly - Session Laws
Maryland government links
Last verified 2026-09-07
Maryland meeting calendar (state, county & city)
No scheduled meetings recorded yet.
Maryland meetings on e-bikes
No e-bike meetings recorded for this area yet.
Federal delegation
Chris Van Hollen
United States Senator • Democratic
730 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510
Angela Alsobrooks
United States Senator • Democratic
State officials
Wes Moore
Governor of Maryland • Democratic
Kathryn B. Thomson
Secretary, Maryland Department of Transportation
7201 Corporate Center Drive, Hanover, MD 21076