Michigan e-bike regulations
Michigan defines and regulates electric bicycles under the Michigan Vehicle Code (Act 300 of 1949), using a three-class system. E-bikes are generally treated like conventional bicycles, not motor vehicles, and are allowed on roads and many trails; Class 3 riders under 18 must wear a helmet. In 2024 the DNR expanded e-bike access on state-managed trails.
Overview
Michigan regulates electric bicycles under its state vehicle code. Statewide statutes below set the baseline for every county, city and school district in Michigan. 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.
Michigan statutes
Electric bicycle defined
MCL 257.13e
Defines 'electric bicycle' and establishes the Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 categories based on motor assistance type and top assisted speed (750-watt motor limit).
Michigan LegislatureElectric bicycle; rights, labeling, operation on highways and trails
MCL 257.662a
Establishes that e-bike riders have the rights and duties of bicyclists, requires manufacturer classification labels, prohibits tampering with the motor or labeling, restricts Class 3 e-bikes to riders 14 and older, and addresses where each class may be operated.
Michigan LegislatureCrash helmet required for low-speed vehicle operators
MCL 257.658b
Requires operators and riders of low-speed vehicles to wear a crash helmet meeting Michigan State Police standards, with statutory exceptions.
Michigan LegislatureRiding on seat of bicycle, motorcycle, moped or similar device; helmet requirements
MCL 257.658
Governs proper seating and riding position on bicycles and similar devices and sets helmet requirements for certain riders and device types.
Michigan LegislatureOperating and maintaining state trails; electric bicycle operation requirements
MCL 324.72105
Authorizes the DNR to operate and maintain trails on state land and sets requirements and exceptions for electric bicycle operation on those trails.
Michigan LegislatureDNR Land Use Order expanding e-bike access on state trails
DNR Director's Land Use Order Amendment, Aug. 2024
DNR policy change effective August 8, 2024 expanding allowable e-bike operation to additional state-managed trail types beyond previously improved-surface trails and roads.
Michigan DNR
Michigan government links
Last verified 2026-09-07
Michigan meeting calendar (state, county & city)
No scheduled meetings recorded yet.
Michigan meetings on e-bikes
No e-bike meetings recorded for this area yet.
Federal delegation
Gary Peters
United States Senator • Democratic
477 Michigan Avenue, Suite 1837, Detroit, MI 48226
Elissa Slotkin
United States Senator • Democratic
State officials
Gretchen Whitmer
Governor of Michigan • Democratic
Bradley C. Wieferich, P.E.
Director, Michigan Department of Transportation
Erika Geiss
Chair, Senate Transportation and Infrastructure Committee • Democratic
Pat Outman
Chair, House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee • Republican