Montana e-bike regulations
Montana law does not adopt the federal three-tier (Class 1/2/3) e-bike framework. Instead, MCA 61-8-102 and related sections define a single-tier 'electrically assisted bicycle' as a two- or three-wheeled vehicle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 1000 watts that cannot propel a 170-lb rider faster than 20 mph on level ground. Such vehicles are excluded from definitions of motor vehicle, moped, and off-highway vehicle, and generally may be operated where traditional bicycles are allowed, subject to local trail/path restrictions.
Overview
Montana regulates electric bicycles under its state vehicle code. Statewide statutes below set the baseline for every county, city and school district in Montana. 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.
Montana statutes
Definitions - Electrically Assisted Bicycle
MCA 61-8-102(7)
Defines 'electrically assisted bicycle' as a two- or three-wheeled device with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 1000 watts that cannot propel the device at more than 20 mph on level ground.
Electrically assisted bicycle means a vehicle with two or three wheels, fully operable pedals, and an electric motor of less than 1,000 watts that meets the requirements of one of the following classes: the vehicle's motor ceases to provide assistance when the vehicle reaches a speed of 20 miles per hour.Montana Code AnnotatedElectrically Assisted Bicycles Excluded from Motor Vehicle, Moped, and OHV Definitions
MCA 61-8-102; 61-1-101; 23-2-801
Electrically assisted bicycles are excluded from the statutory definitions of 'motor vehicle,' 'moped,' and 'off-highway vehicle,' meaning they generally do not require registration, licensing, or insurance as motor vehicles.
The term 'motor vehicle' does not include an electrically assisted bicycle; the term 'off-highway vehicle' does not include an electrically assisted bicycle.Montana Legislature - 2021 HB 300 / MCARegulations for Motorized Scooters and Related Amendments
2023 Session Law amending 61-1-101, 61-3-317, 61-8-102, 61-8-601 to 61-8-609, 61-9-417 MCA
2023 act revising transportation laws, defining 'motorized scooter,' and amending several sections including the bicycle/electrically assisted bicycle definitions and operating rules.
AN ACT REVISING TRANSPORTATION LAWS; DEFINING MOTORIZED SCOOTER; PROVIDING REGULATIONS FOR MOTORIZED SCOOTERS; AND AMENDING SECTIONS 61-1-101, 61-3-317, 61-8-102, 61-8-601, 61-8-602, 61-8-603, 61-8-604, 61-8-606, 61-8-607, 61-8-608, 61-8-609, AND 61-9-417, MCA.Montana LegislatureSB 387 - Adopt Three-Class E-Bike Framework (Died in Committee)
2025 SB 387
Proposed bill that would have adopted the federal three-class (Class 1/2/3) e-bike framework in Montana; the bill died in 2025 and was not enacted.
Bill proposing to revise Montana's electrically assisted bicycle law to create a three-tier classification system consistent with the federal model; failed to pass during the 2025 legislative session.Montana LegislatureHB 261 - Electrically Assisted Bicycle Regulations (2023)
2023 HB 261
Bill revising laws related to bicycles, providing regulations for electrically assisted bicycles, and excluding them from definitions of off-highway vehicle, moped, and motor vehicle.
AN ACT revising laws related to bicycles; providing regulations for electrically assisted bicycles; excluding electrically assisted bicycles from the definitions of 'off-highway vehicle', 'moped', and 'Motor vehicle'; revising the definition of 'electrically assisted bicycle'.Montana Legislature Archive
Montana government links
Last verified 2026-09-07
Montana meeting calendar (state, county & city)
No scheduled meetings recorded yet.
Montana meetings on e-bikes
No e-bike meetings recorded for this area yet.
Federal delegation
Steve Daines
United States Senator • Republican
Tim Sheehy
United States Senator • Republican
State officials
Greg Gianforte
Governor • Republican
Chris Dorrington
Director, Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) — departing Oct. 1, 2026
2701 Prospect Ave, PO Box 201001, Helena, MT 59620-1001