New Hampshire e-bike regulations
New Hampshire defines and regulates electric bicycles under RSA 259:27-a (definitions, Class 1-3) and RSA 265:144-a (rules of the road), generally treating e-bikes as bicycles subject to certain age, helmet, and equipment restrictions for Class 3 e-bikes.
Overview
New Hampshire regulates electric bicycles under its state vehicle code. Statewide statutes below set the baseline for every county, city and school district in New Hampshire. 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.
New Hampshire statutes
Electric Bicycle - Definitions
RSA 259:27-a
Defines 'electric bicycle' as a pedaled vehicle equipped with an electric motor of less than 750 watts, categorized into Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 electric bicycles based on motor assistance and speed characteristics.
259:27-a Electric Bicycle. "Electric bicycle" shall mean a pedaled vehicle equipped with an electric motor of less than 750 watts that falls within one of the following 3 classes: I. "Class 1 electric bicycle" shall mean a pedaled vehicle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour.New Hampshire General Court - RSAElectric Bicycles - Rules of the Road
RSA 265:144-a
Provides that electric bicycles and their operators are afforded the same rights and privileges, and subject to the same duties, as bicycles and bicycle operators, with certain exceptions for Class 3 e-bikes (e.g., minimum age, helmet requirements).
265:144-a Electric Bicycles. I. Except as otherwise provided in this section, electric bicycles and operators of electric bicycles shall be afforded all the rights and privileges, and shall be subject to all of the duties, of a bicycle or the operator of a bicycle. An electric bicycle is a vehicle to the same extent as a bicycle. II. [additional class-specific restrictions apply].New Hampshire General Court - RSARelative to Electric Bicycles, Electric Scooters, and Electric Unicycles
HB 1445 (2024)
Proposed bill that would have modified requirements for operation and equipment for all classes of electric bicycles and required the division of motor vehicles to study related issues; introduced 12/06/2023, died 06/28/2024.
BillTrack50 / New Hampshire General CourtRelative to Personal Electric Vehicles (PEVs)
HB 1543-FN (2024)
Proposed 2024 bill relative to personal electric vehicles (PEVs), referred to the House Transportation Committee.
NHLA Bill Review / New Hampshire General CourtRelative to the Sale or Use of Lithium-Ion Batteries for Electric Bicycles, Scooters, or Personal Electric Mobility Devices
SB 365 (2024)
Proposed bill that would prohibit the sale, manufacture, or distribution of lithium-ion batteries and electric scooters in New Hampshire unless certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory.
NHLA Bill Review / New Hampshire General Court
New Hampshire government links
Last verified 2026-09-07
New Hampshire meeting calendar (state, county & city)
September 2026
Showing Thu, Sep 10, 2026 — tap the day again for the whole month
Board of Commissioners Meeting
Rockingham County Board of Commissioners · County commission
Thu, Sep 10, 2026 · 11:00 AM
Rockingham County Municipal Building, 94 North Road, Brentwood, NH
New Hampshire meetings on e-bikes
No e-bike meetings recorded for this area yet.
Federal delegation
Jeanne Shaheen
U.S. Senator • Democratic
Maggie Hassan
U.S. Senator • Democratic
State officials
Kelly Ayotte
Governor • Republican
David Rodrigue
Commissioner, NH Department of Transportation
Thomas Walsh
Chairman, NH House Transportation Committee • District Merrimack 10 (Hooksett) • Republican