New Mexico e-bike regulations
New Mexico defines electric-assisted bicycles in three classes under the Motor Vehicle Code (NMSA 1978 § 66-1-4.5) and regulates their operation under § 66-3-709. Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are generally permitted where traditional bicycles are allowed; Class 3 e-bikes have additional restrictions (e.g., minimum age, no use on some paths unless authorized). Political subdivisions may further regulate or prohibit e-bike use on specific paths.
Overview
New Mexico regulates electric bicycles under its state vehicle code. Statewide statutes below set the baseline for every county, city and school district in New Mexico. 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 Mexico statutes
Definitions - Electric-Assisted Bicycle
NMSA 1978 § 66-1-4.5
Defines 'electric-assisted bicycle' as a two- or three-wheeled vehicle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor, and establishes three classes (Class 1, 2, and 3) based on motor assistance type and top assisted speed.
As used in the Motor Vehicle Code: A. 'electric-assisted bicycle' means a vehicle having two or three wheels, fully operable pedals and an electric motor. Electric-assisted bicycles are classified as follows: (1) 'class 1 electric-assisted bicycle' means an electric-assisted bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases at 20 mph; (2) 'class 2 electric-assisted bicycle' means an electric-assisted bicycle equipped with a motor that may be used to propel the bicycle without pedaling and ceases at 20 mph; (3) 'class 3 electric-assisted bicycle' means an electric-assisted bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases at 28 mph.FindLaw / NMSA 1978Operation of Electric-Assisted Bicycles
NMSA 1978 § 66-3-709
Governs where each class of electric-assisted bicycle may be operated, allows political subdivisions to prohibit Class 1 e-bikes on certain paths, and sets rules for Class 3 e-bike operation including minimum age and helmet requirements.
A. A person may ride a class 1 electric-assisted bicycle on a bicycle or pedestrian path where bicycles are authorized to travel; provided that a political subdivision of the state may prohibit the operation of a class 1 electric-assisted bicycle on a bicycle or pedestrian path. Additional provisions govern class 2 and class 3 electric-assisted bicycles, including age restrictions and path access limitations.FindLaw / NMSA 1978Electric-Assisted Bicycle Definitions and Child Helmet Safety Act Amendment
SB 69 (2023), Chapter 96, Laws 2023
Enacted bill that amended the Child Helmet Safety Act, defined 'electric-assisted bicycle' and its three classes, and provided standards for regulation and use of electric-assisted bicycles, amending and enacting sections of the Motor Vehicle Code.
AN ACT RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION; AMENDING THE CHILD HELMET SAFETY ACT; DEFINING 'ELECTRIC-ASSISTED BICYCLE'; PROVIDING STANDARDS FOR THE REGULATION AND USE OF ELECTRIC-ASSISTED BICYCLES; AMENDING AND ENACTING SECTIONS OF THE MOTOR VEHICLE CODE.New Mexico LegislatureBicycle Stop Sign / Yield Sign Safety Requirement (2025)
SB 73 (2025 Regular Session)
2025 bill relating to the operation of bicycles (including electric-assisted bicycles under the Motor Vehicle Code definition), requiring a person riding a bicycle approaching a stop sign or yield sign to stop when required for safety; amends Chapter 66 NMSA 1978.
AN ACT RELATING TO THE OPERATION OF BICYCLES; REQUIRING A PERSON RIDING A BICYCLE AND APPROACHING A STOP SIGN OR A YIELD SIGN TO STOP WHEN REQUIRED FOR SAFETY; AMENDING SECTIONS OF CHAPTER 66 NMSA 1978.New Mexico LegislatureAlbuquerque E-Bike and Personal Motorized Transportation Ordinance
O-24-14
City of Albuquerque ordinance defining and regulating electric-assisted bicycles and other personal motorized modes of transportation, and their use on paved and unpaved trails within the city.
New City law (O-24-14) defines and regulates electric-assisted bicycles and other personal motorized modes of transportation as well as their use on paved and unpaved trails within the City of Albuquerque.City of Albuquerque Parks and Recreation
New Mexico government links
Last verified 2026-09-07
New Mexico meeting calendar (state, county & city)
September 2026
Showing Wed, Sep 9, 2026 — tap the day again for the whole month
Sandoval County Commission Meeting
Sandoval County Board of Commissioners · County commission
Wed, Sep 9, 2026 · 18:00
County Commission Chambers, 1500 Idalia Road, Bldg. D, Bernalillo, NM
Regular commission meeting per standing schedule (confirmed pattern from Aug. 12, 2026 posted meeting).
New Mexico meetings on e-bikes
No e-bike meetings recorded for this area yet.
Federal delegation
Martin Heinrich
United States Senator • Democratic
Ben Ray Luján
United States Senator • Democratic
500 Marquette Ave NW Suite 1460, Albuquerque, NM 87102
State officials
Michelle Lujan Grisham
Governor • Democratic
David D. Quintana
Acting Secretary, New Mexico Department of Transportation