North Dakota e-bike regulations
North Dakota classifies electric bicycles into three classes (Class 1, 2, 3) under N.D.C.C. Chapter 39-10.1, following the federal three-class e-bike framework adopted via HB 1148 (2021). E-bikes are generally treated as bicycles, not motor vehicles, and are not required to be registered, insured, or operated by a licensed driver, provided they meet federal Consumer Product Safety Commission requirements for low-speed electric bicycles.
Overview
North Dakota regulates electric bicycles under its state vehicle code. Statewide statutes below set the baseline for every county, city and school district in North Dakota. 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.
North Dakota statutes
Electric bicycles - Classification and operation
N.D.C.C. § 39-10.1-09
Defines electric bicycles as Class 1, Class 2, or Class 3 based on motor assistance type and top assisted speed, and states that electric bicycles are generally subject to the same rights and duties as bicycles, not motor vehicles.
An electric bicycle is a bicycle equipped with a motor of less than 750 watts that meets the requirements of one of three classes: Class 1 (motor provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases at 20 mph); Class 2 (motor may propel the bicycle without pedaling and ceases at 20 mph); Class 3 (motor provides assistance only when pedaling and ceases at 28 mph, requires the rider be at least 16 years old and equipped with a speedometer). Electric bicycles are not required to be registered or insured and operators are not required to hold a driver's license.North Dakota Century Code, Legislative BranchHB 1148 - Electric bicycle classification act
2021 N.D. Sess. Laws, HB 1148 (67th Legislative Assembly)
Established the three-class electric bicycle framework in North Dakota, adopting definitions similar to other states following the federal/PeopleForBikes model legislation.
HB 1148 amended North Dakota Century Code Chapter 39-10.1 to add definitions and operational rules for Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 electric bicycles, distinguishing them from mopeds and motor vehicles. Signed by Governor Doug Burgum on April 21, 2021.North Dakota Legislative Branch
North Dakota government links
Last verified 2026-09-07
North Dakota meeting calendar (state, county & city)
October 2026
Showing Tue, Oct 6, 2026 — tap the day again for the whole month
Regular Commission Meeting
Board of Ward County Commissioners · County commission
Tue, Oct 6, 2026 · 09:00
Commissioner's Chambers, 225 Third St. SE, Minot, ND
First-Tuesday regular meeting per standing commission schedule.
Regular Commission Meeting
Grand Forks County Commission · County commission
Tue, Oct 6, 2026 · 16:00
Grand Forks County Office Building, 151 S. 4th St., 6th Floor, Conference Room A, Grand Forks, ND
First-Tuesday regular meeting per standing commission schedule.
North Dakota meetings on e-bikes
No e-bike meetings recorded for this area yet.
Federal delegation
John Hoeven
United States Senator • Republican
338 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510
Kevin Cramer
United States Senator • Republican
State officials
Kelly Armstrong
Governor • Republican
Ron Henke
Director, North Dakota Department of Transportation