South Dakota e-bike regulations
South Dakota regulates electric bicycles under SDCL Chapter 32-20B, adopted via 2019 Senate Bill 187 (prime sponsor Sen. Jim White, R-Huron), which created the federal three-class e-bike framework (Class 1, 2, and 3). E-bikes meeting the definition in SDCL 32-20B-9 (bicycle/tricycle with operable pedals and a motor of 750 watts or less) are generally treated like conventional bicycles, are exempt from motor vehicle registration, titling, and driver's license requirements, and are allowed wherever traditional bicycles are allowed unless a local authority restricts Class 2 or Class 3 e-bikes on natural-surface trails or bike paths. Class 3 operators must be at least 16 years old, and helmets are required only for Class 3 riders under 18 and any Class 3 passengers. No statewide e-bike registration, insurance, or license is required. No pending 2024-2025 e-bike-specific bills were identified in the legislature's bill tracking system at the time of this research.
Overview
South Dakota statutes
Electric bicycle defined--Classes
SDCL 32-20B-9
Defines 'electric bicycle' as a bicycle or tricycle with operable pedals for propulsion and an electric motor of 750 watts or less, and establishes Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 e-bike classifications based on motor operation, assistance type, and maximum assisted speed.
South Dakota LegislatureElectric bicycle regulation chapter
SDCL 32-20B
Chapter of South Dakota Codified Laws governing bicycles and electric bicycles, including operation rules, equipment requirements, and classification of e-bikes; enacted through 2019 SB 187.
South Dakota Legislature
South Dakota government links
Last verified 2026-09-08
South Dakota meeting calendar (state, county & city)
September 2026
Showing Tue, Sep 8, 2026 — tap the day again for the whole month
Lincoln County Commission
Lincoln County Board of Commissioners · Public body
Tue, Sep 8, 2026 · 08:30 AM
Lincoln County Commission Chambers, 104 N. Main Street, Canton, SD
Regular commission meeting confirmed on county calendar for September 8, 2026, with another session on September 22, 2026.
Brown County Commission General Meeting
Brown County Commission · Public body
Tue, Sep 8, 2026 · 08:45 AM
Commissioner's Chambers, Courthouse Annex, 25 Market St, Aberdeen, SD
Commission meets weekly on Tuesdays; most recent confirmed agenda was August 25, 2026 with meetings continuing on a weekly Tuesday schedule into September 2026.
South Dakota meetings on e-bikes
No e-bike meetings recorded for this area yet.
Federal delegation
John Thune
U.S. Senator • Republican
Mike Rounds
U.S. Senator • Republican
State officials
Larry Rhoden
Governor • Republican
Larry Rhoden
Governor of South Dakota • Republican
Joel Jundt
Secretary of Transportation, SD Department of Transportation
Sen. Tim Deibert
Chair, Senate Transportation Committee, SD Legislature