Wisconsin e-bike regulations

Wisconsin adopted the three-class e-bike classification system via 2019 Wisconsin Act 34, which created Wis. Stat. §340.01(15pm) defining 'electric bicycle' and §340.01(15ph) defining Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 electric bicycles based on motor assistance and top assisted speeds (20 mph for Class 1/2, 28 mph for Class 3). Under the amended statutes, electric bicycles meeting these definitions are generally treated as bicycles rather than motor vehicles or mopeds for purposes of operation, registration, and licensing, and are permitted on paths and trails where traditional bicycles are allowed unless local authorities restrict Class 3 e-bikes. Municipalities and counties retain some authority to regulate e-bike use on locally controlled trails and roads. No statewide helmet or age requirement applies to e-bikes generally, though local trail authorities may impose rules.

Overview

Wisconsin State Legislature

Wisconsin statutes

  • Definition of electric bicycle

    Wis. Stat. §340.01(15pm)

    Defines 'electric bicycle' as a bicycle with two or three wheels, a saddle, fully operable pedals, and an electric motor of less than 750 watts, further classified into Class 1, 2, and 3 electric bicycles under §340.01(15ph).

    Wisconsin State Legislature
  • Electric bicycle classes (Class 1, 2, 3)

    Wis. Stat. §340.01(15ph)

    Establishes the three-class system: Class 1 (pedal-assist only, ceases assist at 20 mph), Class 2 (may be powered solely by motor, ceases assist/power at 20 mph), and Class 3 (pedal-assist only, ceases assist at 28 mph).

    Wisconsin State Legislature
  • 2019 Wisconsin Act 34

    2019 Wis. Act 34

    Act creating the statutory definitions and classification system for electric bicycles in Wisconsin, amending Chapter 340 to exclude qualifying electric bicycles from the definitions of moped and motor vehicle.

    Wisconsin State Legislature

Wisconsin government links

Last verified 2026-09-08

Wisconsin meeting calendar (state, county & city)

September 2026

SMTWTFS

Showing Wed, Sep 16, 2026 — tap the day again for the whole month

  • Regular Board Meeting

    Brown County Board of Supervisors · Public body

    Wed, Sep 16, 2026 · 19:00

    Lower Level - Pine Room, Brown County Central Library, 515 Pine St., Green Bay, WI

    Regular monthly meeting of the Brown County Board of Supervisors (third Wednesday).

  • County Board Meeting

    Racine County Board of Supervisors · Public body

    Wed, Sep 16, 2026

    Racine County Courthouse, Racine, WI

    Regular Racine County Board of Supervisors meeting.

Wisconsin meetings on e-bikes

No e-bike meetings recorded for this area yet.

Federal delegation

State officials

  • Tony Evers

    Governor of Wisconsin • Democratic

  • Tony Evers

    Governor • Democratic

  • Kristina Boardman

    Secretary of Transportation (WisDOT)

  • Rob Tomczyk

    Chair, Senate Committee on Transportation and Local Government • Republican

Counties (72)