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 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 LegislatureElectric 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 Legislature2019 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
Showing Tue, Sep 29, 2026 — tap the day again for the whole month
Committee on Parks and Culture
Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors · Committee
Tue, Sep 29, 2026 · 09:00
Room 203-R and Microsoft Teams, Milwaukee County Courthouse, Milwaukee, WI
Standing committee meeting of the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors.
Wisconsin meetings on e-bikes
No e-bike meetings recorded for this area yet.
Federal delegation
Tammy Baldwin
U.S. Senator • Democratic
Ron Johnson
U.S. Senator • Republican
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