Michigan Electric Bicycle Laws and Restrictions - A Quick Guide for 2022 (2023)

FAQs

Can I ride an electric bike on the sidewalk in Michigan? ›

Under Michigan law, electric bikes or e-bikes are treated like bicycles rather than motor vehicles. There are three classes of e-bikes depending on their top speed and whether pedaling is required. All three classes are allowed on roads (including bike lanes) and sidewalks.

Michigan permits e-cycling on all roadways where traditional bicycles are permitted. This includes streets, highways, road shoulders, and bike lanes designated for bicycle use. This applies to all classes of e-bikes. All classes of e-bikes are also permitted on motorized, natural surface trails.

Are E-Bikes Allowed on Michigan Bike Trails? Class 1 e-bikes are allowed on many bike trails, bike paths, and multi-use paths across Michigan. However, it's best to check the rules of the specific Michigan bike trail you want to visit before you go. Class 2 e-bikes may be allowed on certain trails with permits.

The state of Michigan does not require license or registration for electric bikes.

Are e-bikes allowed on Mackinac Island? In a word, no. E-bikes are not allowed on Mackinac Island. But there is an exception: Visitors with a qualifying “mobility disability” may operate Class 1 electric bicycles on Mackinac Island.

Off-road ebikes are designed for riding on a variety of terrains and trails such as dirt roads, gravel paths, or backcountry adventures. These ebikes typically come with fatter tires, front suspension forks, hydraulic brakes, and heavier payload capacities.

Class 1: eBikes that are pedal-assist only, with no throttle, and have a maximum assisted speed of 20 mph. Class 2: eBikes that also have a maximum speed of 20 mph, but are throttle-assisted. Class 3: eBikes that are pedal-assist only, with no throttle, and a maximum assisted speed of 28 mph.

In short, the answer is no: you can't take an electric bike on a plane. It's all because of the battery. Any rechargeable lithium battery larger than 100Wh is prohibited from being taken onto a plane. Some airlines may allow batteries that are up to 160Wh, but you'll need to ask for permission in advance.

For the federal electric bike tax credit, you can claim the credit on your tax return for the year you purchased the e-bike. If you bought your e-bike in 2021, you could claim the credit when you file your 2021 federal tax return.

Since bicyclists have all the rights and is subject to all the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle according to MCL 257.657, they must generally ride in the right half of the roadway. On one-way roads, bicyclists can ride on the left side of the road.

How old do you have to be to ride an ebike in Michigan? ›

»Helmets are required for riders of Class 3 e-bikes under 18 years of age. Persons under 14 years of age may not ride a Class 3 e-bike, unless they are riding as a passenger. To ride an e-bike within the Mackinac Island State Park, a permit is required. * The following Michigan laws are referenced: Mich.

What sort of bike do I need? The Timber Trail is a grade 2-3 trail, so you'll need a mountain bike, ideally with front or full suspension. Some people have ridden the trail on gravel bikes, but it might be a rough ride. You can hire bikes and ebikes when you book your biking packages with us.

Registering Your Moped

To register your moped or motorized bicycle, make a trip to your local SOS (Secretary of State) office. You will need to provide a bill of sale (or manufacterer's certificate of origin), and pay a registration fee of $15, which needs to be renewed every 3 years.

Shop Electric Bikes

Local authority or state agency can prohibit Class 1 bikes on particular trails. Class 2 and Class 3 electric bikes can be allowed on asphalt, crushed limestone, or similar surface, or a rail trail if allowed by local authority or state agency.

Michigan.gov/ohsp

A valid driver's license with a motorcycle endorse- ment (CY) is required to legally ride a motorcycle on Michigan roadways. There are two methods for obtaining an endorsement.

Mackinac Bridge

Mackinaw City/St. Ignace: Bicyclists are not allowed to cross the Mackinac Bridge on their own. The Mackinac Bridge Authority will transport you across the bridge in Mackinac Bridge Authority vehicles. There is a fee, check with the authority.

Keep in mind that there aren't typically places to lock your bike to. Bikes and horses. Even though motor vehicles are banned from the island, bikes are not the only mode of transportation. There are also horses, horse-drawn carriages and a lot of foot traffic.

Regulations: E-bikes

Class 1, and Class 3 e-bikes are allowed in Grand Canyon National Park where traditional bicycles are allowed. All e-bikes are prohibited where traditional bicycles are prohibited.

The average cycling speed of a beginner cyclist on a normal bike is around 12mph, while competent club riders can hit averages of 20 to 24mph. Electric bikes are limited to maximum motorised speeds on roads — 15.5mph in the UK, Europe and Australia, and between 20 and 28mph in the US.

Range – 50 miles

The average range of a commuting electric bicycle is 50 miles, so that will be our range before it needs charging.

Can you transport an electric bike in a car? ›

Removing the front wheel and battery before placing the bike inside your vehicle will make for a better fit and make the bike lighter weight and easier to lift. When transporting an E-bike inside a vehicle, make sure cables and handlebar mounted control systems are not getting rubbed or damaged.

Class 1: Pedal-assist only; motor provides assistance all the way up to 20 mph. Class 2: Pedal-assist or throttle; motor provides assistance all the way up to 20 mph. Class 3: Pedal assist only; motor provides assistance all the way up to 28 mph.

Because your e-bike is heavier than a conventional bike, you'll need a rack that's capable of supporting and securely holding a burlier machine. Keep the following in mind as you select a rack to carry your e-bike: Focus on hitch racks: Roof-top racks are too hard to load; most trunk racks aren't stout enough.

Police e-bikes help officers catch criminals

Fresno, California, has a robust bike patrol program that has seen many police officers on BULLS electric bikes. It's a model that has also proven popular with the LAPD.

E-Bike Tax Credit Bill

The federal e-bike tax credit of up to $1,500 would apply to new electric bikes that cost less than $8,000. (In a previous version of the bill the e-bike purchase price would have been capped at $4,000). Income limits would also apply.

Internal Revenue Code Section 30D(g) currently provides a credit for qualified 2-wheeled plug-in electric vehicles. The amount of the credit is 10 percent of the cost of any qualified 2-wheeled plug-in electric vehicle placed in service by the taxpayer during the taxable year and cannot exceed $2,500.

The IRS makes an allowance for items that have both business and personal uses. Common examples might include your car, cell phone, and computer. Your bike or scooter may fit into that category. For such an item, you need to determine how much of that use is for business.

Bicyclists are required to slow down and come to a complete stop at stop signs and traffic devices signaling red. Bicyclists must signal when turning or coming to a stop. Bicyclists must use hand/arm signals when turning and stopping.

Bicycles may be ridden upon a sidewalk, but cyclists must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and are required to give an audible signal before overtaking and passing a pedestrian. Further, official traffic control devices or local ordinances may restrict bicycles on sidewalks in some areas.

Can you turn right in a bike lane in Michigan? ›

It is illegal to drive or park in a bicycle lane. A driver may cross into a bicycle lane only when turning. This means that drivers are to make turns from the travel lane and not the bicycle lane. It is also illegal to park in a marked bicycle lane, except where permitted by official signs.

Class of eBikes

Many states do not allow kids under the age of 16 to ride a Class III ebike, while many states don't allow anyone (even adults!) to ride Class II ebikes on bike paths and trails. Check out Bikes for People's Electric Bike Laws to learn more about your state's regulations.

Electric pedal assist bikes allow you to go the distance on the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail in the idyllic countryside of Leelanau County! Hill coming up? Just set your pedal assist button and get instant ease while climbing that hill!

Michigan moped laws

Furthermore, if you plan to drive a moped in Michigan, you must have a valid driver's license or a chauffeur's license. If you have neither and you're at least 15 years old, you can apply for a moped license. To get a moped license, you'll need to pass a vision, knowledge and traffic exam.

So, can eBikes go up steep hills? Much like any other bike, the answer is 'yes'; eBikes are handily equipped to handle those sharp rises when out on the road.

Hit the Best Bike Trails in California with an E-Bike

While regulations on the use of e-bikes on trails vary in different states, California passed a law that allows e-bikes to use bike paths except where it's prohibited by local law.

The Timber Trail is open all year around. Be prepared for adverse weather conditions at all times. The first 4 km from Pureora is an easy flat gradient, but the trail then starts to climb. The trail is graded intermediate (Grade 3) the rest of the way to Piropiro.

States like California, New York, and Washington have clear laws in place that prohibit riding e-bikes on sidewalks. In these states, electric bike riders must stay on designated bike paths or roads and can only ride on sidewalks if it's necessary to avoid traffic.