In Michigan, Class 1, 2 and 3 e-bikes follow the bicycle rules: no license or registration, a motor of no more than 750 watts, and assist that stops at 20 mph (Class 1 and 2) or 28 mph (Class 3). Class 3 riders must be 14, and riders under 18 on a Class 3 must wear a helmet. Stand-up electric scooters count as electric skateboards under Michigan law: legal up to 25 mph for riders 12 and older, with a helmet required under 19.
We ship electric scooters and e-bikes to riders across the country, Michigan included. Here are the state rules, the Michigan DNR's trail rules, and what cities can add. The official sources are listed at the end.
What are the Michigan e-bike and electric scooter rules?
| Rule | Electric scooter | E-bike |
|---|---|---|
| Where the law is | MCL 257.13f (electric skateboard), 257.658, 257.660, 257.662 | MCL 257.13e (definition and classes), 257.662a |
| What counts | An electric skateboard: a deck up to 60 by 18 inches, one rider, a motor of no more than 2,500 watts and a top speed of no more than 25 mph; handlebars allowed | A seat, working pedals and a motor of no more than 750 watts, in Class 1, 2 or 3 |
| Speed | No faster than 25 mph | Assist stops at 20 mph (Class 1 and 2) or 28 mph (Class 3) |
| License, registration | Not a motor vehicle under Michigan law | Not a motor vehicle under Michigan law |
| Minimum age | 12 on public roads and streets | 14 for Class 3; no state minimum for Class 1 and 2 |
| Helmet | Required under 19 | Required under 18 on a Class 3, rider or passenger |
| Roads | With handlebars, not on roads with a limit over 45 mph, except to cross | Any part of a road open to bicycles |
| Trails | Local rules and posted signs | Class 1 on paved, crushed-limestone and rail trails unless restricted; Class 2 and 3 only where allowed |
What are the e-bike classes in Michigan?
A Michigan e-bike has a seat, fully working pedals and an electric motor of no more than 750 watts (MCL 257.13e), in one of three classes:
- Class 1: the motor helps only while you pedal and stops helping at 20 mph.
- Class 2: the motor can move the e-bike up to 20 mph whether you pedal or not, and cuts out when you brake.
- Class 3: the motor helps only while you pedal and stops helping at 28 mph.
Every e-bike needs a permanent label showing its class number, top assisted speed and motor wattage. If an e-bike is modified, the label must change to match, and a machine whose motor no longer meets the definition, or goes over 750 watts, isn't an e-bike any more (MCL 257.662a). E-bikes must also meet the federal safety standard for bicycles.
Do you need a license for an e-bike in Michigan?
No. Michigan's vehicle code says a motor vehicle doesn't include an electric bicycle (MCL 257.33), and a moped doesn't either (MCL 257.32b), so the driver's license and registration rules for those don't apply. E-bike riders follow the same rules of the road as bicycle riders (MCL 257.662a).
How old do you have to be to ride an e-bike in Michigan?
14 for a Class 3 e-bike. A rider under 14 may be a passenger on a Class 3 designed to carry one (MCL 257.662a). Michigan sets no state minimum age for Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes.
Do you need a helmet on an e-bike in Michigan?
On a Class 3 e-bike, yes, for anyone under 18, whether riding or carried as a passenger: a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet (MCL 257.662a). The state sets no helmet rule for Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes. We recommend a helmet on every ride.
Where can you ride an e-bike in Michigan?
An e-bike may be ridden on any part of a road open to bicycles, including bike lanes and shoulders (MCL 257.662a). On trails, the defaults are:
- Class 1 may use paved, crushed-limestone and rail trails, unless the local authority restricts or bans them.
- Class 2 and Class 3 may use those trails only where the local authority allows them.
- No class may be ridden on natural-surface trails meant for non-motorized use unless they're allowed there.
A local authority must hold a public hearing before it sets these trail rules. On Mackinac Island State Park, and in cities that ban motor vehicles, e-bikes need a permit or authorization.
Michigan DNR trails
On state parks, recreation areas and state forests, the Michigan DNR allows Class 1 e-bikes on trails open to bicycles, with some exceptions such as state game areas and the North Country Trail. Class 2 e-bikes need a free DNR mobility permit. Class 3 e-bikes aren't allowed on any state-managed trail. All three classes may use DNR roads open to bicycles.
At night, an e-bike needs a white front light visible from 500 feet and a red rear reflector; a red rear light is optional (MCL 257.662).
Are electric scooters legal in Michigan?
Yes. Michigan has no separate category for stand-up electric scooters: they fall under the state's electric skateboard definition, which allows handlebars. That covers a device with a deck no bigger than 60 by 18 inches, built for one rider, with an electric motor of no more than 2,500 watts and a top speed of no more than 25 mph (MCL 257.13f). The rules:
- Riders must be at least 12 to ride on a public road or street (MCL 257.658).
- Riders under 19 must wear a crash helmet (MCL 257.658).
- One rider only.
- No faster than 25 mph, and ride as near to the right side of the road as practicable, no more than two abreast (MCL 257.660).
- An electric scooter with handlebars may not be ridden on a road with a speed limit over 45 mph, except to cross it.
- On a sidewalk, yield to pedestrians and give an audible signal before passing.
- No driver's license: the vehicle code says a motor vehicle doesn't include an electric skateboard (MCL 257.33).
At night, an electric scooter needs a white front light visible from 500 feet and a red rear reflector, and it must be able to come to a controlled stop (MCL 257.662).
An electric scooter that can go faster than 25 mph, or has a motor over 2,500 watts, falls outside the definition.
Can Michigan cities restrict electric scooters?
Yes. Counties, cities, villages and townships can regulate electric scooters on sidewalks, streets and crosswalks, and can ban them in downtown and business districts, waterfront areas and on trails, as long as the ban is posted (MCL 257.660). They're also banned on Mackinac Island State Park, can be banned in historic districts, and the DNR can regulate them on its land. In Detroit, Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids and elsewhere, check the city's own rules and the posted signs.
What about faster rides and electric dirt bikes?
The Michigan DNR calls anything past the e-bike limits an e-moto: more than 750 watts, able to go faster than 28 mph, mainly throttle-driven above 20 mph, or without working pedals. E-motos are treated as motor vehicles (a moped, motorcycle or dirt bike), must be registered, and are banned from non-motorized trails.
A moped in Michigan can't go faster than 30 mph (MCL 257.32b). It needs a moped license, which a rider can get from age 15, and it must be registered with the Secretary of State unless it's ridden only on private property. Moped riders under 19 must wear a crash helmet, and mopeds stay off sidewalks.
Electric dirt bikes such as Surron and Talaria models are off-road vehicles under Michigan law (MCL 324.81101), and an off-road vehicle must be licensed before it's ridden, except on private land used by the owner, family or guests (MCL 324.81115). See our electric dirt bikes and the best electric dirt bikes guide.
Can you ride an e-bike drunk in Michigan?
Don't. Michigan's drunk driving law bans operating any vehicle while impaired, licensed or not (MCL 257.625), and the vehicle code counts as a vehicle every device on a highway except those moved only by human power or run on rails (MCL 257.79), which takes in e-bikes and electric scooters.
Which of our rides fit Michigan's rules?
For an e-bike, look for a Class 1, 2 or 3 label and a motor of no more than 750 watts. These fit, on the maker's own figures:
| E-bike | Motor (rated) | Assist and throttle (maker) | Michigan class |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hiboy C1 | 350W | Up to 20 mph on throttle and pedal assist | Class 2 |
| Segway Myon | 500W | Class 1 and 2 at 20 mph; Class 3 pedal assist up to 28 mph | Class 1, 2 or 3, by setting |
Set to Class 3, a Segway Myon is for riders 14 and older, with a helmet under 18, and stays off state-managed DNR trails. These electric scooters top out at 25 mph or less on the maker's figures, inside Michigan's electric skateboard limit:
| Electric scooter | Top speed (maker) | Range (maker) |
|---|---|---|
| Segway E2 Pro | 18.6 mph | Up to 21.7 miles |
| Hiboy S2 Pro | 19 mph | Up to 25 miles |
| Segway F3 | About 20 mph | Up to 44 miles (Eco) |
| Segway Max G2 | Up to 22 mph | Up to 43 miles |
Bought from us, each one has a one-year Wilson's warranty against manufacturing defects, and we manage the claim with the maker. Standard shipping is free to Michigan and the rest of the lower 48 (see our shipping policy). Browse commuter e-bikes and commuter electric scooters, and see e-bike classes explained.
Where can Michigan riders get service?
Our shops are in New York City, San Francisco and Miami, and our technicians service every brand, wherever you bought it, with express service at every shop. If you're visiting, walk in with no appointment. A simple inspection is always free; a full diagnosis with disassembly or test equipment is $30, waived on repairs over $100. Brake repair starts from $25 and a flat tire repair from $40, parts and labor included. Book a repair at our New York and San Francisco shops.
Compare other states in our Illinois, Ohio and New York State guides, or see all our state law guides.
Shop e-bikes at Wilson's, with free shipping to the lower 48.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a license for an e-bike in Michigan?
No. Michigan's vehicle code doesn't count a Class 1, 2 or 3 e-bike as a motor vehicle or a moped, so no driver's license or registration is needed.
How old do you have to be to ride an e-bike in Michigan?
14 for a Class 3 e-bike. There's no state minimum age for Class 1 and Class 2.
Do you need a helmet on an e-bike in Michigan?
Riders and passengers under 18 on a Class 3 e-bike must wear one. There's no state helmet rule for Class 1 and 2.
Are electric scooters legal in Michigan?
Yes. A stand-up electric scooter counts as an electric skateboard: legal up to 25 mph for riders 12 and older on public roads, with a helmet required under 19, and not on roads posted over 45 mph except to cross.
Can you ride an electric scooter on the sidewalk in Michigan?
State law allows it, as long as you yield to pedestrians and give an audible signal before passing. Cities can regulate or ban sidewalk riding, so check local rules.
Are e-bikes allowed on Michigan DNR trails?
Class 1 e-bikes are allowed on most state park, recreation area and state forest trails open to bicycles. Class 2 needs a free DNR permit, and Class 3 isn't allowed on any state-managed trail.
Sources: Michigan Compiled Laws 257.13e, 257.13f, 257.32b, 257.33, 257.79, 257.625, 257.658, 257.660, 257.662, 257.662a, 324.81101 and 324.81115; Michigan DNR e-bikes; Secretary of State moped license and moped registration. Checked November 2026.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Laws change and cities add their own rules, so check your local rules before you ride.
