E-Bikes and E-Motos: What to Know and How to Ride Safe

E-bikes and e-motos are changing the way people ride around Southeast Michigan – for both transportation and recreation. SEMCOG is working with our local partners and experts in this space to educate on the basics of e-bikes and e-motos to ensure our community members know how to ride safely and responsibly.

Information is included below on e-bikes, e-motos, and the differences between them as well as resources to help in their increasing popularity on our roadways.

What Is a Legal E-Bike?

The Michigan Compiled Law (MCL 257.13e) states that an electric bike (e-bike) is defined by a seat, pedals, and an electric motor of 750 watts or less. In Michigan, an e-bike is defined as a bicycle with:

A seat or saddle
Fully operable pedals
An electeric motor of 750 watts or less

An e-bike can be a regular bicycle that is equipped with an integrated motor and rechargable battery. It can assist in pedaling or can propel the bike without pedaling at higher speeds than a traditional bicycle.

E-Bike vs. E-Moto: Know the Difference

E-bike and E-moto images showing electric bikes and scooters in Michigan.

In 2017, Michigan legalized e-bikes statewide and created a three-class system that defines e-bikes and how they are regulated for riders and trail access:

A class 1 e-bike can be motor-assisted up to 20 mph when pedaling.
A class 2 e-bike can also have a throttle to engage the motor up to 20 mph.
A class 3 e-bike can be motor-assisted up to 28 mph when pedaling.

All three are treated as bicycles under most state laws, but where you can ride them varies by class.

Under this law:

Manufacturers and distributors must permanently affix labels indicating classification number, wattage, and top assisted speed
E-bikes are treated like bicycles for most rights and duties
Additionally, “a device shall not be considered an electric bicycle if the motor is modified” in a way that changes its original classification, or increases the motor’s wattage above 750.

Recently, there has been an increase in use of high-powered, motorcycle-like vehicles, often called “e-motos,”. These vehicles are frequently mislabeled as e-bikes and can then bypass safety regulations and equipment standards, creating confusion for consumers and safety risks for road and trail users.

Key illegal features of an e-moto:

Motor power >750 W
Top assisted speeds beyond class limits
Modes that switch into high-speed “off-road” without pedaling
Removing/detaching pedals entirely
“Hacking” legal devices to operate illegally

Where Can You Ride an E-Bike in Michigan?

E-bikes are generally allowed anywhere traditional bicycles are permitted, including roads, bike lanes, and shoulders. No license, registration, or insurance is required under Michigan law. Sidewalk use may depend on local ordinances.

Trail access varies by e-bike class (MCL 324.72105(2) and MCL 257.657) and who manages the property, so be sure to check local rules and posted signage.

CLASS 1: Allowed on roads, bike lanes, and many paved non-motorized trails such as rail-trails. Some unpaved trails may allow Class 1 where specifically authorized.

CLASS 2 and 3: Allowed on roads and bike lanes. Access to paved trails and rail-trails depends on approval from the local authority. Always check local trail rules. One trail might allow Class 2, another might not.

OCEVs: Higher-powered electric vehicles that fall outside Michigan’s e-bike definition may require registration and street-legal equipment for road use. They are not treated the same as e-bikes.

Safety, Rules, and Etiquette

E-bikes follow the same traffic rules as traditional bicycles, including:

Obey traffic signals
Ride with traffic, ride predictably
Signal turns
Yield to pedestrians

Helmets are recommended (especially Class 3). Although helmets  are not required statewide, some municipalities do require them. Check your local ordinances.

Trail / Path Etiquette

In addition to practicing courtesy, communication, and common sense, responsible e-bikes users should:

Stay within posted speed limits (It’s easy to go too fast on an e-bike. Start out slow, know your limits and stay in control at all times.)
Yield to pedestrians and traditional bike traffic 
Use audible signals when passing (E-bike riders should slow down and warn by bell or voice “On your left!” when passing. You’re required by MI law to yield and warn on sidewalks.)
Slow down when passing or near other trail users (Yield to horseback riders. Stop, Speak and Stand Back when you encounter an equestrian. Stop to give the horse and rider time to pass, Speak to communicate your presence and location, and Stand Back to give the horse space — move off on the lower side if possible, and don’t hide behind a tree.)

Safety Tips