Since the first bikes appeared in 1817, they constantly progressed. Today we have a real innovation at our disposal: an electric bike.
E-bikes are swifter, and capable of unleashing more power than traditional bicycles. With this power comes great responsibility.
What Laws of Michigan should you study before mounting your E-bike? Let’s see!
Generally defining an electric bicycle
In a nutshell, E-bikes are bicycles powered by a small, yet capable electric motor.
The electric bicycle comes with a set of fully operable pedals. When you’re pedaling, human propulsion swiftly carries you forward. Now you can go uphill and traverse without becoming tired.
When you turn off the motor, an E-bike is similar to traditional bicycles and carries on their advantages.
You can still use it for exercising or slow-riding sessions through the parks or your favorite roads.
However, when you need a boost, or you’re too tired, just turn the motor power on and boost into the wind!
Amazingly, an e-bike doesn’t pollute air or water, as it is powered by electricity, which is safer for the environment. Usually, an e-bike is fully charged in under 2-7 hours.
How Michigan law defines an e-bikes
In Michigan, a typical e-bike comes with:
- A set of fully operable pedals.
- A saddle to sit on.
- An electric motor. Its power must be less than 750 watts. A motor vehicle with more than 1 horsepower may be classified as a moped.
Michigan e-bike laws determine the following classes of e-bikes
Since 2018 Michigan Vehicle Code recognizes three e-bikes types:
- The First Class. Class 1 E-bikes are powered only when the rider is pedaling. After a bike reaches a maximum speed of 20 m.p.h. it stops boosting and moves like a mechanical bike. These E-bikes are slow and safe.
- The Second Class. The motor helps with a boost even without pedaling but fails to provide assistance if the motor power is above 20 m.p.h.
- The Third Class. Similar to the First type, the boost comes only when you pedal, but it continues until the motor’s maximum speed reaches 28 m.p.h. This type often comes with a built-in speedometer. The Class 3 e-bike is the most technological, but later you’ll see that not every venue accepts it.
Legally accepted e-bikes in Michigan
All e-bike classes are accepted by Michigan Law.
Still, some bike lanes are off-limits for non-class 1 Bikes.
Such limitations depend on the choice of local authorities.
All observed classes of e-bikes, independent of their type, must have a classification label. Changing it is illegal according to Michigan e-bike laws.
Michigan roads to ride on your e-bikes
As you can probably guess, your choice of roads is determined by your E-bike class. Not all of them are made equal.
The 1st e-bike class can traverse:
- Asphalted linear trail;
- Linear paved trails of crushed limestone or similar surface roads;
- Rail trail.
You can ride 2nd and 3rd e-bikes only on:
- Authorized roads.
All earlier observed three classes are available on all roads open for traditional cyclists. Though, the local authority or organizations with jurisdiction over the trail quite often limit your bike choice.
Non-motorized trails allow no e-bike riders. The natural surface tread is also off-limits. Keep in mind that some municipalities determine, what class type you can bring for trails, governed by their organizations.
E-bikes to bring to Michigan beaches
Michigan e-bike laws are against riding e-bikes on natural surface trails. You can bring traditional bicycles for this course, though.
We advise checking the rules of each park or beach individually. Some of them allow E-bike riders. Fred Meijer Trail State Park, for example, allows the operation of 1st and 2nd Class of an e-bike on trails. A Class 3 e-bike still better be left at home.
Michigan state parks allow e-bikes
For most parks, you can bring only the first cycle class.
The trails of North Central State and Iron Ore Heritage will gladly let you ride.
When looking for a state park, we recommend inspecting each one individually. All parks have their requirements, sometimes different from general Michigan Law.
E-bikes, managed by the local laws in Michigan
Depending on your exact location, there might be some deviations from the general Michigan e-bike laws.
The breathtaking Mackinac Island State Park has a separate set of rules when it comes to handling e-bikers. The Island allows no e-bike riders, as the rule. There’s only one exception. People suffering from health problems (like a disability) can operate a Class 1 e-bike.
Several local ordinances have their laws on an e-bike, just as Mackinac Island State Park, which asks for a permit from the local commission. Please check local regulations each time you visit a new place for a ride.
The rules for riding e-bikes on the road in Michigan
Electric bicycles can travel on any road approved for common bicycles, so both share many rules. Have a look at the most general list of how you should behave on the road:
- If traveling through slow traffic, a cyclist must ride as close to the right‑hand curb or edge of the road.
- After sunset, or one-half hour before sunrise, a cyclist must use lights. Alight systems for bicycles must, at a minimum, include a white light.
- Don’t ride a bicycle with more people than it is designed to carry.
- Don’t carry any package that prevents you from keeping both hands on the handlebars.
- Equip a reliable brake to prevent e-bike accidents from happening.
You can find a complete list of rules and recommendations on the Michigan Laws web pages.
Who must wear a helmet on an e-bike
Any person under 18 years must wear a helmet. Please think about your safety, as e-bike accidents can always happen.
Even celebrities, like Simon Cowell, are not safe from crashing their electric bicycles. Simon’s decision not to wear helmets led to some gruel traumas that badly hurt a part very precious for most celebrities: the face.
Without the Michigan e-bike laws, biking won’t be safe, both for you and pedestrians.
How to stay safe and sound while riding your e-bike
- Wear a helmet, as we stated above.
- Equip your e-bike with lights and a horn. Then others can notice you.
- Before you try to cycle very fast, please practice your riding skills.
- Pay extra attention to how the traffic flows.
- Research the best trails.The most popular trails, like Huron-Manistee Forest and the Keweenaw State, are generally safer.
- Do not tamper with or modify your electric vehicle in a manner that allows the motor to provide assistance above the limits that relate to the original classification.
- Go slower as you’re reaching a stop sign or an intersection.
- Pay attention to the weather. Avoid cycling when it’s cold, as you may slip on icy terrain and hurt yourself.
- Be careful upon getting on and off your bike.
Prioritize your safety. It can be easy to forget about safety, especially when you zip through busy streets. Please think about your health.
E-bike age restrictions in Michigan
Michigan e-bike laws say that a person under fourteen years old cannot ride a Class 3 e-bike.
The only exception is when the underage person is riding as a passenger with another driver.
You can ride any other type, regardless of your age.
FAQ
E-bikes are still a relatively new invention, and law-wise are different from traditional bicycles. It’s normal for some questions to rise.
Are electric bikes street-legal in Michigan?
You can ride all classes of e-bikes wherever a traditional bicycle can be ridden. I
Do you need a license to ride an electric bike in Michigan?
In the state of Michigan, you’re not required to possess a license or registration for e-bikes.
In addition, there is no requirement to register bikes or insurance for it for the rider. With the help of an insurance agent, the damage will be covered. It’s a nice perk to have when your motor ceases to function after an unfortunate crush.
Are electric bikes allowed on sidewalks in Michigan?
All three classes of electric bicycles are allowed on roads, bike lanes, and even sidewalks.
Can you legally ride an electric bike on the road?
Generally speaking, you can ride an e-bike on roads and anywhere a regular bicycle can ride. Usually, a Class 1 e-bikes are the safest pick, while a Class 3 e-bike may go under some regulations, as they are generally harder to control.
You’re fine as long as your vehicle meets EAPC rules. E-bikes not fulfilling their requirements are considered motorized vehicles that are taxable and insured for use on public roads.
Ready, set, go!
We hope that with this information, you’re a confident e-bike rider. Go ahead and ride many trails of Michigan.