Michigan e-bike and e-trike laws

✓ Last verifiedVerified Sep 2026Every rule links to the statute or state agency page

In short

Yes: Michigan's bicycle definition expressly includes 3-wheel tricycles, so a pedal e-trike up to 750 watts is an e-bike with no license, plate or insurance needed. Ride on roads, bike lanes and shoulders, and a Class 1 (pedal-assist) trike on paved and rail trails. On state DNR trails a throttle (Class 2) trike needs a free mobility permit.

Does an e-trike count as an e-bike here? Yes.

License: No license, registration, title or insurance is needed; e-bikes are not motor vehicles in Michigan.
Helmet: Riders and passengers under 18 on a Class 3 e-bike must wear a bicycle helmet; there's no helmet rule for Class 1 or 2 or for adults. (Class 3)
Minimum age: You must be at least 14 to operate a Class 3 e-bike; there is no state minimum age for Class 1 or 2. (Class 3)
Where you can ride: You may ride any part of a road open to bicycles, including bike lanes and shoulders.
Sidewalks: E-bikes follow bicycle rules, and state law allows bicycles on sidewalks unless a sign prohibits it; riders must yield to pedestrians and give an audible warning before passing. Cities may prohibit it.

Three wheels

Does an e-trike count as an e-bike?

Yes

“Bicycle" means a device propelled by human power upon which a person may ride, having either 2 or 3 wheels in a tandem or tricycle arrangement, all of which are over 14 inches in diameter.”

MCL 257.4; MCL 257.13e; MCL 257.662a(1) ↗

Classes

The e-bike classes

Class 1

Up to 750WAssist to 20 mphNo throttle

MCL 257.13e(b)(i) ↗

Class 2

Up to 750WAssist to 20 mphThrottle allowed to 20 mph

MCL 257.13e(b)(ii) ↗

Class 3

Up to 750WAssist to 28 mphNo throttle

MCL 257.13e(b)(iii) ↗

Outside the classes

Treated as a moped (up to 30 mph) or motorcycle.

license (operator's license or moped license, 15+)registrationhelmet under 19 (moped)

A device whose motor exceeds 750 W or has been modified out of class is not an e-bike. A 2- or 3-wheel vehicle that can't exceed 30 mph and needs no gear shifting is a 'moped': it needs a moped license or regular license, registration (no title), and a helmet for riders under 19. Faster vehicles are motorcycles and need a motorcycle endorsement. The DNR calls these 'e-motos' and bans them from nonmotorized trails.

Trikes in our guide

How the trikes we list are treated in Michigan

136 of the 191 trikes we list fit Michigan's e-bike rules on their published figures. 11 need checking before you buy, and 44 don't publish enough to tell. We check motor power, top speed and the stated class. Not legal advice.

Addmotor Grandtan Turbo
Check before buying1000W motor is over the 750W limit.Model page: Addmotor Grandtan Turbo
Aipas A8 Max Trekker Etrike
Check before buying1300W motor is over the 750W limit.Model page: Aipas A8 Max Trekker Etrike
CroSight T3 Classic 650W
Check before buying22 mph top speed, over the 20 mph Class 1–2 limit.Model page: CroSight T3 Classic 650W
CroSight T3 Classic 750W
Check before buying22 mph top speed, over the 20 mph Class 1–2 limit.Model page: CroSight T3 Classic 750W
CroSight T3 Pro
Check before buying22 mph top speed, over the 20 mph Class 1–2 limit.Model page: CroSight T3 Pro
Meet One Tour 2.0
Check before buying25 mph top speed, over the 20 mph Class 1–2 limit.Model page: Meet One Tour 2.0
Rungu Dualie Rugged
Check before buying1000W motor is over the 750W limit.Model page: Rungu Dualie Rugged
Rungu Dualie Standard
Check before buying1000W motor is over the 750W limit.Model page: Rungu Dualie Standard
Rungu Dualie Steep
Check before buying1000W motor is over the 750W limit.Model page: Rungu Dualie Steep
Sixthreezero EVRYjourney Family Cargo ETrike 1000W
Check before buying1000W motor is over the 750W limit.Model page: Sixthreezero EVRYjourney Family Cargo ETrike 1000W
Worksman PAV3 Stretch Lightning Electric
Check before buying800W motor is over the 750W limit.Model page: Worksman PAV3 Stretch Lightning Electric

Show the 136 that fit the rules

Actbest Triker · Class 2 e-bike, throttle, 18 mph
Actbest Triker Plus · Class 2 e-bike, throttle, 16 mph
Addmotor Arisetan II M-360 · E-bike (class not stated), 20 mph
Addmotor Arisetan II M-360 Mini · E-bike (class not stated), 20 mph
Addmotor Citytan M-315 500W · E-bike (class not stated), 20 mph
Addmotor Citytan M-315 750W · E-bike (class not stated), 20 mph
Addmotor Citytri E-310 · E-bike (class not stated), 20 mph
Addmotor Citytri E-310 Plus · E-bike (class not stated), 20 mph
Addmotor E-325 Family Cargo Trike · E-bike (class not stated), 15 mph
Addmotor Freetan M-368X · E-bike (class not stated), 20 mph
Addmotor Freetri E-361 · E-bike (class not stated), 20 mph
Addmotor Grandtan M-340 · E-bike (class not stated), 20 mph
Addmotor Grandtan M-340 Plus · E-bike (class not stated), 20 mph
Addmotor Grandtan X · E-bike (class not stated), 20 mph
Addmotor Greattan L Dual battery · E-bike (class not stated), 20 mph
Addmotor Greattan L Single battery · E-bike (class not stated), 20 mph
Addmotor Landtan M-300 · E-bike (class not stated), 20 mph
Addmotor M-380 Tandem Dual battery · E-bike (class not stated), 20 mph
Addmotor M-380 Tandem Single battery · E-bike (class not stated), 20 mph
Addmotor Soletri II M-366X · E-bike (class not stated), throttle, 20 mph
Addmotor Soletri II M-366X Herotri II M-365X (high-step) · E-bike (class not stated), throttle, 20 mph
Addmotor SpytanX · E-bike (class not stated), 15 mph
Addmotor Triketan M-330 · E-bike (class not stated), 20 mph
Addmotor Triketan M-330 Mini · E-bike (class not stated), 20 mph
Addmotor Triketan M-330F · E-bike (class not stated), 20 mph
Addmotor U-Trike U-710 · E-bike (class not stated), 20 mph
Addmotor U-Trike U-750 · E-bike (class not stated), 20 mph
Bunch Bikes The K9 4+ · E-bike (class not stated), throttle, 20 mph
Bunch Bikes The Original 4+ · E-bike (class not stated), throttle, 20 mph
Bunch Bikes The Preschool 4+ · E-bike (class not stated), throttle, 20 mph
Buzz Cerana T2 · Class 2 e-bike, throttle, 20 mph
Catrike 5.5.9 eCAT · Class 1 e-bike, pedal-assist only, 20 mph
Catrike All Road eCAT · Class 1 e-bike, pedal-assist only, 20 mph
Catrike Dumont eCAT · E-bike (class not stated), 20 mph
Catrike Expedition eCAT · Class 1 e-bike, pedal-assist only, 20 mph
Catrike MAX eCAT · Class 1 e-bike, pedal-assist only, 20 mph
Catrike Pocket eCAT · Class 1 e-bike, pedal-assist only, 20 mph
Catrike Trail eCAT · Class 1 e-bike, pedal-assist only, 20 mph
Catrike Villager eCAT · Class 1 e-bike, pedal-assist only, 20 mph
Christiania Classic Straight Cargo Trike (Mid Drive) · E-bike (class not stated), throttle, 15.5 mph
Christiania Model T Taxi & Trishaw Electric · E-bike (class not stated), throttle, 15.5 mph
Emojo Bison Pro · E-bike (class not stated), throttle, 20 mph
Emojo Bull · E-bike (class not stated), 20 mph
Emojo Bull Trail Dual Battery · E-bike (class not stated), 20 mph
Emojo Bull Trail Single Battery · E-bike (class not stated), 20 mph
Emojo Bull Trail Urban Cruiser Dual Battery · E-bike (class not stated), 20 mph
Emojo Bull Trail Urban Cruiser Single Battery · E-bike (class not stated), 20 mph
Emojo Caddy Pro · E-bike (class not stated), throttle, 20 mph
Emojo Dexter Dual Battery · E-bike (class not stated), 20 mph
Emojo Dexter Jr. · E-bike (class not stated), 20 mph
Emojo Dexter Single Battery · E-bike (class not stated), 20 mph
ENVO Veemo SE · E-bike (class not stated), throttle, 20 mph
Eskute T300 · Class 2 e-bike, throttle, 18 mph
Eskute T300 Max · Class 2 e-bike, throttle, 18 mph
Eskute T300 Pro · Class 2 e-bike, throttle, 16 mph
Eunorau NEW-TRIKE 2.0 · Class 2 e-bike, throttle, 20 mph
Eunorau ONE-TRIKE 2.0 · Class 2 e-bike, throttle, 20 mph
Eunorau T1 Recumbent Trike · Class 2 e-bike, throttle, 20 mph
Evelo Compass · E-bike (class not stated), 20 mph
HP Velotechnik Scorpion fs 26 S-Pedelec · Class 3 e-bike, 28 mph
ICE Adventure (E-Assist) · E-bike (class not stated), 15.5 mph
ICE Full Fat (E-Assist) · E-bike (class not stated), 15.5 mph
Jasion JT18 eTrike · E-bike (class not stated), 16 mph
Lectric XP Trike2 500W (base) · Class 1 or 2 e-bike, throttle, 14 mph
Lectric XP Trike2 750 Long-Range · Class 1 or 2 e-bike, throttle, 17 mph
Liberty Trike Freedom 16" · E-bike (class not stated), throttle, 12 mph
Liberty Trike Freedom 20" · E-bike (class not stated), throttle, 16 mph
Meet One Breeze 2.0 · E-bike (class not stated), 20 mph
Meet One Breeze Pro 2.0 Dual 20Ah + 20Ah · E-bike (class not stated), 20 mph
Meet One Breeze Pro 2.0 Single 20Ah · E-bike (class not stated), 20 mph
Meet One Pair (Passenger) · E-bike (class not stated), 20 mph
Meet One Tour Lite 2.0 · E-bike (class not stated), 20 mph
Mokwheel Granite · E-bike (class not stated), 20 mph
Mooncool FT1 Fat Tire Electric Trike · Class 2 e-bike, throttle, 15.5 mph
Mooncool TK Pro · Class 2 e-bike, throttle, 15.5 mph
Mooncool TK2 · Class 2 e-bike, throttle, 15.5 mph
Mooncool TK2 Pro · Class 2 e-bike, throttle, 15.5 mph
Nakto S03 · E-bike (class not stated), 12 mph
NARRAK N3 · E-bike (class not stated), 16 mph
NARRAK N6 · E-bike (class not stated), 20 mph
NARRAK N8 · E-bike (class not stated), 20 mph
NARRAK S180 · E-bike (class not stated), 20 mph
Pedego Fat Tire Trike · E-bike (class not stated), 15 mph
Pedego Trike · E-bike (class not stated), throttle, 10 mph
Puckipuppy Alaskan · E-bike (class not stated), 15 mph
Puckipuppy Husky · E-bike (class not stated), 15 mph
Puckipuppy Husky Plus · E-bike (class not stated), 15 mph
Puckipuppy Rottweiler · E-bike (class not stated), 15 mph
Retrospec Boca Rev 2 · Class 2 e-bike, throttle, 14 mph
Sixthreezero EVRYjourney Electric Trike Tandem 750W · E-bike (class not stated), 16 mph
Sixthreezero EVRYjourney Recumbent Rickshaw 750W · E-bike (class not stated), 20 mph
Sixthreezero EVRYjourney Rickshaw 1000W mid-drive · E-bike (class not stated), 20 mph
Sixthreezero EVRYjourney Rickshaw 750W (2026, hitch) · E-bike (class not stated), throttle, 20 mph
Sixthreezero EVRYjourney Rickshaw Dual 750W, dual battery (42Ah) · E-bike (class not stated), throttle, 20 mph
Sixthreezero EVRYjourney Trike · E-bike (class not stated), throttle, 16 mph
Sixthreezero Fat Tire Reverse E Trike · E-bike (class not stated), 16 mph
Sixthreezero Relaxed Body 750W Electric Tricycle · E-bike (class not stated), 20 mph
Sixthreezero Simple Glide Fat Tire 750W Recumbent E Trike w/ Footrest · E-bike (class not stated), 20 mph
Sixthreezero Simple Glide Laid Back 750W Recumbent ETrike · E-bike (class not stated), 20 mph
Sixthreezero Simple Step Thru Fat Tire Electric Trike · E-bike (class not stated), 16 mph
Sun Bicycles E350-B1 Electric Trike · Class 2 e-bike, throttle, 10 mph
Sun Seeker E-Delta B1 SX Electric Delta · Class 2 e-bike, throttle, 15 mph
Sun Seeker E-Eco Tad B1 SX Electric Tadpole · Class 2 e-bike, throttle, 15 mph
TerraTrike All Terrain e+ · Class 1 e-bike, pedal-assist only, 20 mph
TerraTrike Gran Tourismo e+ · Class 1 e-bike, pedal-assist only, 20 mph
TerraTrike GTS e+ · Class 1 e-bike, pedal-assist only, 20 mph
TerraTrike Rambler e+ · Class 1 e-bike, pedal-assist only, 20 mph
TerraTrike Rebel e+ · Class 1 e-bike, pedal-assist only, 20 mph
TerraTrike Rogue e+ · Class 1 e-bike, pedal-assist only, 20 mph
TerraTrike Rover Tandem e+ · Class 1 e-bike, pedal-assist only, 20 mph
TerraTrike Spyder e+ · Class 1 e-bike, pedal-assist only, 20 mph
TerraTrike Tandem Pro Charge · E-bike (class not stated), 20 mph
TerraTrike Traveler e+ · Class 1 e-bike, pedal-assist only, 20 mph
Tiniover Creek (Passenger) · E-bike (class not stated), 20 mph
Tiniover Creek Pro (Passenger) · E-bike (class not stated), throttle, 20 mph
Tiniover River Full Suspension · E-bike (class not stated), throttle, 20 mph
Tri-Rider (Belize) E-Trike Li 24in · E-bike (class not stated), 20 mph
Tri-Rider (Belize) Elek-Trike 24in · E-bike (class not stated), throttle, 8 mph
Van Raam Easy Rider · E-bike (class not stated), throttle, 15.5 mph
Van Raam Easy Rider Compact+ · E-bike (class not stated), 15.5 mph
Van Raam Easy Sport · E-bike (class not stated), throttle, 15.5 mph
Van Raam Maxi · E-bike (class not stated), throttle, 15.5 mph
Velotric Triker · Class 1 or 2 e-bike, throttle
Viribus 16 inch Folding Electric Tricycle · E-bike (class not stated), throttle, 9 mph
Viribus FC1 Folding · E-bike (class not stated), throttle, 20 mph
Viribus FC2 Folding · E-bike (class not stated), throttle, 20 mph
Viribus ST1 Folding · E-bike (class not stated), throttle, 20 mph
Viribus TG1 250W · E-bike (class not stated), throttle, 12.4 mph
Viribus TG1 350W upgrade · E-bike (class not stated), throttle, 15.5 mph
Viribus TG1 Folding · E-bike (class not stated), throttle, 15.5 mph
Viribus TG1 Plus · E-bike (class not stated), throttle, 15.5 mph
VIVI T01 · Class 2 e-bike, throttle, 15.5 mph
Worksman E-PALR-3CB Personal Activity Low Rider · E-bike (class not stated), throttle, 10 mph
Worksman Mover E-M2020-3CB Lightning · E-bike (class not stated), throttle, 10 mph
Worksman PAV3-3CB Lightning Electric · E-bike (class not stated), throttle, 10 mph
Worksman Side-by-Side Electric Lightning SBST-3CB-HB · E-bike (class not stated), throttle, 10 mph

The rules

Every rule, with its source

License: No license, registration, title or insurance is needed; e-bikes are not motor vehicles in Michigan. MCL 257.33 ↗
Helmet: Class 3 Riders and passengers under 18 on a Class 3 e-bike must wear a bicycle helmet; there's no helmet rule for Class 1 or 2 or for adults. MCL 257.662a(4)(b) ↗
Minimum age: Class 3 You must be at least 14 to operate a Class 3 e-bike; there is no state minimum age for Class 1 or 2. MCL 257.662a(4)(a) ↗
Where you can ride: You may ride any part of a road open to bicycles, including bike lanes and shoulders. MCL 257.662a(6) ↗
Sidewalks: E-bikes follow bicycle rules, and state law allows bicycles on sidewalks unless a sign prohibits it; riders must yield to pedestrians and give an audible warning before passing. Cities may prohibit it. MCL 257.660c; 257.662a(1) ↗
Bike paths and trails: Class 1 Class 1 e-bikes are allowed by default on paved, crushed-limestone or rail trails, but the trail owner can restrict or ban them after a public hearing. MCL 257.662a(8), (12) ↗
Class 2 Class 2 and Class 3 e-bikes may use those trails only if the trail owner authorizes it. MCL 257.662a(9) ↗
E-bikes are banned from nonmotorized natural-surface (dirt) trails unless the managing agency allows them. MCL 257.662a(10) ↗
State parks: Class 1 On DNR-managed land, Class 1 e-bikes may use any state park, recreation area or state forest trail open to bicycles, with some exceptions (game areas, North Country Trail, some Pigeon River pathways). Class 2 is allowed in the same places with a free DNR mobility permit. Class 3 is not allowed on any state-managed trail. All classes may use DNR roads. Michigan DNR land use order (2024), as described on the DNR e-bike page ↗
Passengers: You may not carry more people than the bike is designed and equipped for. MCL 257.658(2) ↗
Labels: E-bikes must carry a permanent label with class, top assisted speed and motor wattage. Modifying the bike beyond its class or above 750 W means it is no longer an e-bike. MCL 257.662a(2)-(3) ↗
Also good to know: State and local agencies must apply e-bike trail rules consistently with the ADA and Michigan's disability civil-rights act, which matters for riders with mobility limits. MCL 257.662a(11) ↗

Changes and local rules

What's new, and what cities add

HB 6166 (2026) pending · effective n/a Would create a special operator's license requirement for certain electric mobility devices (a restricted license for some riders under 18 on Class 2/3 e-bikes, per secondary sources) and amend 257.32b, 33, 312a, 657-662a. Tie-barred to HB 6165. Introduced 7-3-2026 and referred to House Transportation and Infrastructure. Source ↗
HB 6165 (2026) pending · effective n/a Labeling requirements for certain electric scooters and skateboards; tie-barred to HB 6166. Introduced 7-3-2026, in committee. Source ↗
Mackinac Island: E-bikes are prohibited in cities that ban nonemergency motor vehicles (Mackinac Island) and in Mackinac Island State Park unless you have the required permit or the city/commission authorizes them (MCL 257.662a(7)). Permits are commonly issued for people with disabilities. Source ↗

Statutes and sources

MCL 257.13e (electric bicycle definition) ↗MCL 257.662a (electric bicycle rules) ↗MCL 257.4 (bicycle definition) ↗MCL 257.33 (motor vehicle definition) ↗MCL 257.32b (moped) ↗MCL 257.312a (moped license) ↗MCL 257.658 (helmets/passengers) ↗MCL 257.660c (sidewalks) ↗Michigan DNR: E-bikes on DNR-managed lands ↗HB 6166 (2026) ↗

What we couldn't confirm from official sources (3)

The DNR trail rules rest on a 2024 Land Use Order of the Director; the order text itself was not reviewed, only the DNR's official page.
HB 6166 would require a restricted license for some riders under 18 on Class 2/3 e-bikes; the bill text itself was not reviewed.
Insurance requirements for mopeds (over-750 W e-bikes) were not confirmed.

This page explains the law in plain language. It is not legal advice. Cities, counties and park agencies can add their own rules; check posted signs and confirm with your state before you ride.