🇺🇸Ebike Laws Maryland: A Complete Guide
- Tom
- March 25, 2022
- 9:08 am
- No Comments
Brief summary of the e-bike laws in Maryland:
- E-bikes are defined as bicycles with a motor that provides assistance up to 20 mph.
- E-bikes are subject to the same laws as bicycles, except for the following:
- E-bikes do not require registration or insurance.
- E-bikes can be ridden on any road or path where bicycles are allowed.
- E-bikes can be ridden on sidewalks in some cities and towns.
- E-bikes cannot be ridden on interstate highways.
- E-bike riders must be at least 16 years old to operate a Class 3 e-bike.
- E-bikes must have a headlight and taillight that are visible from 500 feet in front and behind.
- E-bikes must have a bell or horn.
- E-bike riders must wear a helmet if they are under the age of 16.
- E-bike riders must obey all traffic laws.
The state of Maryland (MD) defines electric bikes as a bicycle with fully operational pedals, a motor of not more than 750W and a maximum speed of 28mph on flat surfaces. Electric bike motors must be design to disengage at 28mph. Electric bikes are classified as:
- Class 1: eBikes equipped with a pedal-assist only motor which stops when the bike reaches 20 mph.
- Class 2: Electric bikes equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle and stop when the bike reaches the speed of 20 mph.
- Class 3: Electric bicycles equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and stops when the rider stops pedaling or when the bicycle reaches the speed of 28 mph.
The state of Maryland does not have any licensing or registration requirements for electric bikes.
The state of Maryland does not have licensing and registration requirements for electric bikes.
No person under the age of 16 years can operate a class 3 electric bike, unless they are riding as a passenger.
Any person operating and motorized devices, including electric bikes, must be wearing a helmet.
Electric bikes may ride on roadways where allowed by the Maryland Transportation Authority. Electric bike riders must yield to pedestrians and roadway traffic. A Class 3 electric bicycle may not be operated on a bicycle path unless:
- The bicycle path is within or adjacent to a highway right–of–way; or
- Allowed by a local authority or State agency with jurisdiction over the bicycle path.
Disclaimer:
Laws and policies can change at any time rendering the above information outdated and non-applicable. EVELO strongly encourages checking with City, County, State and other local agencies for the most recent laws governing the proper, legal use of electric bicycles in your area.
Source:
https://mva.maryland.gov/Pages/PageNotFoundError.aspx?requestUrl=https://mva.maryland.gov/About-MVA/INFO/27300/27300-76T.htm
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