Updated September 2026: Two bills affecting e-bikes, HB 6339 and HB 6340, were introduced in the Michigan House on Sept. 23, 2026. See Legislation in the House below. For a rider’s guide to e-bike classes and where to ride, see our E-Bikes page.
Overview
Michigan’s 2017 e-bike law established a clear three-class system that distinguishes low-speed electric bicycles from motor vehicles. This system has been essential in promoting sustainable transportation, increasing accessibility, and ensuring safety on shared-use paths. However, the rise of high-powered, motorcycle-like vehicles is threatening this progress. These vehicles are frequently mislabeled as e-bikes to bypass safety regulations and equipment standards, creating confusion for consumers and safety risks for all road users.
The E-Moto Problem: Mislabeled and Unregulated
The primary threat to Michigan’s legally established e-bike framework is deliberately deceptive marketing of high-powered electric vehicles, often called e-motos. Some manufacturers sell e-motos using terms like “Class IV e-bike,” a category that does not exist in Michigan or federal law. As a result, some buyers own and ride e-motos believing they are e-bikes. These vehicles often feature:
● Excessive Power: Motors far exceeding the legal 750-watt (1 h.p.) limit for electric bicycles.
● High Speeds: The ability to reach speeds well beyond the 20–28 mph caps for Classes 1, 2, and 3. Some can be modified to “unlock” added power and top speed.
● Deceptive Features: “Pedal kits” or “off-road modes” added to motorcycles to disguise them as bicycles and “fly under the radar” of law enforcement.
Why Regulatory Action is Needed
Currently, e-motos exist in a dangerous legal gray area. Because they do not fit neatly into existing definitions, they often operate without oversight:
● Not E-Bikes: By law, an electric bicycle must have operable pedals and a motor of 750 watts or less. E-motos fail both criteria.
● “Out of Class”: Michigan’s e-bike classes also set a top assisted speed and say whether the motor is pedal-assist or throttle. E-motos are sold capable of exceeding those limits.
● Illegal for Road Use: As high-speed vehicles, they should be classified as motorcycles, but because they often lack required equipment like turn signals, mirrors, and DOT-approved lights, they cannot be legally registered for roadway use.
● Unregulated ORVs: While e-motos function as Off-Road Vehicles (ORVs), they are not currently regulated as such. Under DNR rules, ORVs require annual licensing and trail permits, yet many e-moto owners bypass these requirements because the vehicles are sold under the guise of being “e-bikes”.
The DNR also says e-motos are not e-bikes. It treats a vehicle as an e-moto if it exceeds 750 watts, can exceed 28 mph under motor assist, works mainly as a throttle-powered vehicle above 20 mph, or lacks fully operable pedals. The DNR strictly prohibits e-motos on non-motorized trails.
Legislation in the House
On Sept. 23, 2026, two bills were introduced in the Michigan House. Both were referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. LMB supports both bills.
HB 6340: Defining Electric Mopeds and Motorcycles (Rep. Bradley Slagh)
This bill closes the gray area for e-motos. It amends the Michigan Vehicle Code so that:
● A two- or three-wheeled vehicle with a throttle-operated electric motor over 750 watts that cannot exceed 30 mph is a moped.
● A vehicle with a seat and no more than three wheels, and a throttle-operated electric motor over 750 watts that can exceed 30 mph, is a motorcycle.
● Electric mopeds and motorcycles cannot be ridden on non-motorized natural-surface trails.
● Class 2 e-bike riders must be at least 14 years old. Riders and passengers under 18 must wear a helmet. Today, these rules apply only to Class 3.
Real e-bikes stay bicycles. Current law already says a moped does not include an electric bicycle, and the bill keeps that language.
HB 6339: Electric Bicycle Safety Act (Rep. Veronica Paiz)
This bill sets certification standards for e-bike electrical systems and batteries. Starting Jan. 1, 2027, it would require e-bike batteries to be certified to the UL 2271 standard. It would also require the full electrical system to be certified to UL 2849. The rules would cover sellers, distributors, and riders.
What happens next
Both bills start in committee. They may change before any vote. Check back here for updates.
Protecting the Three-Class System
To maintain the safety and integrity of Michigan’s trails and roads, we must clearly differentiate between consumer e-bikes and high-powered motor vehicles.
What the Current 3-Class System Protects:
● Class 1: Pedal-assist only; motor stops at 20 mph.
● Class 2: Throttle-actuated; motor stops at 20 mph.
● Class 3: Pedal-assist only; motor stops at 28 mph.
Conclusion
Michigan’s e-bike laws were designed for low-speed bicycles that coexist safely with pedestrians. Allowing high-speed e-motos to masquerade as e-bikes undermines public trust and endangers the access that legitimate e-bike riders currently enjoy. HB 6340 would define these vehicles accurately. Michigan must also hold manufacturers accountable for untruthful advertising.