Michigan E-Bike Laws
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The three e-bike classes
Michigan law defines an electric bicycle as a device with a seat, fully working pedals, and an electric motor of no more than 750 watts. It then sorts them into three classes.
Class 1 helps only while you pedal and stops helping at 20 mph. Class 2 can move the bike up to 20 mph whether you pedal or not, and its motor cuts out when you brake. Class 3 helps only while you pedal and stops helping at 28 mph. A bike modified so its motor no longer fits these rules, or goes over 750 watts, stops counting as an e-bike.
Source: MCL 257.13e · MCL 257.662a
Where e-bikes can ride by default
Class 1 is allowed by default on linear trails with an asphalt, crushed limestone or similar surface, and on rail trails. The local authority or state agency in charge can regulate or ban Class 1 there.
Class 2 and Class 3 can use those same trails only if the authority in charge allows it. E-bikes are not allowed on non-motorized natural-surface (dirt) trails unless the manager opens them. Before an authority bans, allows or regulates e-bikes, it has to hold a public hearing.
On roads, any e-bike can ride wherever a bicycle can, including bike lanes and shoulders. Mackinac Island State Park needs a permit from the park commission. Congressionally authorized trails, such as the North Country Trail, fall outside these state rules.
Source: MCL 257.662a
Age, helmet and equipment rules
No one under 14 may ride a Class 3 e-bike. Anyone under 18 riding or riding as a passenger on a Class 3 must wear a fitted, fastened bicycle helmet that meets federal or ASTM standards. There's no age or helmet rule for Class 1 or 2.
Manufacturers must put a permanent label on each e-bike showing its class, top assisted speed and motor wattage.
Source: MCL 257.662a
State parks
Michigan DNR allows Class 1 e-bikes on all state park, recreation area and state forest trails that allow regular bikes. The exceptions are state game and wildlife areas, congressionally authorized trails like the North Country Trail, and the High Country, Shingle Mill and Pickerel Lake pathways in Pigeon River Country.
Class 3 isn't allowed on any state-managed trail. Class 2 is allowed wherever Class 1 is only for riders with a free DNR permit for mobility issues. All three classes can ride on any road where a regular bike can.
Source: Michigan DNR: E-bikes · DNR Land Use Order 5.27
State wildlife and forest lands
State forest trails and pathways follow the state park rule: Class 1 is allowed where regular bikes are. State game and wildlife areas are left out of that permission, so e-bikes aren't allowed on their trails.
Source: Michigan DNR: E-bikes
National forests
Michigan's three national forests, Huron-Manistee, Hiawatha and Ottawa, follow Forest Service policy: e-bikes count as motor vehicles, so Class 1, 2 and 3 are limited to roads and trails open to motor vehicles on each forest's Motor Vehicle Use Map. Hiawatha's own page says its non-motorized trails aren't open to e-bikes.
Source: USDA Forest Service: E-bikes · Hiawatha NF: Biking
Trails we've checked
Northern Michigan (Northern Lower Peninsula & Mackinac)
- Huron-Manistee National Forests 🟡 Motorized routes onlyUSDA Forest Service – Huron-Manistee NF
- Leelanau Trail 🟠 Class 1 onlyTART Trails, Inc. with local units of government
- Mackinac Island (M-185 and island trails) 🔴 NoMackinac Island State Park Commission and City of Mackinac Island
- Pere Marquette State Trail 🟠 Class 1 onlyMichigan DNR – Parks & Recreation Division
- Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail 🟠 Pedal-assist onlyNational Park Service – Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
- TART Trail (Traverse City) 🟠 Class 1 onlyTART Trails, Inc. with local units of government
Southeast Michigan (Metro Detroit & Ann Arbor)
- Belle Isle Park 🟠 Class 1 onlyMichigan DNR – Parks & Recreation Division
- Border-to-Border (B2B) Trail 🟠 Class 1 onlyWashtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission (with local partners)
- Dequindre Cut Greenway ❔ Call firstDetroit Riverfront Conservancy
- Detroit RiverWalk ❔ Call firstDetroit Riverfront Conservancy
- Huron-Clinton Metroparks hike-bike trails (Kensington, Stony Creek, Hudson Mills and others) 🟢 Class 1 & 2 onlyHuron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority
- Island Lake Recreation Area (mountain bike trails) 🟠 Class 1 onlyMichigan DNR – Parks & Recreation Division
- Macomb Orchard Trail 🟢 Class 1 & 2 onlyMacomb Orchard Trail Commission (Macomb County)
- Paint Creek Trail 🟢 Class 1 & 2 onlyPaint Creek Trailways Commission
- Pinckney Recreation Area (Potawatomi and multi-use trails) 🟠 Class 1 onlyMichigan DNR – Parks & Recreation Division
- Polly Ann Trail 🟠 Class 1 onlyPolly Ann Trail Management Council
Upper Peninsula
- Copper Harbor Trails 🟠 Class 1 onlyCopper Harbor Trails Club (on DNR and partner lands)
- Hiawatha National Forest 🟡 Motorized routes onlyUSDA Forest Service – Hiawatha NF
- Ottawa National Forest 🟡 Motorized routes onlyUSDA Forest Service – Ottawa NF
West & Southwest Michigan (Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Lakeshore)
- Fort Custer Recreation Area (mountain bike trails) 🟠 Class 1 onlyMichigan DNR – Parks & Recreation Division
- Fred Meijer White Pine Trail State Park 🟠 Class 1 onlyMichigan DNR – Parks & Recreation Division
- Kal-Haven Trail State Park 🟠 Class 1 onlyMichigan DNR – Parks & Recreation Division
- Kent County Parks trails (Kent Trails, Millennium Park and county park trails) 🟠 Class 1 onlyKent County Parks Department
- William Field Memorial Hart-Montague Trail State Park 🟠 Class 1 onlyMichigan DNR – Parks & Recreation Division
- Yankee Springs Recreation Area (Deep Lake mountain bike trails) 🟠 Class 1 onlyMichigan DNR – Parks & Recreation Division
Common questions
What are the e-bike classes in Michigan?
Michigan has three e-bike classes: Class 1 (pedal-assist to 20 mph), Class 2 (throttle, up to 20 mph) and Class 3 (pedal-assist to 28 mph). All three need working pedals, a seat and a motor of no more than 750 watts.
Where can I ride an e-bike in Michigan?
Class 1 is allowed by default on linear trails with an asphalt, crushed limestone or similar surface, and on rail trails. The local authority or state agency in charge can regulate or ban Class 1 there. Class 2 and Class 3 can use those same trails only if the authority in charge allows it. E-bikes are not allowed on non-motorized natural-surface (dirt) trails unless the manager opens them. Before an authority bans, allows or regulates e-bikes, it has to hold a public hearing.
Can I ride an e-bike in Michigan state parks?
Michigan DNR allows Class 1 e-bikes on all state park, recreation area and state forest trails that allow regular bikes. The exceptions are state game and wildlife areas, congressionally authorized trails like the North Country Trail, and the High Country, Shingle Mill and Pickerel Lake pathways in Pigeon River Country.
Is there an age limit or helmet law for e-bikes in Michigan?
No one under 14 may ride a Class 3 e-bike. Anyone under 18 riding or riding as a passenger on a Class 3 must wear a fitted, fastened bicycle helmet that meets federal or ASTM standards. There's no age or helmet rule for Class 1 or 2.
Are e-bikes allowed in national forests in Michigan?
Michigan's three national forests, Huron-Manistee, Hiawatha and Ottawa, follow Forest Service policy: e-bikes count as motor vehicles, so Class 1, 2 and 3 are limited to roads and trails open to motor vehicles on each forest's Motor Vehicle Use Map. Hiawatha's own page says its non-motorized trails aren't open to e-bikes.