State guide

Michigan

Michigan uses the three-class e-bike system in state law, with definitions in Section 257.13e and operating rules in Section 257.662a. The state broadly treats e-bikes like bicycles on highways and bike lanes, but local governments and state agencies can decide whether particular trails or city areas allow them after a public hearing.

Checked against official sources on October 4, 2026. Rules and links change; confirm with the office listed before you act.

Try a ZIP like 30303, “Travis County” or “Columbus, OH”

Three-class system: Yes. Michigan adopted the three-class system in 2017 Public Act 139, effective January 28, 2018, now codified at MCL 257.13e.
Minimum age: Class 1: none found; Class 2: none found; Class 3: minimum operator age 14, with under-14 passengers allowed only on a class 3 bike designed to carry passengers.
Helmet rule: Class 1 and class 2: no statewide helmet requirement located in the statutes searched; class 3: anyone under 18 operating or riding as a passenger must wear a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet meeting the listed standards.
Where e-bikes may ride: E-bikes may be used on highways anywhere bicycles are allowed, including bike lanes and shoulders; class 1 is allowed on qualifying paved or similar linear trails unless restricted, class 2 and class 3 need authorization on those trails, natural-surface nonmotorized trails are closed unless the jurisdiction allows them, and a city or trail manager must hold a public hearing before restricting or authorizing under MCL 257.662a(7)-(12).
License or registration: Michigan law treats e-bikes as bicycles for operation and excludes electric bicycles from the definition of motor vehicle; no separate statewide e-bike registration, operator-license, or insurance requirement was located on the official state pages searched.
Law: MCL 257.13e; MCL 257.657; MCL 257.662a; 2017 PA 138; 2017 PA 139.

Official resources in Michigan

Michigan Vehicle Code, Section 257.662a

Official Michigan Legislature PDF with the main operating rules for electric bicycles, including age, helmets, highways, and trails.

Michigan Vehicle Code, Section 257.657

Official Michigan Legislature PDF stating that people riding electric bicycles have the same rights and duties as people riding bicycles on a roadway.

E-bikes on DNR-managed lands

Official DNR page summarizing Michigan e-bike classes and where each class may be used on DNR roads and trails.

Michigan Vehicle Code, Act 300 of 1949

Official compiled code containing the current e-bike definitions and operating provisions.

Key facts for Michigan

Michigan added its electric-bicycle definitions in 2017 Public Act 139, effective January 28, 2018.
Michigan classifies e-bikes into class 1, class 2, and class 3.
A class 3 e-bike may not be operated by a person younger than 14, though a younger passenger may ride if the bike is designed for passengers.
Anyone younger than 18 operating or riding as a passenger on a class 3 e-bike must wear a properly fitted, fastened bicycle helmet.
On highways, an e-bike may be used anywhere a bicycle may be used, including bike lanes and shoulders.
Class 3 e-bikes are not allowed on Michigan state-managed trails under the DNR page; class 1 is broadly allowed and class 2 needs a no-cost mobility permit for those DNR trails.

City e-bike rules in Michigan

City	city	phone	Details
Department of Natural Resources Ingham	Lansing	Not published*	Official DNR e-bike page explains which classes may use DNR-managed roads and trails and when a no-cost mobility permit is needed.
Department of Public Works - Complete Streets Wayne	Detroit	Not published*	Detroit's biking page links the city's bike map and rider resources for biking in the city.
Office of Mobility Innovation Wayne	Detroit	Not published*	Detroit's shared-mobility page covers bike-share, e-scooter operations, geofenced zones, and discounted programs.
Mobile GR Kent	Grand Rapids	311 or 616.456.3000	Grand Rapids transportation department page for mobility options, including shared e-bikes and e-scooters.
Grand Rapids Police Department Kent	Grand Rapids	Not published*	Official city news explains that e-bikes may operate in the roadway or bike lanes and only on sidewalks outside the Downtown Improvement District.
Engineering - Transportation Team Washtenaw	Ann Arbor	734.794.6410	Ann Arbor's biking page states the city has authorized Spin e-bikes and e-scooters and says users must be 18 and wear a helmet.

* Not published: the official page doesn't list it. Call the office to confirm before you rely on it.

What to do next

Check both the statewide rule and the specific trail manager's rule before riding off-street; Michigan leaves many trail decisions to the local authority or state agency.
If you ride a class 3 e-bike and are under 18, wear a properly fitted helmet every time.
If you need class 2 access on DNR-managed trails for mobility reasons, review the DNR's no-cost permit process before you go.

Not seeing your city or county?

We list a city only when an official government page publishes its rules. If yours isn't in the table above, it may not publish them online yet. Here's what to use instead, in order:

General Start with the statewide information above. It applies across Michigan, but cities and counties can add their own steps, fees or deadlines.
Closest verified Nearest places where we have verified local data outside this state (distance from Michigan's population center, for comparison only):
- Veo Scooters, Ohio · about 92 miles
- City of Fort Wayne - Trail and sidewalk ordinance update, Indiana · about 132 miles
- Cleveland E-Bike Rebate Program, Ohio · about 164 miles
Call to confirm Ask the official office. They have the current local rule, fee and form.
Michigan Vehicle Code, Section 257.662a
Website →
Phone not shown: use the contact page on the official website above.
Your city or county office: Local governments →
Not sure who handles it locally? USAGov's free help line, 1-844-872-4681, or the Michigan page on USA.gov can point you to the right office.
Know the current info? Tell us and include a link to the official page. We check every tip before it goes up.

Helpful guides

E-bike rule check →

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