E-bike, e-scooter and e-moto rules by country and state
Power and speed limits, e-bike classes, the safety certification required for sale, and where e-bikes, e-scooters and electric dirt bikes may be ridden. Each rule links to the law or official source it was checked against.
Checked 21 October 2026. Local rules (cities, parks, trails) can add restrictions.
United States (federal)
Classes and limits · e-bikes
A low-speed electric bicycle under federal consumer-product law has fully operable pedals, a motor of less than 750 W and a top speed on motor power alone of less than 20 mph. Within that definition it is regulated as a bicycle, not a motor vehicle.
Source: 15 U.S. Code § 2085 · checked 21 October 2026
Certification · e-bikes, e-scooters
The Consumer Product Safety Commission proposed a mandatory safety standard for lithium-ion batteries in e-bikes, e-scooters and other micromobility products on 24 June 2026, built on UL 2849, UL 2271 and UL 2272. The comment period closed on 24 August 2026; the rule is not yet final.
Source: Proposed rule, 91 Fed. Reg. 38,162 (summary) · checked 21 October 2026
United States (most states)
Classes and limits · e-bikes
The three-class system first written into California law: Class 1, pedal assist only, motor stops at 20 mph; Class 2, throttle allowed, motor stops at 20 mph; Class 3, pedal assist only up to 28 mph, with a speedometer. States set where each class may ride, and many restrict Class 3 on bike paths and set a minimum age and a helmet rule for it.
Source: California Vehicle Code § 312.5 · checked 21 October 2026
California
Certification · e-bikes
From 1 January 2026 an e-bike may be sold only if its battery has been tested by an accredited laboratory to UL 2849, EN 15194 or another standard set by the State Fire Marshal. The rule extends to rentals from 1 January 2028, and sellers must provide the test report on request.
Source: Senate Bill 1271 (2024) · checked 21 October 2026
New York City
Certification · e-bikes, e-scooters
Since 16 September 2023 e-bikes may be sold, rented or leased only if certified to UL 2849, their batteries to UL 2271, and e-scooters to UL 2272 (Local Law 39 of 2023). Since 2024 the city can padlock repeat sellers of uncertified devices, and from 26 January 2026 e-bikes ridden by delivery workers must also meet these standards.
Source: New York City Council · checked 21 October 2026
European Union
Classes and limits · e-bikes
A pedal cycle whose motor assists only while the rider pedals, with a continuous rated power of up to 250 W and assistance cutting out at 25 km/h, is outside vehicle type approval and is treated as a bicycle. A more powerful or faster e-bike, such as a 45 km/h speed pedelec, is a moped (category L1e) needing type approval, registration and insurance.
Source: Regulation (EU) No 168/2013 · checked 21 October 2026
United Kingdom
Classes and limits · e-bikes
An electrically assisted pedal cycle (EAPC) has pedals, a motor of no more than 250 W continuous rated power that cannot propel it above 15.5 mph, and may be ridden from age 14 without a licence. A bike that moves without pedalling needs vehicle approval. An e-bike outside these rules is a moped or motorcycle: it must be registered and taxed, and the rider needs a licence, insurance and a helmet.
Source: GOV.UK: Electric bikes · checked 21 October 2026
Where and who may ride · e-scooters
Privately owned e-scooters may not be ridden on public roads, pavements or cycle lanes; only rental e-scooters in government-approved trial areas may. Private e-scooters may be ridden on private land with the owner's permission.
Source: European Consumer Centre: e-scooter rules in Europe · checked 21 October 2026
Germany
Where and who may ride · e-scooters
An e-scooter may be ridden on public roads only if its model holds a general operating permit (ABE) from the Federal Motor Transport Authority, with a top speed of 20 km/h, liability insurance shown by an insurance plate renewed each year, and a rider aged 14 or over.
Source: European Consumer Centre: e-scooter rules in Europe · checked 21 October 2026
Netherlands
Where and who may ride · e-scooters
An e-scooter needs national type approval from the RDW, which only manufacturers can apply for; most models on sale are not approved and may not be ridden on public roads.
Source: European Consumer Centre: e-scooter rules in Europe · checked 21 October 2026
New South Wales, Australia
Certification · e-bikes, e-scooters
E-bikes, e-scooters and their lithium-ion batteries are declared electrical articles: since 1 February 2025 they must meet prescribed safety standards to be sold, and since 1 February 2026 they must also be tested, certified and marked, including second-hand and former hire units. NSW Fair Trading keeps a register of certified models.
Source: NSW Government · checked 21 October 2026
Explained in depth
UL 2849, UL 2271, UL 2272 and EN 15194: e-bike and e-scooter safety certification explained
What UL 2849, UL 2271, UL 2272, EN 15194 and EN 17128 each test, where certification is required by law (New York City, California, New South Wales) and how to check a claim.
E-bike classes and legal limits: Class 1, 2 and 3 in the US, 250 W and 25 km/h in Europe and the UK
What Class 1, 2 and 3 e-bikes are, the 750 W federal limit in the US, the 250 W and 25 km/h pedelec limits in the EU and the 15.5 mph limit in the UK, and what happens above them.