Electric Bikes

Online and in-person retailers may try to sell you an illegal e-moto. Go through the following steps to make sure your e-bike is street legal and safe.  

• Look: Buy from a reputable shop to ensure your bike and its battery are standard and tested. Look for a UL mark on your devices and chargers.
• Learn: Breaks act differently and wear down faster on e-bikes, learn how to break properly and determine the wear on your e-bike's break pads.  
• Label: Sellers must affix a clear and permanent label indicating a bike's class, wattage, and speed. This label should align with the actual power ability of the bike. If there is not a label indicating that it is a Class I, II, or III e-bike, it likely is not legal to use on paths, bike lanes, or streets. 

Interested in buying or trying out an e-bike? Find a local bike shop near you.  

 If your device does not meet the legal definition of an e-bike but meets the definition of a motor bicycle, electric motorcycle, or moped it can be legally driven on Wisconsin roads with the necessary license, registration, and insurance. The following Wisconsin Department of Transportation device classification webpage breaks down the many different types of two wheeled motorized vehicles. 

Vehicles including but not limited to E-motos, Mini bikes, 'dirt' bikes, mini motorcycle, and pocket rockets are considered OCEVs. These are NOT considered bikes under Wisconsin law and are only legal to ride on private property. 

They are not intended for operating on roadways and are prohibited on sidewalks, shared-use-paths, and bike lanes. The DMV does not regulate licensing or registration for OCEVs 

E-bikes and e-scooters travel at higher speeds than traditional bikes and scooters, you can protect yourself with a helmet. Wear a helmet that matches the speed and intended use of your device. 

• CPSC (bicycle standard): For bicycles and lower-speed devices traveling up to 20 mph. 
• NTA 8776 (e-bike standard): For higher-speed e-bikes and e-scooters traveling up to 28 mph. 
• DOT (motorcycle standard): For devices capable of speeds greater than 28 mph. These helmets provide greater impact protection and more coverage of the face and head. 

E-bikes and e-scooters are commonly powered by lithium-ion batteries that can malfunction and start fires. Fires can start when these batteries are stored, charged, or disposed of incorrectly. You can protect yourself and your home with a few precautions: 

• Store batteries in a dry, temperature-controlled area 
• Do not leave charging batteries unattended 
• Charge away from combustible materials and emergency exits 
• Only use the charger that comes with your device 
• Only dispose of lithium-ion batteries at designated sites 
• Find your local drop off site in Madison.  

In Madison, e-bikes and e-scooters are permitted to be ridden on sidewalks, multi-use paths, bike lanes, and the street. Follow traffic rules and be cautious of pedestrians and other vehicles to keep everyone safe.  

Things to keep in mind:

• You cannot ride on sidewalks in areas where buildings exit directly to the sidewalk
  • like downtown and many neighborhood business districts 
• Sidewalks may be uneven, stay alert for cars backing out of driveways
• Pedestrians ALWAYS have the right of way on sidewalks; yield to pedestrians and provide adequate space and a warning when passing people walking.
• A white headlight and rear reflector or working rear red light are required at night 
• Keep speeds low on busy and crowded paths  
• Follow the same traffic rules as traditional bicycles, including: 
  • Obey traffic signals 
  • Ride with traffic 
  • Signal turns 
  • Yield to pedestrians 

E-bikes and e-scooters are more valuable and at greater risk of theft. Make sure to lock your bike properly and protect your property.