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E-bike classes, e-scooters, golf carts & LSVs

Before you can figure out where you're allowed to ride, you need to know which legal category your vehicle falls into.

Last checked Nov 1, 2026Not legal advice

E-bike classes

ClassMotor helpTop assisted speedTypical extra rules
Class 1Only while you pedal20 mphUsually treated like a regular bicycle.1,2
Class 2Throttle, no pedaling needed20 mphSome park and trail rules treat throttle bikes differently.1,2
Class 3Only while you pedal28 mphOften has age minimums (15–16+), helmet rules, and limits on paths.1,2

Pennsylvania is different. It doesn't use classes. A "pedalcycle with electric assist" must weigh 100 lb or less, have a motor of 750 W or less, and top out at 20 mph on motor power alone.3 New York uses classes, but Class 3 is allowed only in cities with a population of 1 million or more.6

E-motos are not e-bikes

Electric "bikes" that go faster than 28 mph or have more power than the state allows usually count as mopeds or motorcycles. They can need a license, registration and insurance. California's SB 1167 (effective Jan 1, 2027) makes it harder to sell them as e-bikes.5

E-scooters

Each state defines stand-up electric scooters its own way. Common rules include an age minimum, a speed cap (often 15–20 mph), bans on sidewalks, and limits on which roads you can use. In some states, like Pennsylvania, personal e-scooters still aren't legal on public roads. Check your state's summary.

Golf carts vs. LSVs

Golf cart

Built for golf courses and private property, usually slower than 20 mph. Most states keep golf carts off public roads unless a local ordinance designates the streets, and even then usually only on low-speed streets.2

LSV / NEV

A four-wheeled vehicle with a top speed of 20–25 mph that meets federal safety standard FMVSS 500: seat belts, lights, mirrors, a windshield and a VIN. LSVs can be titled and registered, and states usually allow them on roads posted 25–35 mph (45 in Texas).4,2

Sources

  1. Vehicle Code §312.5 (e-bike classes) — California Legislature
  2. Transportation Code Ch. 551 (electric bicycles, scooters, golf carts, NEVs) — Texas Legislature
  3. Pub 944: Pedalcycles with electric assist (PDF) — PennDOT
  4. 49 CFR §571.500 (FMVSS 500, low-speed vehicles) — eCFR
  5. Newsom signs SB 1167 on e-bikes vs. e-motos — Streetsblog California
  6. Electric scooters, bicycles and other unregistered vehicles — NYS DMV