District of Columbia Electric Bike Laws

No three-class law · State parks: Where bicycles allowed (NPS land)

The District has no three-class law; an e-bike is a motorized bicycle with working pedals, wheels at least 16 inches across and a motor that cannot exceed 20 mph on level ground. Riders must be 16 or older and need no license, registration or insurance. A bike that assists past 20 mph is a motor-driven cycle, which needs a license, registration and insurance.

E-bike classes
Not adopted
E-bike license
No
Class 3 minimum age
-
E-bike helmet
Under 16
State parks
Where bicycles allowed (NPS land)
Moped registration
Yes

By vehicle

Rules for E-Bikes, Stand-Up E-Scooters and Mopeds in District of Columbia

District of Columbia rules by vehicle
VehicleDefinitionMinimum ageLicenseRegistrationInsuranceHelmetSidewalksTrails
E-bikeMotorized bicycle: pedals, 20 mph motor16NoNoNoUnder 16NoClass 1-2 on DC trails; NPS where bikes allowed
Stand-up e-scooterElectric mobility device: under 75 lbNo state ruleNoNoNoUnder 16Outside Central Business DistrictNo state rule
Seated e-scooter (moped)Motor-driven cycle: 50 cc or equivalent, 30 mph16YesYesYesYesNoNo

Where to ride

Where Each Vehicle May Ride

  • E-bike. Bike lanes yes; over 20 mph is a motor-driven cycle
  • Stand-up e-scooter. Self-balancing or 75 lb+ devices: PMD rules, age 16, 10 mph
  • Seated e-scooter (moped). No bike lanes

Equipment

Equipment Rules for E-Bikes

Working pedals; post-mounted seat; wheels at least 16 inches; motor top speed 20 mph; no state label or speedometer rule.

City rules

What Cities and Counties Can Change

The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) sets the rules: no sidewalk riding in the Central Business District, and DDOT said in 2023 that Class 1 and 2 e-bikes may use District trails. The Council passed the Micromobility Fire Safety Standards Act (B26-0244) in October 2026, which would define e-bikes and require certified batteries; it went to the Mayor with a response due October 20, 2026.

Parks and trails

State Parks, Federal Lands and Rail Trails in District of Columbia

Most large parkland in the District, including Rock Creek Park and the National Mall, is National Park Service land, where e-bikes may go wherever traditional bicycles may and unpaved trails are closed to all bikes. Park superintendents may restrict classes.

Record

Sources

E-bike
D.C. Code 50-2201.02(11A); 18 DCMR 1201
Stand-up e-scooter
D.C. Code 50-2201.02(6A), 50-2201.04a, 50-1651
Seated e-scooter (moped)
18 DCMR 9901; DMV non-traditional vehicle chart
Status
Partly verified
Open items
Whether 18 DCMR 1201 still bars motorized bicycles from off-street paths after the 2023 DDOT clarification; whether the helmet rule covers motorized bicycles; final status of B26-0244; DC Department of Parks and Recreation e-bike policy
Last verified
Q4 2026