Delaware Electric Bike Laws

Three-class law · State parks: Varies by park

Delaware adopted the three-class system in 2022 (83 Del. Laws c. 505); an e-bike has the rights of a bicycle and is exempt from licensing, registration and insurance. No one under 16 may operate a Class 3 e-bike, and all bicycle riders under 18 must wear a helmet. A 2025 law (85 Del. Laws c. 161) created a low-speed motorized scooter category, top speed 15 mph, for riders 14 and older.

E-bike classes
Three
E-bike license
No
Class 3 minimum age
16
E-bike helmet
Under 18
State parks
Varies by park
Moped registration
Yes, $5 for 3 years

By vehicle

Rules for E-Bikes, Stand-Up E-Scooters and Mopeds in Delaware

Delaware rules by vehicle
VehicleDefinitionMinimum ageLicenseRegistrationInsuranceHelmetSidewalksTrails
E-bike, Class 1 and 2Class 1, 2; 750 W maxNoneNoNoNoUnder 18Not with motor onYes, except nonmotorized trails
E-bike, Class 3Class 3, 28 mph16NoNoNoYes, all ridersNot with motor onYes, except nonmotorized trails
Stand-up e-scooterLow-speed motorized scooter: 15 mph max14NoNoNoUnder 18NoPaths unless agency bans
Seated e-scooter (moped)Moped: under 55 cc or electric motor16YesYes, $5 for 3 yearsNoUnder 18NoNo

Where to ride

Where Each Vehicle May Ride

  • E-bike, Class 1 and 2. Paths may be closed after a hearing
  • E-bike, Class 3. Speedometer required; under 16 as passenger only
  • Stand-up e-scooter. Faster scooters barred from public roads and sidewalks
  • Seated e-scooter (moped). No interstates; bike-only paths with motor off

Equipment

Equipment Rules for E-Bikes

Permanent label showing class, top assisted speed and motor wattage (since January 1, 2023); motor cutoff when pedaling stops or brakes are applied; speedometer and helmet for all riders on Class 3.

City rules

What Cities and Counties Can Change

A local authority or state agency may ban e-bikes from a path after notice and a public hearing and may ban them from natural-surface trails designated nonmotorized. Scooter rentals are barred unless a municipal ordinance permits them, and cities over 50,000 people may adopt their own scooter ordinances.

Parks and trails

State Parks, Federal Lands and Rail Trails in Delaware

State law lets the Delaware Division of Parks and Recreation (DNREC) keep e-bikes off natural-surface trails designated nonmotorized; elsewhere e-bikes may go where bicycles are allowed.

Record

Sources

E-bike, Class 1 and 2
21 Del. C. 101, 4198P; 83 Del. Laws c. 505
E-bike, Class 3
21 Del. C. 4198P
Stand-up e-scooter
21 Del. C. 101, 4198N, 4198Q; 85 Del. Laws c. 161 (2025)
Seated e-scooter (moped)
21 Del. C. 101, 4198M
Status
Partly verified
Open items
Bill numbers for 83 Del. Laws c. 505 and 85 Del. Laws c. 161; Delaware State Parks written e-bike policy not found
Last verified
Q4 2026