Rhode Island Electric Bike Laws

Three-class law · State parks: Class 1 only on state bike paths

S 2829 and H 7713, signed in June 2024 as Public Laws 2024, chapters 172 and 173, adopted the three-class system effective July 1, 2024 and set the e-bike definition at 28 mph and two horsepower. An e-bike is not a motor vehicle and needs no registration or license, but state law bars riders under 16 and requires helmets for riders and passengers under 21.

E-bike classes
Three
E-bike license
No
Class 3 minimum age
16
E-bike helmet
Under 21
State parks
Class 1 only on state bike paths
Moped registration
Yes

By vehicle

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

Rhode Island rules by vehicle
VehicleDefinitionMinimum ageLicenseRegistrationInsuranceHelmetSidewalksTrails
E-bike, Class 1Class 1; motor up to 2 hp16NoNoNoUnder 21No state ruleState bike paths
E-bike, Class 2Class 2; motor up to 2 hp16NoNoNoUnder 21No state ruleNot state bike paths
E-bike, Class 3Class 3; motor up to 2 hp16NoNoNoUnder 21No state ruleNot state bike paths
Stand-up e-scooterNo state categoryNo state ruleNo state ruleNo state ruleNo state ruleNo state ruleLocal ruleNo state rule
Seated e-scooter (moped)Motorized bicycle: up to 4.9 hp, 50 cc, 30 mph16Yes, driver's licenseYesNo state rule foundNo state rule foundNoNo

Where to ride

Where Each Vehicle May Ride

  • E-bike, Class 1. Roads and state bike paths
  • E-bike, Class 2. Roads
  • E-bike, Class 3. Roads
  • Stand-up e-scooter. Set by city ordinance
  • Seated e-scooter (moped). No interstate highways

Equipment

Equipment Rules for E-Bikes

No state label or speedometer rule; motor capped at two horsepower and top speed at 28 mph; bicycle lamp and reflector rules apply at night.

City rules

What Cities and Counties Can Change

Cities and towns set sidewalk rules and may regulate electric personal mobility devices, but the state under-16 ban applies regardless of local ordinance; Newport Police restated the under-16 ban and under-21 helmet rule in September 2025. H 7789, which passed the House in June 2026 to restate the age ban and require sellers to post e-bike laws, was referred to Senate Judiciary.

Parks and trails

State Parks, Federal Lands and Rail Trails in Rhode Island

State law lets Class 1 e-bikes use state bicycle trails and paths; Class 2 and 3 are excluded. The Department of Environmental Management may set rules for e-bikes on its parks and management areas.

Record

Sources

E-bike, Class 1
§31-1-3(g), 31-3-2.2, 31-19.7-1 to -3; S 2829 (2024)
E-bike, Class 2
§31-1-3(g), 31-3-2.2, 31-19.7-1 to -3; S 2829 (2024)
E-bike, Class 3
§31-1-3(g), 31-3-2.2, 31-19.7-1 to -3; S 2829 (2024)
Stand-up e-scooter
none found
Seated e-scooter (moped)
§31-1-3(p), 31-19.1-1, 31-19.1-2; RI DMV
Status
Partly verified
Open items
DEM e-bike rules for state parks not found; no state stand-up e-scooter category found; moped insurance and helmet rules unconfirmed; H 7789 Senate outcome unknown
Last verified
Q4 2026