By vehicle
Rules for E-Bikes, Stand-Up E-Scooters and Mopeds in Wisconsin
| Vehicle | Definition | Minimum age | License | Registration | Insurance | Helmet | Sidewalks | Trails |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| E-bike, Class 1 and 2 | Class 1, 2; 750 W, 20 mph | None | No | No | No | No state rule | Only where local ordinance allows | Bikeways unless DNR or local ban |
| E-bike, Class 3 | Class 3; 750 W, 28 mph | 16 | No | No | No | No state rule | Only where local ordinance allows | Bikeways unless DNR or local ban |
| Stand-up e-scooter | Electric scooter: under 100 lb, 20 mph | No state rule | No | No | No | No state rule | Yes, unless local ban | Bike lanes and ways locally designated |
| Seated e-scooter (moped) | Moped: 30 mph max | 16 | Yes (Class D or moped permit) | Yes | Yes | No state rule | No | No, unless signed |
Where to ride
Where Each Vehicle May Ride
- E-bike, Class 1 and 2. DNR trails: Class 1 only, 15 mph
- E-bike, Class 3. Speedometer required; DNR trails 15 mph; under 16 as passenger only
- Stand-up e-scooter. Local may bar from expressways
- Seated e-scooter (moped). No freeways; single file on roads over 25 mph
Equipment
Equipment Rules for E-Bikes
Permanent label showing class, assisted speed and wattage in nine-point Arial; motor cutoff when brakes are applied or pedaling stops (Class 2 throttle excepted); speedometer on Class 3; must meet federal bicycle standards in 16 CFR 1512; relabel after any modification.
City rules
What Cities and Counties Can Change
A county or municipality may ban e-bike motor use on bikeways it manages, and bicycles may ride on sidewalks only where a local ordinance allows it. Madison allows bicycles and e-bikes on sidewalks except where buildings sit directly beside the sidewalk, and allows e-scooters on sidewalks.
Parks and trails
State Parks, Federal Lands and Rail Trails in Wisconsin
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources allows Class 1 and Class 3 e-bikes on listed state trails with a 15 mph limit, and e-bikes with the motor off on all bicycle trails. Its table opens some off-road and mountain bike trails (for example Blue Mound and Peninsula state parks) and closes others (Kettle Moraine State Forest, Hartman Creek State Park). Class 2 is not listed as allowed.
- Rail trails in Wisconsin
- National parks in Wisconsin
- E-bike rules on federal lands: national parks, wildlife refuges, BLM land and national forests
Record
Sources
- E-bike, Class 1 and 2
- Wis. Stat. 340.01(15ph); 346.806; 2019 Act 34
- E-bike, Class 3
- Wis. Stat. 346.806(4); 347.489(3m); 2019 Act 34
- Stand-up e-scooter
- Wis. Stat. 340.01(15ps); 341.058; 2019 Act 11
- Seated e-scooter (moped)
- Wis. Stat. 340.01(29m); WisDOT moped rules
- Status
- Partly verified
- Open items
- E-scooter age, helmet and sidewalk rules not read from statute text (legislature site blocked fetching); moped helmet rule for riders under 18 not confirmed from statute (WisDOT says none required); moped insurance not confirmed
- Last verified
- Q4 2026