06/15/2026
The City of Adrian has experienced a significant increase in the operation of electric bicycles (e-bikes), electric scooters, electric skateboards, and similar battery-powered vehicles on public streets, sidewalks, parks, and trails. Many operators, particularly juveniles, are failing to obey traffic control devices, yielding requirements, and pedestrian right-of-way laws.
This bulletin provides officers with the Michigan Vehicle Code provisions applicable to enforcement actions involving these devices.
I. Legal Definition of an Electric Bicycle
MCL 257.13e defines an electric bicycle as a device equipped with a seat or saddle, fully operable pedals for human propulsion, and an electric motor of not greater than 750 watts.
Vehicles exceeding these specifications generally do not qualify as electric bicycles and may instead meet the definition of a moped, motor-driven cycle, or motorcycle requiring registration, licensing, and other motor vehicle requirements.
Enforcement Consideration: Officers encountering Sur-Ron, Talaria, E-Ride Pro, and similar e-moto style vehicles should determine motor wattage, presence of operable pedals, vehicle speed capability, and manufacturer classification label.
II. E-Bikes Are Subject to Bicycle Traffic Laws
MCL 257.657 provides that persons operating bicycles and electric bicycles upon a roadway are subject to the same rights and duties applicable to drivers of vehicles unless a provision clearly does not apply.
Operators may be cited for disobeying stop signs, traffic signals, failure to yield, wrong-way travel, improper lane usage, and other applicable bicycle violations.
III. Stop Signs – MCL 257.649
An operator of an electric bicycle or other bicycle must stop at a stop sign and yield as required by law.
Common violations include rolling through stop signs, entering intersections without yielding, and following motor vehicles through intersections without stopping.
IV. Traffic Signals – MCL 257.612
Electric bicycle and scooter operators must obey traffic control signals.
Common violations include riding through red lights, proceeding against pedestrian signals, and ignoring traffic control devices.
V. Riding on Sidewalks – MCL 257.660c
Michigan law permits bicycle and electric bicycle operation on sidewalks unless prohibited by local ordinance or traffic control device.
Operators must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians, give an audible signal before overtaking pedestrians, and operate in a manner that does not endanger pedestrian traffic.
VI. Reckless or Careless Operation
MCL 257.626b – Careless Driving (Civil Infraction)
MCL 257.626 – Reckless Driving (93-Day Misdemeanor)
Where circumstances justify, officers should consider these violations for operators who ignore traffic controls, endanger pedestrians, weave through traffic, or otherwise create unreasonable hazards.
VII. Passengers – MCL 257.658(3)
Electric skateboards and similar devices may not carry more than one person.
Common violations include two juveniles riding a single scooter or multiple riders on devices designed for a single operator.
VIII. Age and Helmet Requirements – MCL 257.662a
Class 3 electric bicycles may not be operated by persons under 14 years of age.
Operators and passengers under 18 years of age on Class 3 electric bicycles must wear an approved helmet.
IX. Required E-Bike Labeling – MCL 257.662a
Manufacturers must affix a permanent label indicating classification, top assisted speed, and motor wattage.
Missing labels may indicate that the vehicle does not qualify as a lawful electric bicycle.
X. When the E-Bike Is Actually a Motor Vehicle
Many devices currently being operated by juveniles are marketed as electric bicycles but do not meet the requirements of MCL 257.13e.
Indicators include no pedals, motor exceeding 750 watts, speeds exceeding Class 3 limits, off-road motorcycle design, or modified controllers.
Potential enforcement statutes may include operating without a license, no registration, no insurance, and equipment violations.
