08/14/2026
We are seeing more and more E-Bikes & Scooters throughout the village. There have been many reports of kids riding them down the middle of the road, not yielding to traffic, etc. Parents, please talk to your kids about riding safely!
🚨🛴🏍️ — E-Bikes, Scooters, and Mopeds: Know the Difference 🏍️🛴🚨
As electric-powered transportation becomes more popular, we're seeing more e-bikes, electric scooters, mopeds, mini bikes, and similar vehicles on our roads and trails. Unfortunately, many riders (and parents) aren't always sure what laws apply to each type of vehicle.
Knowing the difference can help keep everyone safe and avoid costly citations.
🚲 E-Bikes
Wisconsin law recognizes three classes of e-bikes.
Class 1
• Pedal-assist only
• Motor assists up to 20 mph
Class 2
• Equipped with a throttle
• Can move without pedaling
• Motor assists up to 20 mph
Class 3
• Pedal-assist only
• Motor assists up to 28 mph
• Rider must be at least 16 years old
A legal e-bike must:
✅ Have fully operable pedals
✅ Have a motor of 750 watts or less
Legal e-bikes do NOT require:
✅ Driver's license
✅ Registration
✅ License plates
✅ Insurance
E-bike riders must follow the same rules of the road as traditional bicycles.
🛴 Electric Scooters
Electric stand-up scooters:
✅ Do not require a driver's license
✅ Cannot be titled or registered through the Wisconsin DMV
✅ May be operated on sidewalks unless local ordinances say otherwise
When riding on a sidewalk, riders must:
✔️ Yield to pedestrians
✔️ Exercise due care
✔️ Give an audible signal when passing others
🏍️ Mopeds
A moped is different from an e-bike or electric scooter.
Under Wisconsin law, a moped:
• Has an engine that is part of the vehicle
• Has an engine under 50cc (or up to 130cc for certain pedal-equipped models)
• Is designed for only one person
📋 Mopeds REQUIRE:
✅ A valid Wisconsin driver's license
✅ Wisconsin title
✅ License plates
🚫 It is illegal to carry a passenger on a moped.
Moped operators must follow all traffic laws, including:
• Obeying traffic signals and stop signs
• Yielding to pedestrians in crosswalks
• Following school zone speed limits
Mopeds:
🚫 Cannot operate on freeways
🚫 Cannot operate on sidewalks
🚫 Cannot operate where specifically prohibited
⚠️ What About Other High-Powered Electric Bikes?
Many of the electric motorcycles seen today are not legal e-bikes because they:
❌ Exceed 750 watts
❌ Travel faster than 28 mph under motor power
❌ Lack fully operable pedals
Depending on their specifications, these vehicles may be classified as mopeds or motorcycles and may require licensing, registration, insurance, and additional safety equipment to operate legally on public roadways.
🛹 Other Motorized Devices
This includes:
• Mini bikes
• Pocket bikes
• OneWheels
• Electric skateboards
• Hoverboards
• Motorized longboards
• Similar devices
Many of these vehicles are intended for off-road or private-property use and are generally not permitted on state highways, Interstates, or other public roadways.
🪖 Safety First
No matter what you're riding:
✔️ Wear a helmet
✔️ Stay alert and avoid distractions
✔️ Follow traffic laws
✔️ Yield to pedestrians
✔️ Ride at a safe speed for conditions
Before purchasing or operating any motorized vehicle, take a few minutes to understand how it is classified under Wisconsin law. What looks like a bicycle may actually be considered a motor vehicle.
Know the law. Ride responsibly. Arrive safely.
https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/dmv/motorcycles/mc-how-aply/cycle.aspx
