05/19/2026
A message from our Chief of Police here in the city of St. Clair.
This past spring and coming into summer, the City of St. Clair has seen a large increase in e-bikes and e-motos in town. In Michigan, e-bikes, e-mopeds, and e-motos each have their own legal classification. This affects where you can ride them and the rules for licensing, registration, and insurance.
An e-bike is a bicycle with working pedals, a seat or saddle, and an electric motor that is 750 watts or less. There are three classes: Class 1 (pedal-assist up to 20 mph), Class 2 (throttle-assisted up to 20 mph), and Class 3 (pedal-assist up to 28 mph). Ebikes are treated like regular bicycles. You do not need a driver's license, registration, or insurance, and you have the same road rights as other cyclists.
An e-moped, or electric moped, is usually considered a moped if it has a top speed of 30 mph or less on flat ground and does not need shifting gears. Michigan's moped law applies to gas-powered mopeds with engines under 100 cc, but low-power, low-speed electric mopeds are often treated the same way. E-mopeds usually need to be registered with the Secretary of State, require a moped license or a valid driver's license, and must display a registration decal. They are treated as motor vehicles, not bicycles.
An emoto, or electric motorcycle, is a higher-power electric two-wheeler that goes beyond e-bike limits. This means it has more than 750 watts, can go faster, or does not have pedals, and it does not qualify as a moped. Emotos are classified as motorcycles. They require full motorcycle registration, a title, insurance, a motorcycle endorsement on your license, and you must follow all motorcycle equipment and safety rules.
I encourage parents to monitor how their children are using their devices and to discuss with them the appropriate places to ride. Sidewalks are primarily designated for pedestrians, bicycles, and e-bikes. They are not intended for golf carts, mopeds, or electric motorcycles. Our goal is to ensure that everyone understands the rules and stays safe. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
Chief Don Ennis
810-329-5710