E-Bike Types

Helmets are required for anyone under age 16 riding on a bike. This includes passengers that are not steering the bike. Helmets are also strongly recommended for people of all ages. 

By law, all bicycles must have: 

• Brakes that can stop the bicycle within 15 feet when it is going 10 miles per hour on dry, level, clean pavement. 
• A white beam headlight that can be seen 500 feet away and a red rear reflector that can be seen 600 feet away, when ridden at night or during low-light conditions.
• A safety seat or trailer, firmly attached to the bicycle, if traveling with a small child. 
• A bicycle basket, rack, or bag when carrying small things so both hands can be kept on the handlebars. 

 Like motor vehicle drivers, bicyclists have both rights and responsibilities to safely use the road. Do your part by being a safe and respectful bicyclist. 

• Obey the Rules of the Road: Ride straight and single file in a predictable manner. Plan ahead and allow time to get around road hazards and to deal with traffic and open car doors. Yield to pedestrians and obey all traffic signals and signs. 
• Ride with Traffic: Always ride on the right side. Be careful when passing pedestrians and bicycles on the right. When you come to an intersection, use the appropriate lane for the direction you are going (left, straight, right). 
• Signal All Turns: Look back before you change lanes or turn. Use your turn signals to let others know what you plan to do:
• You may turn left like motor vehicles do by moving to the left side of the travel lane (or left turn lane), or Cross like a pedestrian by stopping, getting off your bicycle, and walking across in a crosswalk.
• Be Prepared for Slick Road Conditions: When braking in the rain or snow, allow extra distance to stop and look for pavement markings and utility covers, which may be slippery. 
• Be Visible - Use Lights at Night:  When riding at night, Maryland State Law requires a white headlight on the front of your bicycle, and a red reflector on the back. They must be visible from at least 600 feet away. In addition, it is recommended that you wear bright clothing in the daytime and reflective clothing for night riding.

Source: Maryland Driver’s License Manual (DL-002 (07-24))

1. Is designed to be operated by human power with the assistance of a motor;
2. Is equipped with pedals that mechanically drive the rear wheel or wheels;
3. Has two or three wheels, of which one is more than 14 inches in diameter; and
4. Has a motor rating of 1.5 brake horsepower (1250 W) or less and, if the motor is an internal combustion engine, a capacity of 50 cubic centimeters piston displacement or less.

1. Has a seat for the operator;
2. Has 2 wheels, of which one is 10 inches or more in diameter;
3. Has a step through chassis;
4. Has a motor: (i) With a rating of 2.7 brake horsepower or less; or (ii) If the motor is an internal combustion engine, with a capacity of 50 cubic centimeters piston displacement or less; and
5. Is  equipped with an automatic transmission.  

“Motor Scooter” does not include a vehicle that has been manufactured for off road use, including a      motorcycle and all terrain vehicles. 

Motor scooters that are built for road use and have greater horsepower and cc's may be titled and registered as a motorcycle.  Note:  A person may not operate a motorcycle that has a rating of 1.5 brake horsepower or less, or a capacity of less than 70 cubic centimeters piston displacement, on a roadway where the posted maximum speed is more than 50 miles per hour, or on an expressway or other controlled access highway.

 Effective October 1, 2012, mopeds and motor scooters are required to be titled and display a decal in Maryland. In addition, operators of the vehicles are required to possess a valid license or moped permit, carry proof of insurance, and wear a protective head and eye device. The electronic submission of title applications for mopeds and motor scooters can be processed at a tag and title service, dealer, or through the myMVA eServices. 

As the vehicle owner, you will be required to submit:

• An Application for Title Decal for Mopeds, Motor Scooters, ATVs, Off Road Motorcycles, and Snowmobiles, form VR-337; and
• An Application for Certificate of Title, form VR-005 (link) or the application on the      reverse of the Maryland title; and
• Proof  of Ownership which could be:

1. A Certificate of Origin
2. Maryland Title
3. An Out of State Title or
4. Bill of Sale and/or registration from a non-title state.  (Complete an Affidavit of Ownership - Moped, Motor Scooter & Off Road Vehicle, form VR-450.)
5. No ownership documents (see note below)

Traffic laws that apply to individuals riding a bicycle also apply to people operating a motor scooter or moped.

When operating a motor scooter or moped, the rider must ride as near to the right side of the roadway as practical and safe except when:

1. Making a left turn.
2. Operating on a one-way street.
3. Passing a stopped or slower moving vehicle.
4. Avoiding  pedestrians or road hazards.
5. The right lane is a right turn only lane.
6. Operating in a lane that is too narrow for a bicycle, motor scooter, or moped and another vehicle to travel safely side by side.

Operators and passengers of motor scooters and mopeds are required to wear a DOT compliant motorcycle helmet.  In addition, if the vehicle is not equipped with a windscreen the operator and passenger must wear a protective eye device.  They may ride side by side only if the flow of traffic is unimpeded and must exercise due care when passing a vehicle.  The use of headsets covering both ears and earplugs are prohibited except in certain circumstances.

A person may not ride a bicycle, motor scooter or moped on a roadway where the posted maximum speed limit is more than 50 miles per hour.  If the roadway has a bike lane paved to a smooth surface or a paved shoulder, a person operating a bicycle or a motor scooter must use the bike lane or shoulder and may not ride on the roadway except for a situation identified above as (1 through 6).

A motor scooter or moped may not be operated at a speed in excess of 30 miles per hour.

Operators of motor scooters and mopeds should check their local jurisdictions for any laws that may affect the operation of a motor scooter or moped.

Source Maryland Department of Transportation Website: Off Road Vehicle (ORV) - Moped, Motor Scooters, ATVs, Snowmobiles and Off Road Motorcycles