Electric bicycles (“e-bikes”) are increasingly common on Missouri roads, trails, and bike paths. Missouri law generally treats e-bikes like traditional bicycles, making them an accessible and popular transportation option for commuters, recreational riders, and families alike. However, e-bike use is not unlimited, and parents considering an e-bike as a gift should understand both where e-bikes are allowed and where restrictions apply.
Across the United States, medical and public-health organizations are increasingly sounding the alarm about electric-bicycle injuries, particularly among children and adolescents. Groups such as the American College of Surgeons and the American Academy of Pediatrics have published research noting a rise in emergency-room visits linked to e-bike crashes, with injuries often more severe than those seen with traditional bicycles. Trauma surgeons and pediatric specialists point to higher speeds, greater vehicle weight, and inconsistent helmet use as key risk factors—prompting renewed calls for age-appropriate safeguards, clearer classification rules, and evidence-based safety policies as e-bike use continues to expand nationwide. Some of the important facts include:
- More than 1.1 million electric bicycles were sold in the United States in 2022 with a projected annual growth rate of 10%.
- Over 20,000 people are injured while riding electric bicycles annually with approximately 3,000 individuals requiring hospitalization.
- E-bikes were reported as the reason for about 53,000 emergency department visits and caused 104 deaths from 2017-2022. In 2022 alone, e bikes were linked to 24,400 emergency department visits.
- There is a higher risk of severe injury and death for riders of e-bikes than for regular bike users.
Against that backdrop, Missouri’s e-bike laws are designed to balance mobility, access, and safety. Knowing these rules can help parents make informed purchasing decisions and help riders stay compliant—especially if an accident occurs.
What Qualifies as an E-Bike in Missouri
Under Missouri law, an electric bicycle is a bicycle with fully operable pedals, a seat, and an electric motor of less than 750 watts. Missouri follows the widely used three-class e-bike system:
• Class 1: Pedal-assist only, with motor assistance up to 20 mph
• Class 2: Throttle-capable, with motor assistance up to 20 mph
• Class 3: Pedal-assist only, with motor assistance up to 28 mph
E-bikes that exceed these limits—whether by speed, power, or modification—may no longer qualify as e-bikes under Missouri law and may be subject to additional restrictions.
How Missouri Treats E-Bikes
E-bikes that meet statutory requirements are not considered motor vehicles in Missouri. Riders generally do not need a driver’s license, registration, or insurance, and they have the same basic rights and responsibilities as traditional bicyclists. That said, e-bike riders are still required to follow traffic laws and local regulations that bicyclists must follow. According to the Missouri Driver Guide, cyclists are required to follow the same traffic laws as any other motor vehicle, including riding with the flow of traffic and stopping at stop signs and lights. However, there are also specific rules bicyclists must follow to avoid a serious bike accident. These rules of the road are:
- Using proper hand signals to turn right or left;
- Riding near to right side of the road if going below the speed limit;
- Not using sidewalks in a Missouri business district;
- Not riding alongside major highways; and
- Outfitting your bicycle with the proper equipment to avoid injury and allow drivers to see you.
Where E-Bikes Cannot Be Ridden
Although Missouri law is generally permissive, e-bikes may not be ridden in certain locations, particularly where restricted by local authority. Common prohibitions include sidewalks where local ordinances prohibit bicycle riding, trails or paths designated as non-motorized or pedestrian-only, parks or recreational areas where e-bike use has been restricted, and shared-use paths that prohibit higher-speed or throttle-assisted e-bikes. Riders should always check posted signage and municipal rules.
Where E-Bikes Are Generally Allowed
When properly classified and lawfully operated, e-bikes may typically be ridden on public roadways, in bike lanes, and on multi-use paths where bicycles are allowed and no local restrictions apply.
Sidewalk Riding
Missouri does not have a statewide rule that allows or bans e-bikes on sidewalks. Sidewalk riding depends on local ordinance. State law prohibits riding a bicycle on a sidewalk in a business district. Many cities also prohibit sidewalk riding in business districts, while some municipalities allow sidewalk riding only for minors. When sidewalk riding is permitted, riders must yield to pedestrians and operate at a safe speed.
Traffic Signals and Rules of the Road
E-bike riders must obey traffic signals, signs, and roadway markings when riding on streets or in bike lanes. This includes stopping at red lights and stop signs, yielding where required, riding in the same direction as traffic, and using proper hand signals when turning or stopping.
Age, Equipment, and Safety Considerations
Missouri imposes additional requirements for Class 3 e-bikes. Operators must be at least 16 years old, and the e-bike must be equipped with a speedometer. Missouri does not have a statewide helmet requirement, but helmets are strongly recommended and may be required by local ordinance, particularly for minors.
Why These Rules Matter
After an accident, whether an e-bike was legally classified, operated in a permitted location, and ridden in compliance with traffic laws can affect fault determinations, insurance coverage, and liability. Understanding both the permissions and limitations of Missouri e-bike law helps parents and riders protect themselves before and after a crash.