Laws by state / Maryland
Maryland
What Maryland's statutes say about riding each kind of personal electric vehicle. Local rules can be stricter.
E-bikes
How the law defines it: Three-class system: two or three wheels, working pedals, motor of 750 W or less. Class 1 (pedal assist) and Class 2 (throttle) stop assisting at 20 mph; Class 3 (pedal assist) at 28 mph. Legally a "bicycle" and not a motor vehicle.
Road
Allowed with limits
Bicycle rules apply: rights and duties of a vehicle driver; keep right when slower than traffic. Not allowed on roads posted over 50 mph (except on the shoulder) or on expressways.
Bike lane
Allowed
Allowed. Where a smooth-surfaced bike lane exists, riders must use it (with exceptions for passing, turning and hazards).
Sidewalk
Local rules decide
Allowed unless a local ordinance prohibits it; riders have pedestrian rights and must yield to pedestrians.
Paths and trails
Local rules decide
Class 1/2 allowed on bicycle paths unless the local or state agency bans them. Class 3 only on paths within or next to a highway right-of-way, or where the agency allows. Agencies may regulate e-bikes on natural-surface non-motorized trails.
- Helmet
- Required for riders and passengers under 16 (bicycle helmet law; e-bikes are bicycles). Enforced by warning only.
- Minimum age
- Class 3: 16 on public highways (younger riders may be passengers). None for Class 1/2.
- Speed limit or cap
- Motor assist stops at 20 mph (Class 1/2) or 28 mph (Class 3).
- Motor power cap
- 750 W
- License, registration, insurance
- Not a motor vehicle; no license or registration.
Checked October 26, 2026
Statutes: Md. Code, Transp. § 11-117.1; § 11-104; § 11-135; § 21-1103; § 21-1205.1; § 21-1205.2; § 21-1207.1
- Md. Code, Transp. § 11-117.1 (Electric bicycle)
- Md. Code, Transp. § 11-104 (Bicycle)
- Md. Code, Transp. § 11-135 (Motor vehicle)
- Md. Code, Transp. § 21-1103 (Sidewalks)
- Md. Code, Transp. § 21-1205.1 (Roadways and bike lanes)
- Md. Code, Transp. § 21-1205.2 (Electric bicycles)
- Md. Code, Transp. § 21-1207.1 (Bicycle helmets)
E-scooters
How the law defines it: "Electric low speed scooter": one rider, under 100 lb, handlebars and a platform to stand on, electric and human power, top speed up to 20 mph. Legally a "bicycle" and not a motor vehicle; not a "motor scooter."
Road
Allowed with limits
Bicycle rules apply: rights and duties of a vehicle driver; keep right when slower than traffic. Not allowed on roads posted over 50 mph (except on the shoulder) or on expressways.
Bike lane
Allowed
Allowed. Where a smooth-surfaced bike lane exists, riders must use it (with exceptions for passing, turning and hazards).
Sidewalk
Local rules decide
Allowed unless a local ordinance prohibits it; riders have pedestrian rights and must yield to pedestrians.
Paths and trails
Not addressed in statute
Not addressed in statute beyond general bicycle rules.
- Helmet
- Required for riders under 16 on scooters (and on bicycles). Enforced by warning only.
- Minimum age
- None in statute.
- Speed limit or cap
- 20 mph (device limit).
- Motor power cap
- None in statute.
- License, registration, insurance
- Not a motor vehicle; no license or registration.
- Also worth knowing
- Seated gas or electric "motor scooters" (up to 2.7 bhp, 30 mph max) are a separate class with their own rules.
Checked October 26, 2026
Statutes: Md. Code, Transp. § 11-117.2; § 11-104; § 11-135; § 21-1103; § 21-1205.1; § 21-1207.2
- Md. Code, Transp. § 11-117.2 (Electric low speed scooter)
- Md. Code, Transp. § 11-104 (Bicycle)
- Md. Code, Transp. § 11-135 (Motor vehicle)
- Md. Code, Transp. § 21-1103 (Sidewalks)
- Md. Code, Transp. § 21-1205.1 (Roadways and bike lanes)
- Md. Code, Transp. § 21-1207.2 (Scooter helmets)
- Md. Code, Transp. § 11-134.5 (Motor scooter)
Electric boards (incl. Onewheel-style)
Not addressed in statute. We found no Maryland statute that covers this vehicle by name or by a definition that clearly fits it. That isn't permission: police and cities may treat it under another category. Skateboards are mentioned only in the rule against hitching onto vehicles; motorized boards are not addressed.
Checked October 26, 2026
Statutes: Md. Code, Transp. § 21-1204(e)
Something wrong in this section? Tell us.Electric unicycles
Not addressed in statute. We found no Maryland statute that covers this vehicle by name or by a definition that clearly fits it. That isn't permission: police and cities may treat it under another category. EPAMD covers only self-balancing devices with two side-by-side wheels, so electric unicycles are not covered.
Checked October 26, 2026
Statutes: Md. Code, Transp. § 21-101(j)
Something wrong in this section? Tell us.