Laws by state / South Dakota
South Dakota
What South Dakota'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. A bicycle or tricycle with a seat, working pedals and a motor of 750 W or less. Class I: pedal-assist to 20 mph. Class II: throttle, to 20 mph. Class III: pedal-assist to 28 mph. A vehicle, but not a motor vehicle, moped or motorcycle.
Road
Allowed
Treated as a vehicle. Ride close to the right-hand curb.
Bike lane
Not addressed in statute
Not addressed in statute.
Sidewalk
Allowed
Bicycles may ride on sidewalks with a pedestrian's rights; must yield to pedestrians and stop before entering a crosswalk or road.
Paths and trails
Allowed with limits
Class I/II allowed on bike and multi-use paths unless the managing government bans them. Class III only on paths within or next to a road, or where expressly permitted. Class III also allowed on natural-surface nonmotorized trails unless the managing government restricts it.
- Helmet
- Class III: required for riders under 18 and for all passengers.
- Minimum age
- Class III: 16 (younger riders may be passengers).
- Speed limit or cap
- 20 mph motor assist (Class I and II), 28 mph (Class III)
- Motor power cap
- 750 W
- License, registration, insurance
- Not a motor vehicle; exempt from title and registration (SDCL 32-3-78).
- Also worth knowing
- Manufacturers must label class, top assisted speed and wattage; modifications require an updated label. Class III needs a working speedometer. Motor must cut out when pedaling stops or brakes are applied.
Checked October 26, 2026
Statutes: SDCL 32-20B-9; 32-20B-2; 32-20B-3; 32-20B-5; 32-20B-12; 32-20B-13; 32-20B-14; 32-14-1; 32-3-78
- SDCL 32-20B-9 (Electric bicycle defined; classes)
- SDCL 32-20B-2 (Bicycles on sidewalks and crosswalks)
- SDCL 32-20B-12 (Where e-bikes may operate)
- SDCL 32-20B-13 (Class III age)
- SDCL 32-20B-14 (Class III helmet)
- SDCL 32-14-1 (Definitions: motor vehicle, vehicle)
- SDCL 32-3-78 (Electric bicycle exempt from title/registration chapter)
E-scooters
Not addressed in statute. We found no South Dakota 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. South Dakota has no e-scooter definition. The 'motorcycle' definition (SDCL 32-20-1(3)) covers motor-operated vehicles of the bicycle or tricycle type with a seat 'or a platform on which the driver stands', which may reach some stand-up scooters, but the statute does not say so.
Checked October 26, 2026
Something wrong in this section? Tell us.Electric boards (incl. Onewheel-style)
Not addressed in statute. We found no South Dakota 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.
Checked October 26, 2026
Something wrong in this section? Tell us.Electric unicycles
Not addressed in statute. We found no South Dakota 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.
Checked October 26, 2026
Something wrong in this section? Tell us.