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E-bikes in Marquette

E-bikes (electric bicycles) are an increasingly popular way to get around Marquette – especially among young riders. If you’re considering purchasing or using an e-bike, please familiarize yourself with state and local regulations to ensure safe and enjoyable outdoor recreation opportunities for everyone.

Is it an e-bike or an electric motorcycle?

Not all electric two-wheelers are e-bikes, some are considered electric motorcycles. 

  • Electric bicycles are devices with a seat or saddle for use by the rider; fully operable pedals for human propulsion; and an electric motor of not greater than 750 watts (MCL 257.13e). E-bikes are separated into class 1, 2, and 3 as defined in state law. 
  • Electric motorcycles: Under Michigan law, e-motos are classified as motor vehicles (such as electric mopeds, motorcycles or dirt bikes) – not e-bikes. A vehicle is considered an e-moto if it meets any of the following criteria: exceeds 750 watts of power; can exceed 28 mph under motor assist; functions primarily as a throttle-powered vehicle above 20 mph; and/or lacks fully operable pedals. E-motos are not legal to be ridden anywhere in the City and are classified as Off Road Vehicles. 

Make sure you know how to spot the difference between what’s considered an e-bike and an electric motorcycle. Many makes and models marketed as e-bikes are actually electric motorcycles, capable of reaching speeds much faster than a traditional e-bike. 

E-motorcycles: What You Need to Know

E-motos or electric motorcycles like the one pictured to the left are NEVER allowed on the city Multi-use pathway (the Bike Path). E-Motorcycles comparable to the photo to the left are considered an ORV or motor vehicle and NOT allowed on city streets or the multiuse path.  The types of E-Motorcycles included above exceed the allowable wattage (nothing over 750 Watts) for a typical E-Bike and don’t use pedals to power it. They do not have the necessary items to be considered a “dirt bike” or a “motor vehicle” , so they are NOT STREET Legal and are too fast for a Moped.  If they were made street legal, the driver would also have to have the correct operator’s status and licensing to drive it.  

E-motorcycles are motorcycles. E-motorcycles are faster, more powerful, and pose greater safety risks for youth. It’s illegal to ride an electric motorcycle anywhere in the city, including streets, sidewalks, and paths. 

Despite how they are marketed, electric motorcycles are not legal for kids (MCL 324.81129(1)). Electric motorcycles/ORVs ridden by anyone must be registered under the Michigan Vehicle Code (MCL 324.81122). Anyone operating an electric motorcycle/ORV must not operate it at a rate of speed greater than is reasonable and proper, or in a careless manner, under conditions then existing (MCL 324.81133(a)). Any violation of the previous laws is a misdemeanor under Michigan state law.

What is allowed on the Multi-Use Path?

Electric bicycles (as defined in MCL 257.13e), electric skateboards (as defined in MCL 257.13f), electric personal assistive mobility devices (as defined in MCL 257.13c), and any other wheeled device powered solely by human power and an electric motor not greater than 750 watts are all permitted on the Multi-Use Path. Any devices that do not fall into the previous categories are not permitted on the path. Electric mobility devices and human-powered mobility devices are all subject to reckless riding prohibitions.

Reckless Activity Prohibited:

  1. No person shall travel on the multi-use path at a speed greater than what is reasonable and prudent under the codnitions and having regard for actual and potential hazards. In every event, speed shall be controlled as may be necessary to avoid colliding with others who are complying with the law and using reasonable care.
  2. No person shall fail to exercise full control over the mobility device they are using on any street, parking lot, sidewalk, or designated multi-use path. 
  3. Every person using the multi-use path shall stay as near to the right side of the path as is safe. When traveling on a designated multi-use path, no individual or group of users, including their animals and mobility devices, shall occupy more than one-half of the path as measured from the right side, and shall in no way impede the normal and reasonable movement of other users. 
  4. When traveling on a designated multi-use path, any person overtaking another person proceeding in the same direction shall pass to the left of such overtaken user at a safe distance and shall stay to the left until safely clear of the overtaken user. 
  5. Any person entering or crossing a designated multi-use path at an uncontrolled point shall yield to traffic on the path. 
  6. Every person operating a mobility device shall obey the instructions of any official traffic control device applicable thereto unless otherwise directed by a designated city official. 
  7. No device shall be used to carry more persons at one time than the number for which it is designed and equipped.

Reporting illegal or unsafe bike or e-motorcycle behavior

If you witness someone operating an e-bike, an e-scooter, an e-motorcycle, or other electric mobility device in an unsafe or illegal manner as it is happening, please call 911. This includes failure to follow the rules of the road, operating in an area where it is prohibited, and reckless riding.