Most non-motorized devices are street legal. Anything with a battery should have a UL sticker indicating a safe battery and should be assessed to know if it’s street legal:

• Legal e-bikes are required to be labeled as Class1,2, or 3. E-bikes sold in stores or online should come with the stickers, but online buyers should double check the vehicle meets the e-bike class standards before buying.
• Legal e-scooters have a maximum speed of 20mph.
• New forms of e-micromobility vehicles, such as one wheels and electric skateboards may not be legal, so riding them on the road means the rider assumes all risks and responsibility.

Unfortunately, there are a lot of vehicles sold online that look like e‑bikes but go faster than 28 mph or have more powerful motors. These are e‑motos, not legal e‑bikes or micromobility. Most e‑motos are not street legal in Maryland unless they meet the requirements of another vehicle type, such as a moped, and have the proper registration. E‑motos are not allowed on bike lanes or shared‑use paths.

The best way to ensure you are buying a legal vehicle is to buy it from a retailer or shop here in Maryland. Visit the Department of Natural Resources business directory to help you find a store in Maryland. Stores located in the state are most likely to know the law and bicycle repair shops in Maryland will fix these bikes. (insert buyers guide link when available).

To maintain your vehicle, do not attempt to fix any electric components unless you are trained to do so - take your vehicle to a professional mechanic. For this reason, before buying a vehicle, check with your local bike shop to see if they will service it. Often, bicycle repair shops will not touch e-micromobility vehicles which were bought online unless they are from a reputable manufacturer.

On a regular basis, there is some maintenance you can do on your own:

• Keep an eye on your battery, never charge unattended and look for any sudden changes;
• Perform routine ABC quick checks to make sure your tires have Air, that your Brakes work, and that your Chain Cranks smoothly; and
• Only buy replacement parts directly from the company which manufactured your bike or parts that are rated for your class of e-vehicle.

Learn More: Our E-Vehicle Maintenance and Battery Safety guide includes how to identify bike class, battery safety, and maintenance tips.

E‑bikes and e‑scooters do not require a license, registration, or insurance. On the other hand, E‑motos, such as mopeds, low‑speed vehicles, and motor scooters, do require a license, registration, and insurance when used on public roads. They are not permitted on bike lanes or shared‑use paths. They may only be ridden on private property without registration.

Learn more: Our Micromobility in MD Regulation Overview details the current usage patterns and vehicle code for micromobility devices.

Helmets are legally required for riders under 16 and for anyone riding an e‑moto. Helmets are strongly recommended for all riders. Front lights and rear reflectors are also legally required if riding at night or in low light. Closed-toe shoes, reflective clothing, snug clothing that will not get caught in wheels, and optional protective gear like gloves can all improve comfort and safety.

Legal e-micromobility vehicles can be ridden on bicycle lanes, trails, roadways, and sidewalks unless locally restricted. Ideally, micromobility vehicles should be ridden in bike lanes or on trails where available, or on the right side of roadways as practical. Use sidewalks only when the roadway isn’t safe to ride or when traveling slowly with someone who needs the sidewalk, like a child or older adult. If riding on a sidewalk, anyone on a bike or micromobility vehicle should yield to people walking.

Tip: Some parks and schools have specific restrictions for e-micromobility, so always check before you go.

Micromobility vehicles are allowed on shared‑use paths. For e‑micromobility, many parks have their own rules, so it is important to check before you go. Most state parks allow only Class 1 e‑bikes on trails, and some local parks also limit or prohibit e‑vehicles within park boundaries.

Micromobility vehicles cannot be ridden on controlled‑access highways, including toll roads and Interstate highways. There are also additional restrictions for e‑micromobility:

• Some parks limit e‑vehicles on shared‑use paths, and state parks generally allow only Class 1 e‑bikes.
• Schools and universities may also set their own rules, so students and families should check with their school for details.

Make sure you have a safe vehicle: Make sure your vehicle is equipped with safety features like brakes, lights, and that you only carry passengers if your vehicle is designed for it. Perform routine ABC safety checks to make sure your vehicle is well maintained.

Choose a safe route: Pick bike routes where available and low traffic streets where they exist. Pay extra attention at intersections and look for any indication that a motor vehicle may be turning, even if they don’t use their turn signal.

Practice skills to ride safely: Follow the rules of the road and ride predictably in a straight line and using signals when turning. Stay alert and aware of your surroundings - avoid distractions, and watch for hazards like potholes, debris, or other obstacles in the roadway.

Learn more: Our E-Micromobility Safe Riding Guide breaks down differences from regular bikes so you can be sure your vehicle is safe and that you’re riding safely.

Tip: Helmets are required for riders under 16 and recommended for everyone. All e‑moto riders must wear a helmet.

Pedestrians always have the right-of-way, and they may not expect to see you coming. Ride predictably, use clear signals, slow down in crowded areas, give an audible warning when passing, and keep a safe distance from others. Riders should always yield to pedestrians and slow down in areas where people are walking. Give extra space to children and people walking dogs since they may move unpredictably. Ride in a straight, predictable way, use clear signals, and communicate your intentions. Slow down in crowded areas, give an audible signal when passing, and leave plenty of room as you go by. Pedestrians have the right of way, and they may not expect you to be approaching.

Tip: Match your speed to the environment—roughly 15 mph on trails, and closer to 8–10 mph where people are walking.

Wear reflective clothing, make full stops, scan your surroundings, and try to make eye contact with drivers. Ride in a straight and predictable way, avoid blind spots, and stay about 3 feet from parked cars to avoid the door zone. Use extra caution at night or in bad weather. If you cannot see the driver, they likely cannot see you.

Many local governments and advocacy groups offer safety classes, online guides, and community workshops. Check with local transportation agencies, health departments, and community organizations for programs in your area.

Tip: MDOT bicycle safety information and training events can be found on the MBPAC Calendar.

Drivers should check blind spots, use caution when turning or opening doors, give at least 3 feet when passing, and stay patient. Drivers should respect designated bike lanes and never drive or park in them.

Riders should use front and rear lights, wear bright or reflective clothing, and avoid riding in drivers’ blind spots. When passing parked cars, stay at least 3 feet away to avoid the “door zone” —the space next to a parked car where an opening car door can hit a rider.

When passing people who are walking or riding, slow down in busy areas, ring your bell or say, “Passing on your left,” and leave a few feet of space in case someone turns or changes direction.

Ride at a speed that matches your surroundings.

Ride only as fast as you feel safe and makes you visible to drivers.

Follow the 15 mph speed limit on park trails and shared‑use paths.

Slow to about 10 mph when people are walking.

Riding predictably means holding a straight line, avoiding sudden swerves, signaling clearly before turning or stopping, and letting others know when you are passing. This helps everyone stay safe and understand what you plan to do next.

TIP: Learn to be a safe driver by taking the League of American Bicyclist’s Safety Training for Drivers (available on LAB).

Common risks include distracted riding, interactions with motor vehicles, uneven pavement, sudden obstacles, and low-visibility conditions. Frequent crash types include loss of balance, intersection conflicts, and dooring incidents from parked cars.

Potholes, wet pavements, debris, and construction zones can increase crash risk because micromobility vehicles have smaller wheels. Riders should slow down, scan the road ahead, and be prepared for sudden changes in surface conditions.

Low visibility and poor weather make it harder for drivers and pedestrians to see riders and reduce traction, which can increase the risk of a crash. Wearing bright or reflective clothing, using proper lights, and riding with extra caution are important for staying safe.

At night, you are legally required to have a front light and a rear reflector on your vehicle. Wearing bright or reflective clothing can also help drivers see you more easily.

MDOT is educating Marylanders about safe micromobility use and supporting safer streets through complete streets design, which improves conditions for all road users, including e-micromobility vehicles and riders.

Life-threatening emergencies: Call 911.

Accidents, Incidents and unsafe local roads: Call 311 or Use 311 App.

To report an unsafe road or hazard to the Maryland State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA), use their online Customer Service Request form or call 301-513-7300 or 410-582-5650.