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Maryland e-bike laws

Jump to county & city rules ↓Check your bike's class here →

Statewide rules

E-bike classes allowedClass 1, 2 and 3 defined
Minimum ageUnder 16 may not operate a Class 3 on a public highway (may ride as passenger)
Helmet ruleUnder 16 on any bicycle, which by definition includes an electric bicycle (TR 11-104, 21-1207.1)
Where you can rideLocal authority or State agency may prohibit Class 1 and 2 on a bicycle path. Class 3 restricted on bicycle paths (conditions not fully captured). Agencies may regulate all classes on natural-surface nonmotorized trails.
License / registrationNot a 'motor vehicle' (TR 11-135(b)(3)), the definition used throughout the Maryland Vehicle Law

County & city rules

Highlighted counties have local e-bike rules we've checked against an official source. Everywhere else, state law applies. Parks, trails and HOAs can still post their own rules.

Local rules on file State law applies
Baltimore (city)Montgomery CountyPrince George's County

Tap a county, or pick one below.

PlaceWhat's restrictedWhereSourceChecked
Baltimore CityMax 20 mph on motor power alone; Helmet required under age 16; Sidewalk riding only where the adjacent road's speed limit is 30 mph or more, at 6 mph or less; No passengers unless the bike is designed for them; Headlight required after darkBaltimore CityOfficial page
Montgomery Parks (M-NCPPC)Class 1 only; No Class 2 or 3 on any park trail; riders face citations or impoundmentMontgomery County parklandOfficial page
Prince George's Parks (M-NCPPC)Listed hard-surface trails only; Ride no faster than the posted limit or a speed that is reasonable for conditionsPrince George's County parklandOfficial page
Maryland DNR state landsClass 1 only on trails; Follow posted speed limits and right-of-way; Ride only on trails open to e-bikesMaryland state parks and DNR landsOfficial page

Baltimore City

City rule · Checked

Classes
City code sets operating rules for e-bikes, including a throttle-only speed cap, a helmet rule for riders under 16, and sidewalk limits.
Trails & paths
Baltimore City
Age & helmet
Max 20 mph on motor power alone; Helmet required under age 16; Sidewalk riding only where the adjacent road's speed limit is 30 mph or more, at 6 mph or less; No passengers unless the bike is designed for them; Headlight required after dark

Source: codes.baltimorecity.gov

Montgomery Parks (M-NCPPC)

Park or trail rule · Checked

Classes
Class 1 e-bikes are allowed on paved trails and, from June 18, 2026, on designated natural-surface trails. Class 2 and 3 e-bikes are banned on all park trails.
Trails & paths
Montgomery County parkland
Age & helmet
Class 1 only; No Class 2 or 3 on any park trail; riders face citations or impoundment

Source: montgomeryparks.org

Prince George's Parks (M-NCPPC)

Park or trail rule · Checked

Classes
E-bikes and e-scooters are allowed only on the hard-surface trails listed in a 2023 park directive. They are banned elsewhere on parkland unless permitted.
Trails & paths
Prince George's County parkland
Age & helmet
Listed hard-surface trails only; Ride no faster than the posted limit or a speed that is reasonable for conditions

Source: pgparks.com

Maryland DNR state lands

Park or trail rule · Checked

Classes
Class 1 pedal-assist e-bikes are allowed on trails on state lands where e-bikes are permitted. This rule took effect in 2026.
Trails & paths
Maryland state parks and DNR lands
Age & helmet
Class 1 only on trails; Follow posted speed limits and right-of-way; Ride only on trails open to e-bikes

Source: news.maryland.gov

Local rules change. Cities, counties and park agencies update their rules often. Check the linked source before you ride.

Sources

This is a summary, not legal advice. Local rules can be stricter; check the sources above.

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