With the surge in popularity of motorized scooters and electric bicycles in recent years, the Northville Township Police Department is dedicated to making sure residents stay safe and educated about laws and ordinances surrounding them.

“Our main concern is that people understand the restrictions, know where they can and cannot operate them and operate them in a safe manner,” said Northville Township Police Department’s Special Services Lieutenant Patrick Reinke.

Reinke explained that Northville Township does not currently have its own ordinances about e-bikes and scooters, so Michigan state law is the guiding standard.


E-bike classifications

State law classifies e-bikes in three different groups: Class 1 includes pedal-assist models that can reach up to 20 miles per hour and must be pedaled for the motor to engage, Class 2 includes throttle-assist bikes that can reach up to 20 miles per hour without pedaling, and Class 3 includes pedal-assist bikes that can reach speeds up to 28 miles per hour.

It is a requirement that each bike falls into one of the three classes and there must be a label on it indicating which class it is.

“Particularly if a bike’s speed goes over the limitations for each class, then it can technically be considered a moped or motor vehicle, which means the rider must have a motorcycle endorsement and a driver’s license,” Reinke said.


Age, helmet use and safety

Though township police strongly encourage helmet use for all riders, there are no minimum age or helmet requirements to operate Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes. Due to their higher speeds, Class 3 bikes are restricted to riders aged 14 and older, and all riders between 14-18 years old must wear helmets, including passengers.

“Although they are electric bicycles with motors, basic bicycle safety applies,” Reinke said. “Riders should wear high visibility clothing and have lights – state law requires that any bike or e-bike being ridden on the roadway at night must have a headlight and a rear reflector or taillight.”

Rules also dictate that all bikes, including traditional ones, shall ride “as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway” and ride with the traffic, not against it. Additionally, all bikes must follow the same traffic laws as a motor vehicle when in the roadway.

Motorists sharing the roadway are reminded to stay aware of their surroundings, remain alert and give cyclists adequate space.


Where you can ride

Since Northville Township currently defers to state law when it comes to e-bikes, where they can be ridden depends on their class.
- Class 1 e-bikes can be ridden on improved trails, including asphalt, concrete or crushed limestone paths. While Class 1 e-bikes are typically not allowed on natural surface trails, such as mountain bike trails, Northville Parks and Recreation is allowing them on the trails within Legacy Park. Class 2 and 3 are still not permitted on those trails.
- Class 2 and 3 bikes are limited to streets, roads and bike lanes.
- Nonmotorized, natural surface trails like dirt paths, nature trails and mountain bike trails are off limits to all e-bikes.


Stay informed

Reinke noted that it’s important to check local community rules and regulations as some jurisdictions do have their own ordinances in place already.

While the police department is constantly working with the parks and recreation department to monitor the situation and assess community feedback, its current focus is on education and safety.

“Just because these bikes can go up to 20-28 miles per hour doesn’t mean riders need to go that fast,” Reinke said. “Ride within your comfort level, be cognizant of other riders and share the roadways responsibly.”