What You Need To Know About Arkansas Ebike Laws

Last Edited
May 3, 2022

Electric bicycles have the same rules and regulations as regular bicycles. However, e-bikes may have differences in terms of other bicycle laws in Arkansas. Read on to find out what the Arkansas Ebike laws are?

To make sure you are up to speed for your next Ebike ride, we have provided some useful information about the Arkansas e-bike laws that you need to know, with the support of our infographic and detailed explanations.

What is the definition of electric bikes in Arkansas?

Arkansas has ruled out motorcycles as bicycles — mainly motor-controlled. Arkansas defines an "Ebike" as a motorized bicycle carrying an automatic transmission with a motor displacement of fewer than 50 ccs.

Motorized bikes are not designed to fit more than one rider at a time. Ebikes must have a white light mounted on the front that is visible from up to 500 feet, as well as a red light mounted on the back that is also visible from up to 500 feet.

Federal role, definition, and action

The 2002 statute amends Consumer Products Safety Commission guidelines for electronic bicycle manufacturers. The law defines a low-speed electric bicycle as a two- or three-wheeled vehicle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of fewer than 750 watts (1 h.p.)

The federal law only specifies the maximum speed that electric bikes can reach. The bicycle cannot deliver a high speed using humans or mechanical energy. A number of states even use legislation to compare bike riding devices with motorized motorcycle vehicles.

You can learn more in our article about Federal US Ebike laws here.

Do you need a license, insurance, or registration in Arkansas?

Arkansas laws require users to have a mechanical permit from the Arkansas State Police. Once these permits are purchased, you will not need to register your Ebike.

Bikes and cars

As with the operation of any motorized vehicle on Arkansas roads, driving while intoxicated laws also apply to the operation of electric bicycles.

Arkansas has the cool distinction of being the earliest adaption of electric bikes law, and it opens the way for state laws in similar respects. You can take up biking on an Arkansas road for so long that the ride is safe and responsible.

Is there any motorcycle license that can be used in a foreign state that has not adopted that legislation? Take note of it: Bike laws throughout Alabama, Alaska, and California.

Helmet requirements

At least 25 states and Washington, DC require that motorcycle passengers wear helmets on motorized bikes, whether they be gas-powered or electric-powered bicycles.

They are typically applicable when riding a bike younger than 68 years. There are 24 states in the USA where helmet safety has been imposed without a helmet.

In addition, several states have implemented laws without such requirements on electric motorcycles for motorcycle users, such as California, Nevada, and Wyoming. Twenty-two states and the United States currently have legislation on helmet regulations.

The Three-tiered E-bike classification system

Twenty-four states have developed the e-bike classified system with four components aimed at different classifications. Both countries have almost identical technical terminology affecting motorcycles and similar rules on security and operations.

New Jersey also has its own standardized system of classification. New Jersey's definitions do not include any other level of classification.

The law revised its definition of bikes, stating the devices can achieve speeds up to 20 MPH with motor speeds of up to 28 MPH max. West Virginia law allows for classes 2 and 3.

Other State Ebike Laws Near Arkansas

Some states near Arkansas have very different Ebike laws. Be sure to check out our articles on Oklahoma Ebike Laws, Missouri Ebike Laws, and Mississippi Ebike Laws if you are planning a trip to one of these neighboring states.

 Arkansas Ebike Laws Infographic

E-bike Safety Research

Swedish studies suggest that e-bike commute speeds are more effective with average speeds of around 5 MPH than in conventional bicycles. Research in Tennessee-Knoxville revealed little differentiation with regard to electric motorbikes.

Cultural norms, speed laws, and physical infrastructure have the potential to affect bike speeds and other bicycling operation decisions, from traditional motorcycles and E-bike.

Further research is needed. An online survey in June 2016 showed that on e-bikes, traffic could become more dangerous due to faster traffic on the roads. The study finds that there is still a small percentage of potential conflicts that are related to such factors.

Are Ebikes legal in Arkansas?

Classes -1 and class II - E Bicycle are only allowed on roads (no exceptions). Arkansas does not require bicycle brake systems. . Federal regulation protects pedestrians inside the crossing way.

Are Ebikes allowed in Bentonville AR?

This means that eBike class 1 is permitted to go across most natural and unpaved trail systems as well as singletrack in or around Bentonville and Bella Vista.

Important Note:

All of our e-bike rules and regulations are based on each local state's e-bike laws. In addition, our information and details regarding these ebike laws are not permanent and are subject to change, especially when there are updates and missed out details.

We highly encourage that you check with local authorities or check the website of your State, County, City, and other agencies.

Recent Articles

Want to learn more about Electric Bikes?
Check out some of our most recent article below!
Proudly designed with Oxygen, the world's best visual website design software
linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram