E-bike Safety

E-bike Safety

Michigan has so many awesome places to enjoy the outdoors, and Novi is no exception! Exploring the City’s amazing trails and pathways is a great way to get moving and take in the fresh air, whether you're walking, running, or riding a bike.

E-bikes have also become very popular, especially with younger residents. If you ride an e-bike, we just want to make sure you and everyone around you stays safe out there!

RIDE SMART AND RIDE SAFE

No matter what type of bike you ride, here are some tips to keep in mind:

Protect your head: Always wear a properly fitted helmet.

Watch your speed: E-bikes are much heavier than regular bikes and can be difficult to stop. Slow down around pedestrians. Drivers may not see you when you’re moving fast, so stop at intersections and crossings to make sure it’s safe before you cross.

Share the space: E-bikes are fast and quiet. Be mindful of pedestrians, dog walkers, parents with young children, and elderly residents. Slow down and use a bell or a friendly "on your left" before passing others.

Follow the rules of the road: Obey speed limits, stop signs, traffic signals, and trail signs.

Remember, e-motos are not allowed on Novi’s trails, pathways, or sidewalks.

KNOW YOUR CLASS

In Michigan, to be an e-bike, the device: 

• Must have a motor that is 750 watts or less 

• Must have operable pedals 

• Can only go a maximum of 20mph (Class I and II) or 28 mph (Class III) 

• Cannot be modified or “switched” to higher speeds or power 

Michigan also requires a permanent manufacturer label stating the class, top assisted speed, and motor wattage. Removing or altering the label is prohibited. 

E-bikes are categorized into three main classes based on the power of the motor and how fast they can go.

Class 1 - Pedal-assist only. The motor (up to 750W) engages only while pedaling and cuts out at 20 mph. In Novi, Class 1 e-bikes are allowed on roads, bike lanes, non-motorized trails, and sidewalks. Riders should yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and give an audible signal before passing.

Class 2 - The motor (up to 750W) has a throttle that can move the bike without pedaling, but assist still cuts out at 20 mph. In Novi, Class 2 e-bikes are allowed on roads, bike lanes, non-motorized trails, and sidewalks. Riders should yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and give an audible signal before passing.

Class 3 - The motor provides power only while pedaling (pedal-assist), and the top speed reaches 28mph.  It must have a speedometer. In Michigan, the minimum operating age of Class 3 e-bikes is 14, and a helmet is required for operators/passengers under 19. In Novi, Class 3 e-bikes are allowed on roads, and bike lanes.

Note: All three e-bike classes are capped at 750W motors. Exceeding the 750W limit, or the class speed limits, changes the device category to moped or motorcycle, and the appropriate Michigan laws apply.

E-motos -E-motos (like Sur-Rons and Talarias) are high-powered electric dirt bikes. They don't have functional pedals and can go over 28 mph, so they're basically electric motorcycles or mopeds. They often get confused with standard e-bikes, but they're built for much higher speeds.

Under Michigan law, e-motos count as motor vehicles or motorcycles. Because of that, they aren't allowed on sidewalks, bike paths, trails, or non-motorized paths.

Electric Skateboards

Have a stand-on floorboard and may have handlebars. The motor is less than 2500W with a top speed of 25mph.  Electric skateboards without handlebars cannot be operated on roads with a posted speed limit over 25 mph. A helmet is required for riders under the age of 19. Riders under the age of 12 cannot operate electric skateboards on a public road.  In Novi, electric skateboards without handlebars are allowed on roads with speed limits of 25 mph or less, bike lanes, non-motorized trails, and sidewalks. On sidewalks, riders should yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and give an audible signal before passing.

Electric Scooters

In Michigan, electric scooters (Bird/Lime type) are regulated as electric skateboards with handlebars. Electric scooters cannot be operated on a street with a posted speed limit over 45 mph, except to cross. A helmet is required for riders under the age of 19. Riders under the age of 12 cannot operate them on public roads. In Novi, electric scooters are allowed on roads with speed limits of 45 mph or less, bike lanes, non-motorized trails, and sidewalks. On sidewalks, riders should yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and give an audible signal before passing.