Vermont
Last updated
Vermont adopted the three-class e-bike framework in 2021 with Vermont S.66 (Act 40), effective May 20, 2021, and treats a compliant e-bike exactly like a regular bicycle: no license, no registration, no insurance, and no title. Compliant means fully operable pedals and a motor of less than 750 watts. Class 1 assists only while pedaling up to 20 mph and Class 2 may run on throttle alone up to 20 mph, both legal for all ages, while Class 3 assists while pedaling up to 28 mph with a required speedometer and classification label (23 V.S.A. 1136a) and a minimum operating age of 16, though younger riders may be passengers. Riders under 16 wear a helmet on any class; adults face no statewide mandate.
All three classes ride wherever bicycles ride and are allowed on multiuse paths, though a town may bar a class from a specific path after a public hearing. Vermont's rail trails, including the 93-mile Lamoille Valley Rail Trail, permit e-bikes under official state rail-trail policy, and Forests, Parks & Recreation policy allows Class 1 on natural-surface trails designated for bicycles and all three classes on multi-use trails and forest highways. Over 750 watts means it is not an e-bike: it becomes a motor-assisted bicycle (under 1,000 watts and 20 mph) or, beyond that, a motor vehicle with the rules to match. Our Vermont bicycle and e-bike insurance page pairs these rules with the state's best rides, riding season, and events. The full breakdown is below.
Vermont E-bike Laws
Three classes, no paperwork, and rail trails that welcome e-bikes. Here is where Vermont stands on e-bikes.
Vermont adopted the three-class e-bike framework in 2021, and it treats a compliant e-bike exactly like a regular bicycle: no license, no registration, no insurance, no title. Compliant means fully operable pedals and a motor of less than 750 watts; go bigger and you fall into Vermont's separate motor-assisted bicycle category instead.
The motor assists only while you pedal and cuts off at 20 mph; legal for all ages.
A throttle can propel the bike without pedaling, but assistance still ends at 20 mph; legal for all ages.
Pedal assist runs up to 28 mph; Vermont requires a speedometer and a classification label (23 V.S.A. 1136a).
Riders carry the rights and duties of bicyclists, not motorists (23 V.S.A. 1136).
Compliant e-bikes are not motor vehicles, so there is no title, plate, or DMV visit.
Vermont mandates no coverage for any e-bike class, which leaves the financial risk on you.
No one under 16 may operate a Class 3, though they may ride as a passenger; no age floor for Class 1 or Class 2 (23 V.S.A. 1136a).
Riders under 16 wear a helmet on any bicycle or e-bike (23 V.S.A. 1139); adults face no statewide helmet mandate on any class.
Where You Can Ride
- Roads & bike lanesAll three classes ride wherever bicycles ride, with the same rights and duties (23 V.S.A. 1136a).
- Shared-use pathsAll three classes are allowed on multiuse paths, but a town may bar Class 1, Class 2, or Class 3 from a specific path after a public hearing.
- Rail trailsVermont's rail trails, including the 93-mile Lamoille Valley Rail Trail, permit e-bikes under official state rail-trail policy.
- State parks & forestsForests, Parks & Recreation policy allows Class 1 on natural-surface trails designated for bicycles, and all three classes on multi-use trails and forest highways.
- Out-of-class e-motosOver 750 watts means it is not an e-bike; it becomes a motor-assisted bicycle (under 1,000 watts and 20 mph) or, beyond that, a motor vehicle with the rules to match.
Effective May 20, 2021 under Vermont S.66 (Act 40). Statutes: 23 V.S.A. 4(45) and 4(46), 1136, 1136a, 1139. Cities and park districts can add their own path and trail restrictions — check signage where you ride. Last reviewed June 2026.