Missouri E-Bike Classes, Age and Helmet Rules
Missouri's three-class e-bike law (effective Aug. 28, 2021) gives e-bike riders the rights and duties of bicyclists with no licence or registration; Class 1 and 2 are allowed on paths unless prohibited after notice and a public hearing, Class 3 may be barred from paths and may not be operated by anyone under 16, and state law imposes no helmet requirement.
Missouri adopted the three-class electric bicycle system effective August 28, 2021 (S.B. 176). An electric bicycle has fully operable pedals, a saddle, and an electric motor of less than 750 watts: Class 1 provides pedal assistance only, up to 20 mph; Class 2 has a motor that may propel the bicycle by itself, up to 20 mph; Class 3 provides pedal assistance only, up to 28 mph (definitions at RSMo 301.010). E-bike riders have all the rights and duties of bicycle operators, and e-bikes are exempt from vehicle registration, certificates of title, driver's licenses and financial-responsibility requirements. Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes may be ridden on bicycle and multi-use paths where bicycles are permitted; following notice and a public hearing, the municipality, local authority or state agency with jurisdiction over a path may prohibit them there if needed for safety or compliance with other legal obligations. A local authority or state agency may prohibit Class 3 e-bikes on such paths outright. No person under 16 may operate a Class 3 e-bike, though a person under 16 may ride as a passenger on one designed to accommodate passengers. Missouri imposes no statewide helmet requirement for e-bike riders (local ordinances may differ). RSMo 307.194.