With the rise in gas prices, many people are opting to use alternative methods of transportation. Much of the time, the alternatives being used are modified scooters and bicycles with attached motors.
While there are federal laws for e-bikes, the The State of Alabama requires these modified bikes to be register through the Department of Revenue's Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) before you can legally ride them on public roads, much like motorcycles.
You will have to apply for a motorcycle tag, which costs a one-time fee of $15. Or, if you want to get a personalized tag, pay a one-time fee of $50.
To register and tag your moped or scooter, you will need to bring the following to your local tag office:
Note that scooters that are designed as children's toys do not need to be tagged, as they are not street legal.
According to federal law, e-bikes are defined as bikes that have a motor no bigger than 750 watts, and that have a top speed of 20 MPH on level ground.
In Alabama, e-bikes are considered bicycles and are subject to the same laws and regulations as traditional bicycles. This includes using lights and reflectors at night and following traffic laws. Additionally, riders under 16 years of age are required to wear a helmet.
Unlike some other states, there are currently no specific laws in Alabama regarding the classification of e-bikes based on their power output and top assisted speed. However, the state does have a statute that prohibits the use of e-bikes with a gas-powered engine on bike lanes, trails, and sidewalks.
It's important to note that local regulations may vary, so it's always best to check with your local authorities for more information.
We've got you covered. Click the button below to see a list of e-bikes that don't require any license or registration to ride on public roads in Alabama:
