There is an increasing number of riders, especially youth, using devices that are promoted as “EBikes” but exceed the MD statutory definition of Electric Bicycle and are prohibited from trails and generally require license, registration and insurance for road use. If it can go faster than 20mph without pedaling, it is NOT an Electric Bicycle. These are generally called “EMotos”. BikeAAA is working with Anne Arundel Police, MDOT, AACPS and others to educate riders and parents about the different device types, safety, laws and regulations. You can help by sharing this information.
BikeAAA is participating in a Maryland Dept. of Transportation Micromobility Task Group focused on safety. You will find lots of useful information about laws and safety for E-Bikes, E-Motos and other devices at https://www.mdot.maryland.gov/micromobility
On October 29, 2026, following the tragic death of a 14 year old riding an e-moto on the B&A trail at Robinson Rd, Anne Arundel County Police released the program below and held a press conference that included AAC Rec&Parks, AACPS and BikeAAA.
You can learn more about Anne Arundel County Police Operation C.A.R.E. at https://www.aacounty.org/police-department/about-us/news/operation-care-e-bike-e-moto-e-scooter-safety-campaign
All 3 classes of Electric Bicycles and Electric Scooters (maximum throttle speed of 20mph) are permitted on the main county trails (B&A, BWI, Broadneck, WB&A, South Shore) but riders must obey the trail rules (speed, announcing pass, yielding to pedestrians, etc.) In county parks, these devices are permitted on park roads but not on interior park trails without a Medical Need Permit. E-Motos, Dirt Bikes and certain other devices are prohibited from Trails and Parks. For details on Anne Arundel County Dept. of Recreation & Parks rules for E-Devices on trails and in parks, please click: https://www.aacounty.org/recreation-parks/about-us/rules-regulations-policies
I agree with your description of e-bikes. However the class 2 with a throttle allow manufactures to build bikes that will go faster than 20 mph and still advertise then as class 2. I prefer the classification of pedal assist and throttle assist for e-bikes.
James, we share your concern. There are bikes with a “Class 2” setting that limits the throttle but allows the user to change it to higher speeds. There are also many ways to tamper with bikes to enable higher speeds. These are no longer Electric Bicycles but we are advocating for legislation to tighten up device definitions to assure that these modified devices to longer meet the statutory definition of Electric Bicycle. Also we seek to add responsibility on sellers to properly label and disclose device type and legal requirements.
There is zero enforement of this on the trails. Sadly, we have already had one fatality. Enforcement is simple. If the bike is not pedal assist, it is illegal, pull them over, confiscate and require parents to pick up bike and pay fine. There are signs everywhere saying NO MOTORIZED VEHICLES. Let’s not wait for a baby to be injured when a moto bike crashes into a stroller. Please let me know how I can help be part of the solution to stop this dangerous practice.
I looked on Amazon listings and it is not clear at all on any them which are E-bike appropriate for young teens and which are e-moto that are not. There is no warnings. If you not educated about difference, a well intending parent could easily buy an illegal/unsafe one for his teen. Hopefully local brick and motor stores do better job of this. We should check and complain to Amazon.
We fully agree with your concern about deceptive marketing of E-Motos as E-bikes, both online and retail stores. We are already working on legislation that would place responsibility on sellers for proper sale, labeling, description and disclosure of laws and rules