E-Bikes in Louisiana – Where You Can and Can’t Ride Them

(KMDL-FM) There is an electronic revolution that is taking Louisiana roadways by storm. Okay, it's a quiet storm since you can't hear them coming; they are E-Bikes or bikes with electric motors, and they are growing in popularity in all facets of Louisiana life.

READ MORE: Agents Cite Louisiana Deer Hunter for Illegal Equipment Use

When we first started discussing E-Bikes, at least in my circle of friends, the conversation revolved around hunting and using the bikes as an efficient way to get to and from deer camps, deer stands, fishing holes, and liquor stores.

Get our free mobile app

Do You Need A Driver's License to Operate an E-Bike on Louisiana Roads?

But now, the bikes, like golf carts, are showing up in more urbanized areas and on more crowded roadways. So what is an E-Bike? In the eyes of the law, is it a bike, like a children's toy, or a motorcycle that must be registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles?

The answers to those questions vary depending on the class of E-Bike you have. There are three classes. A Class 1 bike offers pedal-assist up to 20 mph. A Class 2 bike offers the same as the Class 1 as far as pedal assist and top mph, but the Class 2 bike has a throttle.

The Class 3 bike is the most powerful of the classes. It offers a top speed of 28 mph pedal-assist, but it has no throttle. It is also subject to more specific rules regarding where it can be operated, and the driver and the passenger, by law, must wear a helmet. All operators of a Class 3 bike must be 16 years old or older.

Where Are You Allowed to Ride an E-Bike in Louisiana? Where Can't You Ride?

Based on Louisiana law, you can ride your Class 1 or Class 2 E-Bike on any trail, pathway, or surface where traditional bicycles are allowed. All three classes of bikes are generally prohibited on trails that have been classified for non-motorized vehicles and other natural surface trails.

Some Class 3 Bikes are not permitted to operate on certain bike paths or trails as they are meant for roads. City governments and neighborhood restrictions might also limit where certain E-Bikes may be used.

READ MORE: Louisiana Town Enforces Age Restrictions for Golf Cart Drivers

Oh, about that. No, you're not supposed to ride your bike on the sidewalk. In most cases, that is specified as illegal. However, there are some exceptions in certain communities. But in general, riding an E-Bike on a sidewalk would be the same as riding a motorcycle on the sidewalk, not a good idea unless you want to meet members of law enforcement.

Perhaps the best thing I have noticed about today's modern electronic bike is this. They don't look like the MoPeds of the late 70s and 80s. Those vehicles were reputation killers. In most social circles, you were viewed as less of a loser for walking than for riding one of those things. Funny how times have changed.

Wanna see what else has changed? Check this out.