Are Electric Bike Helmets Required in the United States?
In the United States, most states do not define the need to wear a helmet when riding or operating an electric bike. However, some states do require helmets. These requirements will vary depending on age and bike class.
I went through and compiled a list of the current helmet laws for each state which you can see below:
All passengers & operators
| Connecticut |
Operators of Class 3 under 21
| Arkansas | Utah |
Operators & passengers of class 3 under 18
| Colorado | Michigan |
Operators & passengers of class 3
| California | Ohio | Tennessee |
No requirement
| Arizona | Idaho | Illinois |
| Washington | Wyoming |
No definition by state
| Alabama | Alaska | Delaware |
| Florida | Georgia | Hawaii |
| Indiana | Iowa | Kansas |
| Kentucky | Louisiana | Maine |
| Maryland | Maryland | Massachusetts |
| Minnesota | Mississippi | Missouri |
| Montana | Nebraska | Nevada |
| New Hampshire | New Jersey | New Mexico |
| New York | North Carolina | North Dakota |
| Oklahoma | Oregon | Pennsylvania |
| Rhode Island | South Carolina | South Dakota |
| Texas | Vermont | Virginia |
| West Virginia | Wisconsin |
Wear a Helmet Anyways
Regardless of helmet laws, I highly, HIGHLY suggest to always wear a helmet while biking. Mountain biking, or really any biking, can be dangerous and this is such a cheap way to radically low the chances of serious injury. Take a look at my article of the essential gear to bring while biking to ensure you are ready for anything that comes up. When you’re miles away from help, you need to be prepared.
Outside of that, make sure you are prepared and then have some fun. I would suggest starting out on mild trails and working your way up as your skills and bravery levels increase.
About The Author
Tony K
I am a mountain biker among other things and I enjoy writing about both topics I know but also about new things about mountain bikes that I learn. If you enjoy tackling trails and tracks and everything in between, then this is the blog for you.