The Electric Bicycle
NRS 484B.017 — pedals, a seat, a motor of not more than 750 watts, and three classes
In Nevada an electric bicycle is a two or three wheeled device recognized as a bicycle, with fully operable pedals, a seat or saddle, and an electric motor producing not more than 750 watts, in one of three classes. A moped or an electric scooter is not one.
| Class | The motor |
|---|---|
| ClassClass 1 | The motorAssists only while the rider pedals, and stops assisting at 20 miles per hour |
| ClassClass 2 | The motorMay propel the bicycle by itself, and cannot assist at 20 miles per hour |
| ClassClass 3 | The motorAssists only while the rider pedals, and stops assisting at 28 miles per hour; carries a speedometer |
- A manufacturer's or distributor's permanent label with the class, the top assisted speed and the motor's wattage.
- A motor that disengages or stops when the rider stops pedaling or applies the brakes.
- No tampering that changes the motor's speed or engagement unless the label is replaced to match.
A rider has the rights and duties of a driver, rides as near the right as practicable, and at night carries the lamps and reflectors the bicycle sections require, the same as a pedal bicycle.
Where electric bicycles may be ridden on paths, and local rules, are in other sections and ordinances not reproduced here. Whether a particular device is an electric bicycle is a question for a court and a licensed Nevada attorney.
Sources for this section (5)
- NRS 484B.017 — “Electric bicycle” defined
- NRS 484B.784 — Electric bicycle to be labeled by manufacturer or distributor
- NRS 484B.763 — Application of traffic laws to person riding bicycle, electric bicycle or electric scooter
- NRS 484B.777 — Operating bicycle, electric bicycle or electric scooter on roadway
- NRS 484B.783 — Lamps, reflectors and brakes required on bicycles, electric bicycles and electric scooters
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Nevada attorney.