If you’ve spent any time on Sun Prairie’s paths and streets lately, you’ve likely noticed a surge in electric two-wheelers. While e-mobility offers a convenient, fun, and eco-friendly way for people to get around town, it has also sparked an important conversation: Do you know what kind of device you—or your child—are actually riding?

The Sun Prairie Action Resource Coalition (SPARC) recently hosted a community conversation featuring experts Ben Lyman from the Greater Madison MPO and David Salmon, Transportation Coordinator for the City of Sun Prairie, to unpack the legal, safety, and operational differences between everyday e-bikes and high-speed e-motos.

As advocate partners at Sun Prairie Moves, we want to help break down the facts so our community can ride safely and stay on the right side of the law.

E-Bikes vs. E-Motos: What’s the Difference?

While many high-powered electric bikes are marketed and sold online as "e-bikes," many are legally classified as e-motos or motor vehicles under state law. Knowing the technical specs makes all the difference:

🚲 Legal E-Bikes (Class 1, 2, and 3)

Under Wisconsin law, a legal e-bike must have operable pedals and an electric motor rated at 750 watts or less:

• Class 1: Pedal-assist only (no throttle); motor cuts off at 20 mph.
• Class 2: Has a throttle; motor cuts off at 20 mph.
• Class 3: Pedal-assist only; motor cuts off at 28 mph (riders must be at least 16 years old).

Where they can go: Class 1, 2, and 3 e-bikes are legally allowed in bike lanes, on shared-use paths, and on city roads.

🏍️ E-Motos & Unregulated Devices

Devices with throttles that exceed 28 mph, feature motors over 750W, or lack functional pedals are classified as e-motos (or potentially motorcycles/mopeds).

Where they can go:

• ❌ Prohibited on sidewalks, bike paths, and multi-use trails.
• ❌ Prohibited in designated bike lanes.
• ⚠️ Roads only: E-motos are only legal on public roads if they are registered through the DMV and the operator holds a valid driver's license (or Class M motorcycle license). However, many direct-to-consumer e-motos lack federal safety compliance, making them illegal to register or operate on public roads altogether.

Parents: Check Your Child’s E-Device

Many parents purchase an e-device online assuming it is a harmless bicycle, only to discover their child is operating an unregistered vehicle capable of 35–50+ mph on public paths and sidewalks.

Take five minutes to check your family's devices today:

1. Check the Motor Wattage: Look for a label on the motor or check the user manual. Is it 750W or lower?
2. Check the Top Speed: Does the motor assist cut off at 20 mph (or 28 mph for Class 3)?
3. Verify Age Requirements: Class 3 e-bikes (up to 28 mph) require the rider to be at least 16 years old under Wisconsin law.
4. Inspect the Helmet: Standard bicycle helmets (CPSC certified) are only rated for impacts up to 20 mph. Higher-speed e-bikes require an NTA 8776 e-bike certified helmet, while e-motos require full DOT-approved motorcycle headgear.

Get the Official Rules

Before buying or riding an electric device in Dane County, review the Greater Madison MPO's All Things E-Devices Guide. This comprehensive tool breaks down state laws, local sidewalk rules across municipalities, device classification charts, and safety guidelines.

Let’s keep Sun Prairie's roads, paths, and sidewalks safe, welcoming, and accessible for everyone!