Quick Reference
- Helmet Rule
- Helmet required for riders under 18 on motorized bicycles but no statewide e bike rule; Any person who is less than eighteen years of age and operating a Class III electric bicycle and any person who is a passenger on a Class III electric bicycle, regardless of age, shall wear a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet.
- Class System
- South Dakota has adopted the three-model system
- Min Age
- No specific statewide minimum age;To operate a Class III electric bicycle in this state, a person shall be at least sixteen years of age.
- Throttle (Class 2)
- South Dakota Codified Laws §32-20-1 defines electric bicycle consistent with federal 750W ≤20 mph standard
- License/Reg
- No license registration or insurance required for statutory e bikes
- Trail Access
- Allowed wherever bicycles are allowed unless local ordinance restricts
Detailed Regulations
Do I need a helmet?
Helmet required for riders under 18 on motorized bicycles but no statewide e bike rule; Any person who is less than eighteen years of age and operating a Class III electric bicycle and any person who is a passenger on a Class III electric bicycle, regardless of age, shall wear a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet.
Is the throttle legal?
South Dakota Codified Laws §32-20-1 defines electric bicycle consistent with federal 750W ≤20 mph standard
Can I ride on trails?
Allowed wherever bicycles are allowed unless local ordinance restricts
Is there an age limit?
No specific statewide minimum age;To operate a Class III electric bicycle in this state, a person shall be at least sixteen years of age.
Do I need insurance?
No license registration or insurance required for statutory e bikes
Laws subject to change. Verify locally.