Nevada Motorized Bicycle Laws – 6 Key Things to Know

Motorized bicycles are allowed on most Nevada public roads except for certain freeways and sidewalks. Moped riders must wear helmets, have a driver’s license, and register the moped. By contrast, electric bike riders do not have to wear helmets, have a driver’s license, or register the bike.

Riders should always research their local county and municipal ordinances before driving their motorized bike.

NEVADA	Bicycles	E-bikes	Mopeds
Maximum speed	n/a	20 mph	30 mph
Watts final output	n/a	750	1,500
Brake horsepower	n/a	1	2
Helmet	Not required	Not required	Required
Driver’s license	Not required	Not required	Required
Registration	Not required	Not required	Required
Insurance	Not required	Not required	Not required

In this article, our Nevada personal injury attorneys discuss common Nevada motorized bicycle laws:

• 1. What is the legal definition of “motorized bicycles” in Nevada?
• 2. Are there special traffic laws for motorized bikes?
• 3. Are helmets mandatory?
• 4. Do you need a driver’s licenses for motorized bicycles?
• 5. Is special equipment required?
• 6. Does DUI law apply to motorized bicycles?
• 7. What about Nevada electric bike laws?
• Additional reading

1. What is the legal definition of “motorized bicycles” in Nevada?

Nevada law does not define what a “motorized bicycle” is, but it does define “electric bicycle” and “moped.” They are different in certain key ways:

Electric bicycles

Electric bicycles are bikes that have the following features:

• two or three wheels;
• are propelled by a small electric engine which produces no more than one (1) gross brake horsepower and produces no more than 750 watts final output; and also
• are capable of a maximum speed of no more than 20 miles per hour on a flat surface while carrying a 170-pound rider

In sum, electric bicycles look like ordinary bicycles, but they have an engine.¹

Mopeds

Mopeds are motor-driven scooters, cycles, or similar devices that are propelled by a small engine which either:

• produces no more than two (2) gross brake horsepower;
• has a displacement of no more than 50 cubic centimeters; or
• produces no more than 1,500 watts final output

In addition, mopeds are capable of a maximum speed limit of 30 miles per hour on level ground with no more than a one percent (1%) grade in any direction.²

Electric bikes vs. mopeds

The central distinction between electric bikes and mopeds is that mopeds are more powerful and faster:

E-Bike Maximums in Nevada	Moped Maximums in Nevada
1 brake horsepower	2 brake horsepower
750 watts final output	1,500 watts final output
20 mph	30 mph

Therefore, mopeds tend to be bigger devices than electric bicycles. But once an electric bicycle goes faster than 20 mph, it is considered a moped — and police will expect the biker to abide by moped traffic rules.

Note that mopeds that exceed 30 mph are considered motorcycles in Nevada, and the police will expect the driver to abide by motorcycle traffic rules. Learn more about motorcycle safety laws in Nevada.

2. Are there special traffic laws for motorized bikes?

Electric bicyclists and moped drivers are required to abide by Nevada’s traffic rules and can be cited for violating them.³ In addition, they are required to ride on the far right of the road unless they are turning left or it would be unsafe to stay right.⁴

Cyclists are not required to register their electric bikes with the Nevada DMV, but moped drivers are required to register their mopeds. However, annual registration is unnecessary; the registration remains valid for as long as the driver has the moped.⁵

It is not required for cyclists or moped drivers to have liability insurance.⁶

3. Are helmets mandatory?

Electric bicycle riders do not have to wear protective headgear, though they should wear helmets anyway since they can prevent serious injuries. Starting October 1, 2019, moped drivers do have to wear helmets like motorcyclists are.⁷

Moped helmets must meet the following requirements:

1. Weigh three (3) pounds minimum;
2. Have a minimum one (1)-inch thick layer of firm polystyrene foam as an inner liner;
3. Have with strong chin straps with rivets;
4. Not have external components that extend more than two-tenths of an inch from the helmet’s surface;
5. Have a label with the manufacturer’s name, model type, year, and materials; and
6. Have a DOT imprint in the back, which certifies compliance with the Federal Motor Vehicles Safety Standards.⁸

If the moped has no transparent windscreen, drivers must also wear goggles, glasses, or face shields.⁹

5. Is special equipment required?

Electric bicycles

Electric bikes must have the following features in order to be allowed on a public roadway in Nevada:

1. a break that enables the biker to make the wheels skid on dry, level, clean pavement; and
2. at night, the bike must have:
   1. A lamp on the front which emits a white light visible from a distance of at least 500 feet to the front;
   2. A red reflector on the rear which must be visible from 50 feet to 300 feet to the rear; and
   3. Reflective material that is visible from both sides of the bicycle for 600 feet when directly in front of the lawful lower beams of the headlamps of a motor vehicle, or a lighted lamp visible from both sides from at least 500 feet.¹²

Mopeds

Mopeds must have the following features in order to be allowed on a public roadway in Nevada:

1. Seat’s height does not permit the driver’s two feet pedals to reach the ground simultaneously.
2. Handlebars are no more than six (6) inches above the driver’s shoulders while he/she is on the moped; furthermore, the driver must have at least one hand on the handlebar at all times.
3. Wheels have fenders.
4. The moped has stoplights and one or two headlamps visible from 1,000 feet; these headlamps must be on during weather with low visibility and from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise.
5. Headlamps/headlights are 24 to 54 inches from the ground, and the color temperature is 5,000 to 6,000 kelvins.
6. The moped has at least one (1) tail lamp that shines a red light that can be seen from 500 feet.
7. There is at least one (1) rear reflector from 20 inches to 60 inches above the ground, and the reflector can be seen from 300 feet.
8. There are two (2) mirrors that are at least three (3) inches long, which are on each handlebar; these mirrors must allow the driver to see 200 feet to the rear.
9. The moped has brakes.

Unlike motorcycles, mopeds do not need to have turn signals.¹³

6. Does DUI law apply to motorized bicycles?

It is illegal to drive any motorized bike while under the influence of alcohol or drugs in Nevada.

People caught riding an electronic bike while drunk or high will likely face charges for reckless endangerment (NRS 202.595). Riders caught on a moped while drunk or high will likely face charges for DUI.

The penalties for cycling or driving a moped while drunk or high depend on whether the rider hurts or kills someone. And the DMV will revoke their driver’s license as well.

Learn more about Nevada cycling under the influence laws and Nevada DUI penalties.

7. What about Nevada electric bike laws?

Electric bicycles are a type of motorized bicycle that go no faster than 20 mph and produce a maximum of 750 watts final output and one gross brake horsepower. Nevada’s five top electric bike laws are:

1. The DMV does not require registration of electric bikes.
2. Electric bike cyclists do not need helmets, liability insurance or a driver’s license.
3. Riders must also keep to the far right of the road unless they are making a left turn or it would be unsafe.
4. Electric bike cyclists must follow the rules of the road and face traffic tickets for violating them.
5. Electric bike riders who are drunk or high face charges for reckless endangerment, not DUI.

Additional reading

For more information, refer to the following:

• Las Vegas Valley Bicycle Club – Cycling organization based in Las Vegas, Nevada that organizes group rides and promotes cycling in the area.
• Southern Nevada Bicycle Coalition – Non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and advocating for bicycling as a safe and viable mode of transportation and recreation in Southern Nevada.
• Bicycles – General information by the Nevada DMV.
• Mopeds – General information by the Nevada DMV.
• Electric Bike Laws – State by State – National non-profit organization that works to make bicycling safer, more accessible, and more appealing for people of all ages and abilities across the United States through advocacy, education, and community engagement.

Also see our article on Nevada bicycle safety laws. Check your local laws for rules regarding using e-bikes on mountain bike trails.

In California? See our article on ebike accident lawsuits in California.

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Legal References