SHAWANO, WI – As electric bicycles and scooters become more common throughout the community, the Shawano Police Department is reminding riders to understand Wisconsin’s e-bike laws and operate safely around pedestrians and motorists.
Shawano Police Chief Mike Musolff said many residents may not realize that Wisconsin recognizes three separate classes of e-bikes, each with different operating capabilities and requirements.
“Not all e-bikes are the same,” Musolff said. “There are three different classes carrying different speed capabilities and operating guidelines.”
According to information released by the department, Class 1 e-bikes provide pedal assistance only and stop assisting once the rider reaches 20 miles per hour. Class 2 e-bikes can be powered by a throttle without pedaling and also have a maximum speed of 20 miles per hour. Class 3 e-bikes provide pedal assistance up to 28 miles per hour, but riders must be at least 16 years old and the bicycle must be equipped with a speedometer.
“The pedal assist that goes up to 28 miles per hour, you have to be 16 or older to ride those,” Musolff said.
The department notes that, under Wisconsin law, e-bikes must have fully operable pedals, a motor rated at no more than 750 watts, and a manufacturer-applied class label identifying the bicycle as a Class 1, 2, or 3 e-bike. Riders who operate compliant e-bikes do not need a driver’s license, registration, or insurance.
Musolff stressed that e-bike riders are expected to follow the same rules of the road as traditional bicyclists.
“Obeying traffic signals, yielding when required, and avoiding reckless behavior such as weaving in and out of traffic are all required,” he said.
Police say speeding, aggressive riding, weaving through traffic, or placing others at risk will not be tolerated and citations may be issued when necessary.
The department’s educational materials also outline where e-bikes and scooters can legally be ridden. E-bikes are generally permitted on roads, bike lanes, and many trails, although local ordinances and trail-specific restrictions may apply. Wisconsin state park bicycle touring trails allow Class 1 and Class 3 e-bikes with a 15-mile-per-hour speed limit, while Class 2 e-bikes are generally prohibited on those trails.
Motor-assisted scooters face additional restrictions. According to the village ordinance highlighted by police, scooters are not allowed on streets, highways, alleys, or certain trails, and cannot be operated on private property without permission. Scooters may be used on sidewalks only when ridden carefully and riders yield to pedestrians at all times.
The department also warns riders against modifying e-bikes in ways that push them beyond legal limits. E-bikes capable of speeds greater than 28 miles per hour, motors exceeding 750 watts, or bikes altered to remove pedals or bypass factory speed controls may be considered motor vehicles under Wisconsin law and could be subject to additional regulations.
The growing popularity of e-bikes and e-scooters has also sparked conversations about safety at community events.
“I’m in conversation with Matt Hendricks discussing what to do at events, and we’re going to be discussing whether we should ban them all together at events, which I think is probably the best course of action,” Musolff said.
His comments come after a recent incident in Franklin in which a child was struck by an e-scooter at a park and required medical treatment.
Musolff said the goal is to balance the convenience and popularity of e-bikes and scooters with the need to keep sidewalks, trails, parks, and community events safe for everyone. As ridership continues to increase, police are encouraging residents to learn the rules, respect other users, and ride responsibly.
Comments