2025 Mackinac Island e-bike rules explained: who can ride, what class is legal, speed limits, licensing, penalties, and how to stay compliant.
Mostly no. In 2025, visitors cannot ride an electric bike on Mackinac Island unless they have a qualifying mobility disability and use a true Class 1 model with pedal assist only, 20 mph max, 750 W or less, and proper labeling. All bikes must follow 15 mph on M 185 and 10 mph downtown, and the city says noncompliant e bikes are being impounded and tickets are being issued. E bikes must be licensed in person; the fee is $3.50. This guide will walk you through the details, the exceptions, and planning tips.
2025 e-bike rules at a glance (what’s allowed & what isn’t)
Core rule: E-bikes are banned across the island, with one narrow exception. A person with a qualifying mobility disability may ride a Class 1 electric bicycle or tricycle that only assists while you pedal, shuts off at 20 mph, and is ≤750 W, with a visible Class 1 label. Class 2 (throttle) and Class 3 (28 mph assist) are not allowed.
Actual ordinance numbers matter:
Sec. 66-167 explains who qualifies as having a mobility disability, what counts as a legal “electric bicycle,” and allows a permanent throttle removal with a new label to convert some bikes to Class 1.
Sec. 66-31 says an electric bicycle is treated like a motor vehicle on Mackinac unless it meets Sec. 66-167. That is why non compliant e-bikes get motor vehicle treatment, including tickets and impound.
At-a-glance table
| Rider / Device | Allowed in 2025? | Conditions / Notes |
| Pedal-only bicycle | Yes | License locally; obey 15 mph (M-185) / 10 mph (downtown). |
| Class 1 e-bike used by a qualified rider | Yes | Must satisfy Sec. 66-167 (label, ≤20 mph, pedal-assist only, ≤750W). License in person. |
| Class 1(no disability) | No | Not permitted to operate on the island. |
| Class 2/3 | No | Not allowed. To use, permanently remove throttle and re-label to Class 1 under 66-167(e), then license. |
Regulation references: City Code Sec. 66-167 (Disability & Definitions); Sec. 66-31 (Non-compliant e-bikes deemed motor vehicles).
Licensing, speed limits, and enforcement
License/inspection
All bikes need a local license sticker. The fee is $3.50 (cash or check). E-bikes cannot be registered by mail and must be inspected in person at the Mackinac Island Police Department, 7374 Market St., during posted hours. Pedal bikes may be licensed by mail; allow 2 to 3 weeks. If you are bringing several bikes, the City suggests drop off and a 24 to 48 hour pickup window in season.
Speed limits (state law, July 2024)
The limit is 15 mph on the M-185 shoreline loop and 10 mph downtown. These rules apply to all bicycles, including permitted Class 1 e-bikes.
Active enforcement and penalties
The City’s guidance says non compliant e-bikes may be impounded and riders ticketed: $110 for the first offense, $210 for a second within two years, and $500 for a third within two years. Local reports note a $20 impound fee to get a seized bike back. Plan ahead and do not risk your vacation.
Timeline for context
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1898: Automobiles banned. Bikes and horses shape the experience.
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2023: City and park agencies restate Class 1 only access for riders with mobility disabilities; clear labels required.
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July 2024: State law adds 15 and 10 mph bike speed limits on Mackinac; civil infractions apply.
- 2025 season: Same core policy. Police continue licensing and impounding illegal e-bikes.
How to ride an e-bike legally if you qualify (step by step)
Confirm eligibility (ADA aligned). Staff may ask if you have a mobility disability and may request simple, credible proof, such as a state disability placard. They may also accept a verbal statement unless your behavior clearly conflicts with it.
Bring a true Class 1. It must be pedal assist only, with no throttle, assistance that stops at 20 mph, 750 W or less, and a visible Class 1 label, or proof that it meets Class 1.
Converting a Class 2? The throttle must be removed permanently. After that, have the bike re labeled as Class 1 under Sec. 66 167(e). Police can place a sticker after inspection.
License in person. Visit the Mackinac Island Police Department during office hours with your serial number and 3.50 dollars for each bike. E bikes are not processed by mail.
Ride gently. Stay at or below 15 mph on M 185 and at or below 10 mph downtown, yield to horses, and walk the bike in crowded areas when asked.
Trip planning without an e-bike: practical options and cargo tips
Do not qualify for the exception? Bring or rent a pedal bike on the island and keep your rides easy. If you usually carry kids or groceries on an electric cargo bike, switch to a pedal cargo setup here, send luggage with hotel delivery, or use a horse drawn taxi for heavy loads. You will avoid tickets, keep streets calmer for horses, and still enjoy the 8.2 mile shoreline loop at a relaxed pace within the posted limits.
Long-tail cargo e-bike for off-island errands
If you need a practical hauler off-island, see the Letrigo Minivan SE (long-tail cargo e-bike). It offers steady handling and smooth takeoffs for school runs and grocery duty where e-bikes are legal. On Mackinac, it’s usable only if you meet the mobility-disability exception and configure it to true Class 1, then license it and ride within 15/10 mph limits.
Note: Valid as of October 22 , 2025. Prices may change at any time. Click to see the latest price.
Final word
In 2025, the answer stays no for most riders. Mackinac protects its calm streets by limiting motors, requiring in-person inspection for any permitted e-bike, and enforcing tickets, impound, and fees. If you qualify, set your Class 1 up correctly, license it, and cruise politely. Everyone else: plan a mellow pedal day and save your e-bike miles for the mainland.
FAQs
Can tourists bring any e-bike in 2025?
No. Only a Class 1 e-bike used by a qualified rider with a mobility disability is allowed; all others must use pedal bikes.
What speeds apply and where?
15 mph on M-185; 10 mph downtown. Applies to all bicycles and permitted e-bikes.
What are the penalties for breaking the rules?
The City says non-compliant e-bikes are impounded and riders ticketed: $110 first offense, $210 second (≤2 years), $500 third (≤2 years). Local reporting notes a $20 impound fee to recover the bike.
Can e-bikes be registered by mail?
No. E-bikes must be inspected and licensed in person at the Police Department (fee $3.50). Pedal bikes can be mailed with 2–3 weeks processing in season.
I have a Class 2 with the throttle unplugged—can I ride it?
Not unless the throttle is permanently removed and the bike is re-labeled to Class 1 per Sec. 66-167(e), then licensed.
