Because e-bikes, motorized scooters, and "play vehicles" do not always fall under traditional motor vehicle laws, local municipalities are adopting varying sets of rules to curb safety concerns and reckless riding. [1, 2]
•O'Fallon, MO: The city council approved an ordinance banning "motorized play vehicles"—including electric motorized scooters, electric skateboards, minibikes, and go-karts—from city streets, sidewalks, and public parks. [1, 2]
•Ballwin, MO: Local police and aldermen are actively drafting and proposing legislation to restrict riders under 16 from using high-speed Class 3 e-bikes, require helmets for those 17 and under, and prohibit e-bikes and scooters from sidewalks and city parks. [1, 2]
•Ellisville, MO: New restrictions explicitly prohibit e-dirt bikes from operating on city streets and sidewalks. [1, 2]
•Ladue School District: All electric bicycles, motorized bikes, and electric scooters are fully banned on school campuses. [1]
Missouri State E-Bike Laws
If you are riding a standard e-bike in areas without local bans, the state classifies them based on their maximum motor-assisted speed: [1]
•Class 1 & 2: Pedal-assist or throttle-equipped bikes that cut off at 20 mph. These are legally treated as regular bicycles and allowed anywhere bicycles are permitted. [1, 2]
•Class 3: Pedal-assist bikes that can reach up to 28 mph. Riders must be at least 16 years old, and the bike must have an operable speedometer