Electric Bikes On Mackinac Island: Availability And Accessibility

Mackinac Island is a car-free zone, but does it allow electric bikes? The answer is a little complicated. In short, e-bikes are not allowed on Mackinac Island, but there is an exception for visitors with a qualifying mobility disability. This means that a person must have a physical impairment that substantially limits the ability of the individual to pedal a bicycle. The e-bike must also meet the definition of a Class 1 electric bicycle, which means it must be equipped with an electric motor of no more than 750 watts, have a top speed of 20mph, and the electric motor must only engage when the rider is pedalling.

E-bikes are not allowed on Mackinac Island, except for those with a qualifying 'mobility disability'

E-bikes are not allowed on Mackinac Island, except for those with a qualifying mobility disability. A mobility disability is defined as a physical impairment that substantially limits the ability of the individual to pedal a bicycle. For example, a person who can't walk 200 feet without stopping to rest.

E-bikes that are permitted on the island must be Class 1 electric bicycles. This means they are equipped with an electric motor of no more than 750 watts, are limited to a top speed of 20 mph, and the electric motor must only engage when the rider is pedalling. If an e-bike has a throttle to engage the motor, it is not allowed on Mackinac Island.

The goal of these detailed e-bike rules is to preserve the charm of car-free Mackinac Island while still enabling people with mobility disabilities to explore and enjoy the island's natural beauty.

A 'mobility disability' means a physical impairment that substantially limits the ability of the individual to pedal a bicycle

E-bikes are not allowed on Mackinac Island, with the exception of visitors with a qualifying 'mobility disability'. A mobility disability is a physical impairment that substantially limits the ability of the individual to pedal a bicycle. This could include a person who can't walk 200 feet without stopping to rest. Mobility disabilities can be caused by injury or illness and can include situations or disorders such as amputation, stroke, spinal cord injuries, arthritis, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, and multiple sclerosis. They can also be inherited or part of aging. Mobility disabilities can affect gross motor skills, such as walking, and fine motor skills, such as grasping things. They can also affect a person's stamina, dexterity, and other physical abilities.

On Mackinac Island, a Class 1 electric bicycle is equipped with an electric motor of not more than 750 watts, is limited to a top speed of 20mph, and the electric motor must only engage when the rider is pedalling. If a bike does not have a label on it, the rider may prove that the e-bike is a Class I bike or that it has been modified to meet that definition.

A Class 1 electric bicycle is equipped with an electric motor of not more than 750 watts

E-bikes are not allowed on Mackinac Island, except for visitors with a qualifying 'mobility disability'. A 'mobility disability' is defined as a physical impairment that substantially limits the ability of the individual to pedal a bicycle.

Class 2 e-bikes have a throttle mode, allowing the rider to use the motor exclusively up to 20 mph. Class 3 e-bikes are also pedal-assist, but with a maximum speed of 28 mph, and may have a throttle up to 20 mph. These classifications typically assume a maximum motor power of 750 watts. Any e-bike exceeding this wattage may not fit into these categories, complicating its legality and usage.

The electric motor must only engage when the rider is pedalling

Electric bikes are not allowed on Mackinac Island, with the exception of visitors with a qualifying 'mobility disability'. The island's definition of 'mobility disability' is 'a physical impairment that substantially limits the ability of the individual to pedal a bicycle'.

Class 2 electric bicycles, which have a throttle that operates the motor even when the rider is not pedalling, are not permitted on Mackinac Island. Neither are Class 3 electric bicycles, which can exceed 20 miles per hour.

The goal of these detailed e-bike rules is to preserve the charm of car-free Mackinac Island while still enabling people with mobility disabilities the chance to explore and enjoy the island's incredible natural beauty.

Class 2 and Class 3 electric bicycles are not permitted on Mackinac Island

A Class 1 electric bicycle is equipped with an electric motor of no more than 750 watts, is limited to a top speed of 20mph, and the electric motor must only engage when the rider is pedalling. If the bike has a throttle to engage the motor, or if it is capable of speeds of over 20mph, it is not allowed on the island.

Class 2 electric bicycles have a throttle that operates the motor even when the rider is not pedalling, and Class 3 electric bicycles can exceed 20mph. These are not permitted on Mackinac Island, as the island aims to preserve its charm as a car-free location while still enabling people with mobility disabilities to explore.

Frequently asked questions