Gaithersburg, MD Mobility & Curb Rules: E-Bike Classes (2026)

Sec. 19-4(b) defines an e-bike or e-scooter as a platform device with handlebars that the operator drives while standing, powered by an electric motor with one or two wheels front and rear. It bars operating such a device in the city in an unsafe manner or at unreasonable speed; on a sidewalk over 20 mph, or over 10 mph when a pedestrian is present; on any sidewalk with less than 3 feet of flat, paved operating area; by anyone under 16 without an ASTM-compliant helmet; without a front headlight and rear taillight after dusk, before dawn, or whenever safe operation requires them; while carrying a package that prevents keeping both hands on the handlebars; while piggybacking or otherwise physically controlling more than one device at a time; or with a passenger, unless the device has manufacturer-compliant attached passenger seating.

Subsection (c) lets bicycles, e-bikes, e-scooters and other non-prohibited devices use sidewalks except where signage bars them, but riders must give an audible signal before passing a pedestrian, always yield right-of-way to pedestrians, and stay under the same 20/10 mph speed caps when running on electric power alone. The city manager can further restrict or ban specific devices from specific sidewalks by posting signage, based on sidewalk width and usage or a safety finding (subsection (d)). Separately, Sec. 19-5 bars leaving a bicycle or dockless e-bike/e-scooter parked so it obstructs pedestrians, blocks a driveway without permission, sits in a bus stop, loading zone or accessible parking space, or otherwise violates posted signage.