Wilmington, DE Mobility & Curb Rules: E-Bike Classes (2026)
Key Facts
- Class 1/2 minimum age
- 7 years old
- Class 3 minimum age
- 16 years old
- Class 3 top assist speed
- 28 mph
- Sidewalk riding
- banned at all times
- Helmet required
- Class 3 riders, all riders under 18
Summary
Wilmington's code defines Class 1, 2, and 3 electric bicycles by motor assist and top speed, sets minimum rider ages by class, and bans all e-bikes from sidewalks under Title 37.
Electric bicycle means a bicycle with two or three wheels that is equipped with fully-operable pedals, a saddle or seat for the rider, and an electric motor of less than 750 watts that meets the requirements of one of the three following classes:
(1)"Class 1 electric bicycle" shall mean an electric bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour or less.(2)"Class 2 electric bicycle" shall mean an electric bicycle equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour or less.(3)"Class 3 electric bicycle" shall mean an electric bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of no less than 20 miles per hour and no more than 28 miles per hour. Limited access highway means a public highway to which the owners or occupants of abutting property or the traveling public have no right-of-way or egress to, from or across such highway, except as may be provided by the authorities responsible therefor.
Limited parking zone means any space or portion of street where the parking of vehicles shall be permitted for a limited period only.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 72).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 37-1 splits electric bicycles into three classes by motor behavior and top assisted speed: Class 1 and Class 2 cut off at 20 mph, Class 3 tops out at 28 mph. Riders must be at least 7 to operate a Class 1 or 2 e-bike and at least 16 for Class 3 under § 37-335. Like regular bicycles, e-bikes must use a marked bicycle path where one exists instead of the roadway under § 37-325, ride near the right side of the roadway otherwise under § 37-324, and are banned from sidewalks at all times under § 37-329. Class 3 riders and any rider under 18 must wear a helmet under § 37-337.
Violations & Fines
Riding an e-bike on a sidewalk, an underage rider operating a Class 1, 2, or 3 e-bike, or a Class 3 rider without a helmet violates Chapter 37 and draws the traffic-code fine schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ride my e-bike on Wilmington sidewalks?
How old do you have to be to ride an e-bike in Wilmington?
Do I need a helmet on an e-bike in Wilmington?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Wilmington
Compare Wilmington to another location·View the Delaware mobility & curb rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.