Know Before You Ride: Maryland E-Bike and E-Scooter Laws
Town Hall has recently received several questions and concerns regarding the use of e-bikes and e-scooters in our community. To help residents better understand the rules and safety requirements, we are sharing this helpful information from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. Please take a moment to review it and help keep our streets, sidewalks, and parks safe for everyone.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office has seen an increase in the use of electric bikes and scooters throughout our community. While many of these devices are perfectly legal, some high-powered models being marketed as “e-bikes” may actually fall into a different vehicle classification under Maryland law.
Legal E-Bikes
Maryland recognizes three classes of electric bicycles. To qualify as an e-bike, the vehicle must have fully operable pedals and a motor of 750 watts or less.
• Class 1: Pedal-assist only, up to 20 mph
• Class 2: Throttle-powered, up to 20 mph
• Class 3: Pedal-assist only, up to 28 mph (operators must be at least 16 years old)
Legal e-bikes do not require registration, a driver’s license, or insurance.
Helmet Requirement
Maryland law requires all operators and passengers under the age of 16 riding an e-bike to wear a properly fitted bicycle helmet. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office strongly encourages helmet use for riders of all ages. A helmet is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent serious injury in the event of a crash.
Electric Scooters
Electric scooters with a maximum speed of 20 mph do not require registration or a driver’s license. Riders must still obey all traffic laws, including stopping at stop signs, yielding right-of-way, and traveling in the proper direction of traffic.
Not All “E-Bikes” Are Legal E-Bikes
Many electric vehicles sold online today can reach speeds exceeding 30, 40, or even 50 mph. If a vehicle exceeds Maryland’s e-bike limits or lacks operable pedals, it may be classified as a moped, motor scooter, or motorcycle.
These vehicles may require:
A valid driver’s license
Registration and license plates
Insurance
Compliance with all applicable motor vehicle laws
Operating an improperly registered or unlicensed high-speed electric vehicle on public roadways may result in traffic citations, towing, and impoundment.
As summer begins and more riders take to our streets, trails, and neighborhoods, we encourage parents to ensure their children are wearing helmets and understand the rules of the road before riding.
Our goal is education and safety. Please ride responsibly, obey traffic laws, and help keep Washington County safe for everyone.
We need your input! Complete the Keedysville Comprehensive Plan Community Priorities Survey by July 15, 2026.
Boonsboro Keedysville Regional Water System 2025 Annual Drinking Water Quality Report
Voices of Keedysville: Share your stories of our Town and help create a living archive of Keedysville’s history.
What’s your Keedysville story? A favorite memory? A moment that shaped you? A feeling that makes Keedysville your home? Local community events? A story about your ancestors? Voices of Keedysville is collecting those stories so future generations can understand who we were and what mattered to us. Send your memories to jkerns@keedysvillemd.com.
Mayor & Council Meeting and Water Commission Meeting Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at 7:00 pm at Town Hall
The Meeting of the Mayor & Council and Water Commission of the Town of Keedysville, in compliance with the Maryland Open Meeting Law, will be open to the public on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 commencing at 7:00 pm. Any comments or concerns regarding the meeting, action taken, or proposed action should be submitted in writing by regular or priority mail, email or hand delivery to Lisa Riner, Town Administrator, P.O. Box 359, Keedysville, MD 21756 or via email to townhall@keedysvillemd.com. Said comments will be made part of the Minutes of the Meeting. The Mayor & Council and Water Commission normally meet on the 1st Wednesday of every month.
Boonsboro Keedysville Water Advisory Board Meeting Wednesday, July 8, 2026 at 6:30 pm at Boonsboro Town Hall
The July 8, 2026 meeting of the Boonsboro Keedysville Water Advisory Board (BKWAB) will take place at Boonsboro Town Hall, 21 N Main Street, Boonsboro, and is open to the public. The Board normally meets on the 2nd Wednesday of January, April, July, and October. Meetings rotate between the Keedysville and Boonsboro Town Halls.
Planning & Zoning Commission Regular Meeting and Comprehensive Plan Meeting Thursday, July 9, 2026 at 6:30 pm at Town Hall
The Meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission of the Town of Keedysville, in compliance with the Maryland Open Meeting Law, will be open to the public on Thursday, July 9, 2026, commencing at 6:30 p.m. Any comments or concerns regarding the Meeting, action taken, or proposed action should be submitted in writing by regular or priority mail, email or hand delivery to Lisa Riner, Town Administrator, P.O. Box 359, Keedysville, MD 21756 or via email to townhall@keedysvillemd.com. Said comments will be made part of the Minutes of the Meeting. The Commission normally meets quarterly, on the second Thursdays of January, April, July, and October.
The next Green Team Meeting is Thursday, August 20, 2026 at 7:00 pm at Town Hall.
The next meeting of the Green Team of the Town of Keedysville will be held on Thursday, August 20, 2026 at 7:00 pm at Town Hall. Any comments or concerns regarding a meeting, action taken, or proposed action should be submitted in writing by regular or priority mail, email, or hand delivery to Lisa Riner, Town Administrator, 19 South Main Street, PO Box 359, Keedysville, MD 21756 or via email to townhall@keedysvillemd.com. Said comments will be made part of the minutes of the meeting. The Green Team normally meets on the 3rd Thursday of each month.