E-Bike Laws in Arkansas: A City-by-City Guide

Statewide Rules

Arkansas law classifies electric bicycles into three categories. Class 1 e-bikes provide pedal assistance up to 20 miles per hour, Class 2 e-bikes use a throttle to reach 20 miles per hour, and Class 3 e-bikes provide pedal assistance up to 28 miles per hour with pedal assist. Riders under 16 are prohibited from operating Class 3 bikes but may ride as passengers.

E-bikes are not considered motor vehicles, meaning riders generally follow the same rules as bicyclists on public roads. The law also gives local governments and land managers the authority to adopt stricter rules for trails and paths.

Arkansas State Parks

State Parks apply a uniform set of rules across their system. All three classes of e-bikes are allowed on park roads, but only Class 1 e-bikes are permitted on multi-use trails and mountain bike singletrack. Class 2 and Class 3 bikes are not allowed on trails.

Little Rock

Little Rock defers to state law, allowing e-bikes on city streets and paved shared-use trails unless otherwise posted. Because the Arkansas River Trail crosses multiple jurisdictions, rules may differ from one section to another. Riders should pay close attention to signs along the route.

North Little Rock

North Little Rock also follows state law as the default. The city has some bicycle restrictions, such as limiting sidewalk riding in downtown areas, but it does not impose additional e-bike-specific regulations. The River Trail sections within the city follow the same posted rules as in Little Rock.

Conway

Conway has adopted an ordinance that directly references the Arkansas Electric Bicycle Act. This ordinance exempts e-bikes and scooters from some restrictions placed on other micromobility devices, making them legal to use on city facilities in line with state law.

Hot Springs

Hot Springs has one of the strictest e-bike policies in Arkansas. Only Class 1 e-bikes are allowed on city trails, and a 20-mile-per-hour speed limit is enforced. Class 2 and Class 3 e-bikes are prohibited from trails but may be used on city streets.

Jonesboro

Jonesboro’s trail ordinance allows a wide variety of micromobility devices, including e-bikes, e-scooters, wheelchairs, and skates, provided they are used safely. This effectively makes e-bikes legal on city trails under general safety standards.

Fayetteville

In Fayetteville, paved shared-use trails, including the city’s sections of the Razorback Greenway, are open to Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes. The city enforces a 15-mile-per-hour speed limit on these trails. Rules for natural-surface trails may differ depending on the land manager.

Bentonville

Bentonville actively promotes e-bike use with a rebate program for residents. Trails within the city generally follow land-manager rules, but the rebate program signals that the city is encouraging e-bike adoption and use.

Fort Smith and Sebastian County

Fort Smith has no citywide bans on e-bikes, so state law applies. In Sebastian County, Ben Geren Park, a major regional trail hub, allows Class 1 e-bikes on trails but restricts Class 2 and Class 3 models to roads only.

Russellville

Russellville’s Connected Trail System is still expanding, and the city has not enacted e-bike-specific ordinances. For now, state law applies on city streets and trails, but riders should look for posted signs as new trail segments open.

Key Takeaways

On roads throughout Arkansas, e-bikes are treated the same as bicycles. On trails, Class 1 e-bikes have the broadest access, while Class 2 and 3 bikes face more restrictions, especially in State Parks and in Hot Springs. Speed limits are common, typically ranging from 15 to 20 miles per hour. Riders should always check for posted rules and practice safe trail etiquette, yielding to pedestrians and slower users.

For information on e-bike use in the National Forests, read our article.

Lead photo courtesy of People for Bikes.

This article was originally published on ArkansasOutside.com, your trusted source for outdoor news and updates in The Natural State. Unless otherwise credited, all photos included in this piece are the property of Arkansas Outside, LLC. We take pride in sharing the beauty and adventures of Arkansas through our lens—thank you for supporting our work!