Yes, electric dirt bikes are street legal but they have to meet all the federal requirements and get equipped with all the essential tools to make them legal for use on the road.
Why are Electric Dirt Bikes so special?
Electric dirt bikes are much more resilient than their gas-powered counterparts. They are more eco-friendly and are better at handling much rougher terrain than other gasoline-powered dirt bikes.
What makes them so special is that they produce less emissions, are faster and easier to charge, quieter and smoother to ride, and are more affordable than regular dirt bikes.
What makes an electric dirt bike street legal?
In addition to several factors like laws and regulations, you will also need some parts and tools to make your electric dirt bike street-legal.
But before looking into those factors you must know that:
- Laws and regulations can change quickly and they vary from state to state.
- Before upgrading your bike, check with your state’s local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) for the most up-to-date information.
Your bike must include front and rear wheel brakes that can stop a bike at the speed of 30 km/h. It should also comprise front and rear fenders and front forks with 82cm length.
With that said, let’s dive into converting your electric dirt bike street legal.
Paperwork
In some states, you have to go through an inspection and registration process to legalize your bike. This may involve paperwork to prove that your bike complies with the laws, along with insurance and tags. Also, you have to check for the city and community laws as what’s legal in one state may be illegal in another.
License Plate
Displaying a license plate is a must to ride a dirt bike on public roads. The point to intact a license plate holder or bracket may vary in different states. That’s why it is crucial to check with the local DMV to ensure you have placed it in a legal manner.
However, it should be placed where it integrates with the rear light to stay illuminated and must be fastened securely to prevent it from falling.
Headlights
According to the law, the headlights must be DOT-compliant to make electric dirt bikes legal on all roads and highways of the USA. Bikes with their headlights without DOT compliance are intended for off-road use only and are not street-legal for roads and highways.
Rendering to DOT requirements your electric dirt bike headlights must
- Comprise indicator light to show which beam is in use.
- Operational during both day and night.
- Able to switch between high and low beams
However, riders can minimize the power draw on the battery by opting to install LED headlights. These headlights offer using a battery without a charging system and consume only a fraction of the power.
Indicators or Turn Signals
Getting your dirt bike out on a street provided with turn signals, blinkers, or indicators, is highly recommended. Though in most states, turn signals are not required in the first place, they are still crucial to enable riders to retain their hands on the handlebar and drive with better control while turning.
Tail Lights
A functional tail light also serves as a brake light and is an essential feature for an electric dirt bike to be street-legal. In some states, taillight requires to remain on all the time.
Tail light helps other vehicles on the road to know your location and to anticipate your movement if you are slowing down or stopping.
Use pressure connectors to ensure that both the front and rear brakes trigger the tail light. The use of LED lights reduces the power consumption from the battery and extends its life.
Mirrors
Generally, two mirrors attached to the handlebars are mandatory in some states, while in others you can go with at least one functional mirror. The mirror allows the riders to have a clear rear view and promotes their safety.
Horn
Though all states require a functional horn some may allow non-electric dirt bikes to pass an inspection. While in other states the horn must be electric for a dirt bike to be street-legal.
Tires
Right tires that are safe, reliable, and meet DOT certification requirements are another essential to consider. All tires are neither DOT-approved nor work well on both off-road and high-speed pavement streets.
Therefore it is necessary to upgrade your bike with DOT-approved tires that are safe to ride on uneven terrain as well as streets.
Odometer
An odometer is not a legal requirement for an electric dirt bike but it helps the rider monitor speed, mileage, engine temperature, and RPM which enables him to keep track of fuel consumption during a ride.
Kickstand
Also known as a side stand may sometimes accidentally fall or catch unto things making it a safety hazard. Also, they are not required by law but without a proper kickstand, a rider may have to lean up his bike onto a wall which is not allowed officially.
What U.S. law says about it?
In the USA, every state has its own law and is allowed to apply its own regulation within its borders. Though not many jurisdictions specifically address the legal status of electric dirt bikes, it is crucial to research well about the laws.
According to the “Federal Minimum Requirement” list by the government of the U.S. any motorcycle on federal or state roads, whether they are made in a factory or in a workshop must follow these regulations to be considered legal for use:
- A DOT-approved headlight with both high and low beam functions.
- DOT-approved turn signals for bikes made after January 1, 1973.
- A single rearview mirror is enough in some states, but some states require two.
- A tail light and brake light that is able to operate for at least 20 min with only the battery.
- The bike must also contain a DOT-approved horn, tires, and fuel tank.
- Speedometers and odometers are required by some states of the USA, while in others they don’t.
For further information contact your specific state’s DOT and (DMV).
How to make an electric dirt bike street legal?
Though laws are different in all states, some mechanical modifications are similar regardless of where you live.
That’s why you need to look at the laws for converting off-highway vehicles (OHV) and DOT requirements to make electric dirt bikes street-legal.
Registration
Your bike’s registration to make them street legal may include
- Valid driver’s license.
- Manufacturer’s Certification of Origin (MOC)
- Certified VIN inspection
- Proof of ownership and insurance
- Statement of odometer
- Application for title or registration
You can also upgrade your own bike by using simple tools and methods that are discussed below.
Headlights
- Get your bike equipped with at least one DOT-compliant headlight to make it street-legal. You are allowed to install two headlights. Depending on state law your bike must have
- DOT-compliant headlights with high and low beams that may have to be linked to a left handlebar and switchgear.
Tail Light
- Install LED units to consume the least power
- Connect your bike’s tail light with the battery
- Use the manual or hydraulic switch to install a brake light and attach it to the rear brake master cylinder
Mirrors
- Mount a clear pair of mirrors with no distortion.
- If your mirrors don’t come with attaching clamps then buy a set to mount the mirrors on your handlebar.
Turn signals
Old-fashioned hand signals are not ideal, especially at night and when you are taking a turn. Hence, install DOT-compliant LED turn signals and combat extra power consumption.
Certified Tires
Adhere to high-quality DOT-certified tires. The DOT-approved tires have a seal of approval on their sidewall and as long as they have a seal, you will pass the inspection.
Muffler
Install an EPA-approved exhaust to restrict emissions and noise pollution. In some states like California, there are strict rules for emissions and it is a must to make modifications to pass the inspection.
Horn
Your bike’s horn must be in good condition and should be audible at 200 feet. Some states allow using a non-electric horn while others prefer a fully-electric horn.
While using a non-electric horn, you can go for a USB rechargeable horn as it requires no wiring.
Odometer
An odometer is not required by law but is crucial for safety while riding a dirt bike on public roads. Get an aftermarket odometer as it is easy to find and install.
License plate
You can invest in an all-inclusive piece that involves an integrated tail light, a license plate holder, and turn signals. In some states, there is a rule about placement plates so check the laws before your mount it.
Best Electric Dirt Bikes
Stark Varg
Claiming to be the most advanced and fastest electric dirt bike, Stark Varg has a top speed of 28 mph with 80 hp power. It is 30% more powerful than other 450cc dirt bikes and allows a perfect ride for every biker and track.
Bike’s Specifications
| Weight | 118 kg |
| Torque | 938Nm |
| Seat height | 947.9 mm |
| Battery range | 50 mph |
| Battery Capacity | 6.5 kWh |
KTM Freeride E-XC
KTM Freeride E-XC with its top speed of 50 mph and a maximum power of 2.5 hp is solid, reliable, and perfectly adaptable to rough terrain. This bike allows fully active and feasible transportation and runs perfectly on any terrain.
Bike’s Specifications
| Weight | 110 kg |
| Torque | 31 ft-lb |
| Seat height | 910 mm |
| Battery range | 20 miles |
| Battery capacity | 2.6 kWh |
CAKE Kalk INK
The CAKE Kalk INK by a Swedish company, is lightweight and goes beyond 50 mph. The bike comes with a simple and minimalist design, is powerful, and is considered the future of off-road racing.
Bike’s Specifications
| Weight | 70 kg |
| Torque | 42Nm on shaft |
| Seat height | 910 mm |
| Battery range | 45 km/h |
| Battery capacity | 2.6 kWh |
Frequently Asked Questions | Are Electric Dirt Bikes Street Legal
1: How to make a dirt bike street legal in New Jersey?
Though you do not need a permit or license to ride a bike in New Jersey. However, your dirt bike should be registered and you must observe the following regulations:
The bike must have
- A DOT-approved headlight
- License plate light
- Reflectors on the front and rear sides of the bike
- The rider must be at least 14 years old.
2: What is the fastest electric dirt bike?
Stark Varg electric dirt bike with its top speed of 28 mph is the world’s fastest dirt bike.
3: Are electric dirt bikes street-legal in Illinois? Do you need a license?
Yes, electric dirt bikes are street-legal in Illinois but you will require a motorcycle license from the state of Illinois. Along with that other requirements are headlight, taillights, license plates, muffler, handgrips, and brakes on both wheels.
4: Are electric dirt bikes street-legal in NYC?
No, in NYC, ATVs and dirt bikes are not street-legal. The reason behind this restriction is the absence of essential safety features like brake lights, mirrors, and turn signals.
5: Are electric dirt bikes legal in Florida?
Dirt bikes are legal in Florida but no off-highway vehicle is allowed to operate on public roads and streets.
Conclusion:
Though electric dirt bikes are the future of racing, yet, they have to be purchased or customized according to the state’s law to make them street-legal. Laws change quickly and the rder has to upgrade his bike following the specific regulations of the particular state in which he is riding.
