District of Columbia

3-class system

Not verified yet — check official source: District of Columbia statutes (official)

Age limits

• Riders must be at least 16. [DDOT — District of Columbia E-Bike Guide]

Helmets

• Under 16 must wear a helmet on a bicycle on a public roadway, bike path or right-of-way (D.C. Code § 50-1605). Riders 16 and older are not required to. [D.C. Code § 50-1605]

Where you can ride

• Sidewalk riding is allowed except in the Central Business District; yield to pedestrians and signal when passing. [DDOT — District of Columbia E-Bike Guide]

License / registration / insurance

• A "motorized bicycle" is excluded from "motor vehicle" (D.C. Code § 50-2201.02(11), § 50-1501.01(1)). DDOT: no license or insurance required. [D.C. Code § 50-2201.02]

Speed & equipment

• D.C. Code § 50-2201.02(11A): 2–3 wheels at least 16 in., operable pedals, seat, motor that cannot exceed 20 mph on level ground. DDOT adds: under 750 W, under 100 lb; at night a white front light (500 ft) and red rear reflector or light. [D.C. Code § 50-2201.02]
• The age 16 and sidewalk rules come from DDOT guidance; the underlying DCMR text has not been checked yet. [DDOT — District of Columbia E-Bike Guide]