Unknown Up North: Are E-Bikes Allowed on Michigan’s Mackinac Island?

Mackinac Island is probably the most famous island in the Great Lakes and sees thousands of visitors every year.

One of the most unique things about the island, and something that locals and visitors alike find the most charming, is that motorized vehicles are not allowed on the island. But, recently a question came up - should e-bikes be allowed on the island?

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This led to a lot of back and forth on Reddit, though the majority of commenters said that they would be fine with e-bikes on the island as long as they were only permitted to go a certain speed. (The speed limit on the island is 15 mph, by the way.)

When Were Motorized Vehicles Banned on Mackinac Island?

Motorized vehicles (or "horseless carriages" as they were first described) have officially been banned on Mackinac Island since 1898. Now, that doesn't mean that you'll never see a car or truck on the island. Emergency services vehicles (police cars, fire trucks, ambulances) are always on the island. In addition, the power company that services the island has trucks to use when they are needed.

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While the main modes of transportation for the locals are bikes and horses, locals are allowed to use snowmobiles during the winter months if they have the proper permit.

Are E-Bikes Allowed on Michigan's Mackinac Island?

Yes. And no. While most people are not allowed to use e-bikes on Mackinac Island, there is an exception. People with mobility issues are allowed to use e-bikes on the island, however, they have to be a Class I e-bike (meaning that they are pedal-assist, do not have a throttle, and do not go over 20 mph.)

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If you have a Class II e-bike, you can use it on the island, but only after you have permanently removed the throttle, and taken it to the police station where they will confirm that it no longer has a throttle, and put a sticker on it classifying it as a Class 1 e-bike.

What Does Mackinac Island Consider to Be a 'Mobility Issue'?

According to city ordinance, Mackinac Island says that a person with a qualifying mobility issue,

is an individual who has a physical impairment that substantially limits the ability of the individual to pedal a bicycle; and despite the person's physical limitations, he or she is capable of safely operating an electric assist tricycle/bicycle.

Mackinac Island TikToker Further Explains E-Bike Rules For the Island

TikTok user alynnbassett (who is a great follow if you aren't following her already) was asked about e-bikes recently and was able to further explain the rules for e-bikes on the island. Bassett is a year-round resident of the island and has an e-bike due to mobility issues.

To sum it all up, if you do not medically need an e-bike, you are not permitted to use one on Mackinac Island. Instead, bring a standard bike (or rent one), hop on, and explore one of the most charming and unique places in the country.