South Dakota eBike Laws 2026: 750 Watts or Less

Cover photograph: Mount Rushmore National Memorial, NPS Photo (public domain).

Quick Answer

South Dakota treats an e-bike as a bicycle or tricycle with a seat, "operable pedals for propulsion" and "an electric motor of seven hundred fifty watts or less," sorted into Class I, II or III (SDCL 32-20B-9). You need no license, title or registration, and a Class III rider must be 16.

Two places cost riders the most. The George S. Mickelson Trail admits only a Class I since July 1, 2025 (§ 41-17-27), and Game, Fish and Parks keeps "motor-propelled vehicles (including e-bikes)" to roads and parking areas on its land (GFP). Past 750 watts or past a class, the machine reads as a moped or motorcycle under § 32-20-1, which needs a driver license or permit and, under 18, a DOT helmet.

In this guide

• Are e-bikes legal in South Dakota?
• What South Dakota counts as an electric bicycle
• A bicycle in the traffic code
• The 2019 act, and the Mickelson bills after it
• What your bike becomes past the line
• License, registration and insurance
• Age: 16 for Class III, and one town rule
• Helmets: Class III under 18, and what towns add
• Labels, speedometers and tampering
• Lights and brakes
• Where you may ride
• The Mickelson Trail: Class I only
• Game, Fish and Parks land: roads and parking areas
• Federal land: the Badlands, the caves, Rushmore and the Black Hills
• What your town adds
• Riding under the influence
• Rebates: what South Dakota's utilities offer
• Our shelf against South Dakota's line
• Not an e-bike: scooters, mopeds and dirt bikes
• South Dakota eBike laws at a glance
• Which rule applies to you
• What the AI answers get wrong about South Dakota
• What a South Dakota e-bike ticket costs
• A South Dakota e-bike checklist
• If an officer stops you
• How South Dakota compares with its neighbors
• What changed, 2019 to 2026
• Where to read next
• The bottom line
• Why buy a South Dakota-legal e-bike from us
• Frequently asked questions

How we verified this guide

South Dakota publishes its code on the Legislature's own site, so every state rule below is quoted from that text. On September 29 and 30, 2026 we scanned the full text of all 2,212 chapters of the South Dakota Codified Laws, every one of their 46,306 section entries, for e-bike, moped and scooter terms.

We scanned the full text of every version of all 5,864 bills and resolutions filed in 16 sessions, from 2017 through 2026, for the same terms: 11,509 documents, none missing. We scanned the state's administrative rules the same way, 24,139 rules in 22 articles, and all 655 Supreme Court opinions filed since 2018.

The local layer starts from all 310 incorporated places. Every town code we located was searched for the same terms, and every town rule we name was read in full at its publisher. Each pick's price, stock and specification was read at its maker's US store on September 29, 2026.

Are e-bikes legal in South Dakota?

Yes. South Dakota wrote the e-bike into its bicycle chapter in 2019, and a bike that meets § 32-20B-9 rides as a bicycle, so you ride yours on the road, on most bicycle and multi-use paths, and with no license, title or plate.

The same act took the e-bike out of the words that would otherwise catch it. The traffic code defines a "Motor vehicle" as "a vehicle that is self-propelled. The term does not include an electric bicycle or multi-passenger quadricycle" (§ 32-14-1(17)). The titling and registration chapters each carry one line: "An electric bicycle, as defined in § 32-20B-9, is exempt from this chapter" (§ 32-3-78, § 32-5-187).

What South Dakota counts as an electric bicycle

Four things make an e-bike here, all in one sentence of § 32-20B-9: a bicycle or a tricycle, a seat or saddle, "operable pedals for propulsion," and "an electric motor of seven hundred fifty watts or less." The same section then sorts your bike into one of three classes by what its motor does:

Source: SDCL 32-20B-9, read September 29, 2026. Class II is the throttle class.

750 watts or less: a 750 W motor is inside

The words that matter are "or less," and they put a 750 W motor inside the definition. If you ride in from Wyoming, whose statute reads "less than seven hundred fifty (750) watts" (W.S. 31-1-101(a)(xxxiv)), the 750 W bike left outside the line there is an e-bike here.

Every listing by the rating it prints: 76 sit at exactly 750 W, and 42 of those clear the other limbs too; the 95 over the line include the two the shelf table counts under pedals.

Towns that copied the statute kept the same words. Bruce, Colman and Colome each write "an electric motor of 750 watts or less" into § 74.06 of their codes (Colman § 74.06), and Madison's § 40-1 carries the same definition (Madison § 40-1).

Rated or peak? The words stop short

Section 32-20B-9 caps "an electric motor" at "seven hundred fifty watts or less" and never says whether that is the motor's rated output or its peak. Makers print both: Qiolor lists the TIGER RL as "Rated 48V 750W(Peak 1200W)" (Qiolor).

Read as the rated figure, that bike is inside; read as the peak, it is outside. No South Dakota statute, rule or court decision we located chooses between them, and none of the 655 Supreme Court opinions filed since 2018 names an e-bike at all. Our screen reads the rated figure, and every pick below prints both numbers so you can hold it to either reading.

Trikes are e-bikes here

"A bicycle or a tricycle" is the statute's own phrase, so a three-wheel e-trike that meets the other limbs is an electric bicycle in South Dakota (§ 32-20B-9). A four-wheel pedal car is not one, and a two- or three-wheel machine that misses a limb becomes a moped or motorcycle (below).

One motor, or two

The statute speaks of "an electric motor," singular, and says nothing about a bike with two (§ 32-20B-9). Two of our listings carry a pair of motors, each at or under 750 W, that add up to more than 750 W. We found no South Dakota authority on which figure counts, so our screen reports them as unsettled rather than inside; if you ride one, that question rides with you.

The throttle question in § 32-20B-11

Section 32-20B-11 reads: "An electric bicycle shall be equipped so that the electric motor is disengaged or ceases to function when the person stops pedaling or when the brakes are applied." Read one way, every e-bike must cut its motor the moment the pedals stop, and a Class II, defined two sections earlier as "capable of propelling the bicycle without the person pedaling" (§ 32-20B-9), could never comply.

Read the other way, the "or" gives the builder a choice: a motor that stops when the brakes go on meets the section, and a throttle bike with brake cut-offs is lawful. Only the second reading leaves Class II a class a rider could lawfully use, and § 32-20B-9 plainly creates it. No South Dakota court decision we located reads the section. Buy a throttle bike whose motor also cuts out when you squeeze a brake lever.

A bicycle in the traffic code

In the rules of the road your e-bike is a vehicle but not a motor vehicle. The traffic definitions' "Vehicle" runs "including bicycles, electric bicycles, multi-passenger quadricycles, and ridden animals," and those definitions govern chapters 32-12, 32-14 to 32-19 and 32-22 to 32-34 (§ 32-14-1(39)).

Because § 32-20B-9 makes an e-bike "a bicycle or a tricycle" with a motor, the bicycle sections beside it reach a two-wheel e-bike. Slower than traffic, you ride "as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway" (§ 32-20B-5).

You signal a turn for the last 100 feet (§ 32-20B-6), and on a sidewalk you yield to walkers and "give an audible signal before overtaking and passing a pedestrian" (§ 32-20B-3).

The 2019 act, and the Mickelson bills after it

South Dakota's e-bike law is Senate Bill 187 of 2019, and the Governor approved it on March 27, 2019 (enrolled text; the Governor's letter in the Senate Journal, p. 733). The Legislature's action log enters "Signed by the Governor" on March 29; the Governor's own letter is the date we give.

With no date of its own, it took effect on July 1, 2019 under § 2-14-16, which starts a regular-session act "on the first day of July after its passage."

Two scooter acts followed. House Bill 1192 of 2021 and House Bill 1084 of 2022 defined the motorized foot scooter, and the code now says "An electric bicycle is not a motorized foot scooter" (§ 32-26-21.4).

The Mickelson Trail took two sessions. Game, Fish and Parks' Senate Bill 56 of 2024 would have admitted "An individual operating an electric bicycle," every class. The Senate committee narrowed it to "a Class I electric bicycle" (engrossed text), and a House committee tabled it on January 25, 2024.

Senate Bill 79 of 2025 passed with the Class I limit and is now § 41-17-27(6). The Governor approved it on March 11, 2025 (Senate Journal, p. 528); the action log enters the signature on March 13. It took effect July 1, 2025.

No 2026 act changed an e-bike rule. Eleven bills since 2017 name the electric bicycle or its chapter. Of the eight that became law, SB 187 and SB 79 set the rules above and the two scooter acts drew the line between e-bike and scooter.

Three titling and quadricycle acts reprint the definition, and a 2025 street-racing act rewrote the bicycle-racing section, § 32-20B-7. The other three died: SB 56; a 2025 seat-belt bill, deferred in committee; and a 2026 snow-bear titling bill, which failed on the House floor on February 18, 2026.

What your bike becomes past the line

Miss one limb of § 32-20B-9 and the machine lands in the motorcycle chapter. Its definitions read "Moped," as "a motor driven cycle equipped with two or three wheels," with a 50 cc cap that binds only "If a combustion engine is used," and "Motorcycle" as including "mopeds, bicycles with motor attached, and all motor operated vehicles of the bicycle or tricycle type" (§ 32-20-1).

Both definitions end by excluding "an electric bicycle as defined in § 32-20B-9" (§ 32-20-1), and a bike over 750 watts is not one.

Which of the two it becomes turns on the drive. A moped's power source must work "directly or automatically only, not requiring clutching or shifting by the operator," and the Attorney General's Official Opinion 04-04 of September 21, 2004 called that "a factual determination dependent on whether clutching and shifting is possible."

A hub motor turns its wheel with no shifting; a mid-drive pulls through your gears, and whether that is "shifting" in the statute's sense is unsettled.

Sources: the SDCL sections linked in each cell, read September 30, 2026.

The moped column is the easy half. Opinion 04-04 adds that an electric two-wheeler on a public highway must also carry a motor vehicle's equipment (mirror, horn, head, tail and stop lamps, brakes) and the federal safety certification a motor vehicle carries, and "If a vehicle does not comply with the required safety requirements, the vehicle is not legal to be operated on the public highways of this state" (Opinion 04-04).

Past the line, check the machine against that list before you take it on a public road.

Of our 217 listings, 122 fall outside § 32-20B-9 on their published figures: 93 over 750 watts, 27 past a class's speed or throttle line, and two with no pedals. Each of them reads as a moped or motorcycle in South Dakota.

License, registration and insurance

None of the three applies to you if your bike is inside the definition. The license law reaches "any motor vehicle upon a highway" (§ 32-12-22), and chapter 32-12 takes its "Motor vehicle" from § 32-14-1(17), which leaves out the electric bicycle.

The titling and registration chapters exempt you in so many words (§ 32-3-78, § 32-5-187). The insurance chapter defines its "Motor vehicle" as self-propelled and adds that the term "does not include an electric bicycle as defined in § 32-20B-9" (§ 32-35-1), so the duty to carry liability coverage in § 32-35-113 does not reach you.

Your homeowner's or renter's policy may treat an e-bike its own way; ask your insurer what it covers.

Three towns ask for more. Hot Springs requires every resident to register a bicycle with its police department before riding it "on any street or any public path or trail" (§ 71.03(A)(2)). The city's code defines a bicycle as having "two wire-spoked wheels" and "hand cranks or foot pedals" (§ 71.01), and it names no power source, so a spoked-wheel e-bike fits those words.

Redfield has every resident who owns a bicycle register it with the finance officer for $2 (§ 10.76.010), and Whitewood's police may impound a bicycle ridden or parked "without a current license attached thereto" (§ 74.02). Huron and McLaughlin offer registration without requiring it (registration, lights and speed). If you live in one of the three, register the bike.

Age: 16 for Class III, and one town rule

The only state age rule is § 32-20B-13: "To operate a Class III electric bicycle in this state, a person shall be at least sixteen years of age." A younger rider may still sit as a passenger "if the bicycle is designed to accommodate a passenger." On a Class I or Class II, you face no state age limit.

Harrisburg set its own floor in Ordinance 2026-12, in force since September 2, 2026: no one under 10 may ride a personal electric vehicle on a public way without a parent or guardian directly supervising. The Mickelson Trail's pass rule for users 12 and older is a fee rule, not an age limit (GFP).

If your rider is 14 or 15 and wants speed, a Class I or Class II is the lawful choice; neither class asks the age question.

Helmets: Class III under 18, and what towns add

State law asks you for a helmet on a Class III only. "Any person who is less than eighteen years of age and operating a Class III electric bicycle and any person who is a passenger on a Class III electric bicycle, regardless of age, shall wear a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet" (§ 32-20B-14). A bicycle helmet meets it; the motorcycle helmet of § 32-20-4 is for mopeds and motorcycles.

Thirteen towns write more, and each rule below was read in full at its publisher:

Bruce, Colman and Colome copy the state's Class III helmet rule into § 74.06 of their codes. Keystone's rule (§ 71.32) dates from 1975 (Ord. 31) and defines "MOTORCYCLE" with the old state words, "bicycles with motor attached and all motor operated vehicles of the bicycle or tricycle type," but not the 2019 exclusion.

Its words fit an e-bike and no court has read it, so if you ride in Keystone, wear the helmet and glasses. The other motorcycle-word towns are set out in when a town's motorcycle rules reach your e-bike.

Labels, speedometers and tampering

Since January 1, 2020, whoever makes or distributes an e-bike in South Dakota must "permanently affix" a label showing "The designated class," "The maximum assisted speed" and "The wattage of the electric bicycle's motor" (§ 32-20B-10). Keep it legible; it is the plate that proves your bike is an e-bike.

The same section binds the owner too: "If a person makes a modification to the electric bicycle that affects the bicycle's maximum speed, or manner of propulsion, the person shall amend the label" (§ 32-20B-10). Breaking it is a Class 2 misdemeanor. Raise your throttle bike's cap past 20 mph and it fits no class, whatever your label says.

If you ride a Class III, it must carry "a functioning speedometer" (§ 32-20B-15), and every e-bike needs the motor cut-off of § 32-20B-11.

Lights and brakes

One state lamp rule is written for bicycles. "Every bicycle shall be equipped with a lighted lamp on the front thereof visible under normal atmospheric conditions from a distance of at least three hundred feet," plus "a reflex mirror or lamp on the rear exhibiting a yellow or red light" visible from 200 feet (§ 32-17-25). It is a petty offense.

That section names no hours, and the sunset-to-sunrise rule beside it, § 32-17-4, is written for "Each motor vehicle." Run the front lamp and rear reflector whenever you ride.

Volga sets the hours in its own code: a headlight visible 300 feet ahead "between one-half hour after sunset and one-half hour before sunrise" (§ 11.1-6(e)). Elkton goes further: without a headlight, an e-bike there "may only be operated 15 minutes after sunrise to 15 minutes prior to sunset" (Ord. 385, § 5).

State law sets no brake or bell rule for your bike; in Hot Springs you need a brake that can skid the wheel on dry pavement and, at night, a 500-foot white lamp (§ 71.03(B)).

Where you may ride

A road is open to every class; a path is open to Class I and Class II unless its owner closes it; everywhere else, the landowner writes the rule.

On the road

Ride as a cyclist. Going slower than traffic, stay "as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway," with leave to move out to pass, to prepare for a left turn, or around hazards and "substandard width lanes" too narrow to share (§ 32-20B-5). Signal "during the last one hundred feet traveled" before a turn, and do not pass a right-signalling vehicle on its right (§ 32-20B-6).

Drivers owe you room. A motorist passing you must leave "a minimum of a three foot separation" where the posted limit is 35 mph or less and "a minimum of six feet" above it, and may cross the centerline to do it when safe (§ 32-26-26.1).

The interstate is closed where signs say so. Section 32-26-11 lets the Transportation Commission by rule, and towns by ordinance, "prohibit the use of any such roadway by pedestrians, bicycles, or other nonmotorized traffic," and "no person may disobey the restrictions stated on such signs." We scanned all 24,139 of the state's administrative rules and found no Transportation Commission rule that names bicycles, so the posted sign at each ramp is the rule you meet.

Sidewalks

The state sidewalk law allows "a bicycle" and lets each town restrict it. "No person may drive any vehicle other than a bicycle, motorized foot scooter, or an electric personal assistive device upon a sidewalk," and "The local governing body of a municipality may restrict a bicycle ... from operating upon a sidewalk" (§ 32-26-21.1).

Whether that "bicycle" includes an e-bike is unsettled, and we publish both readings. For it: § 32-20B-9 defines the e-bike as "a bicycle or a tricycle" with a motor. Against it: that definition is "For purposes of this chapter" only, the traffic definitions list "bicycles, electric bicycles" as two words (§ 32-14-1(39)), and no chapter of the code we read defines "bicycle" at all.

On the sidewalk you ride as a pedestrian with a pedestrian's duties, stop before entering a crosswalk or street, yield to walkers and "give an audible signal before overtaking and passing a pedestrian" (§§ 32-20B-2, 32-20B-3). Our advice holds on either reading: where your town keeps bicycles off a sidewalk, keep your e-bike off it, and where it does not, ride at a walking pace.

Four towns settle it for their own sidewalks. Sioux Falls and Harrisburg admit Class I and Class II and leave Class III off, Volga holds bicycles and e-bikes to 15 mph there, and since September 30, 2026 Watertown opens its sidewalks to electric bicycles, except where it posts signs to walk (Ord. 26-30). The sidewalk table lists every town sidewalk rule we found.

Paths and trails

Paths start open to Class I and Class II. "Unless otherwise prohibited by a governmental entity having jurisdiction, a person may operate a Class I or Class II electric bicycle on any bicycle path or multi-use path in this state" (§ 32-20B-12). The section sets no procedure for closing one.

A Class III is shut out of the same paths unless "The bicycle path or multi-use path is within or adjacent to a highway or roadway," or its owner "expressly permits the use" (§ 32-20B-12).

The exception runs the other way: a Class III may ride a trail "designated as nonmotorized, if the trail was constructed only by clearing or grading the native soil and without the installation or placement of any additional surface material," unless its owner has said otherwise (§ 32-20B-12).

Read that twice before you ride a Class III on singletrack: dirt cut from native soil is open by statute, but gravel, crushed rock or pavement laid on top closes it, and a posted sign at the trailhead overrides both.

The Mickelson Trail: Class I only

The George S. Mickelson Trail is closed to motorized vehicles by statute, and since July 1, 2025 a Class I e-bike is one of six exceptions. Section 41-17-27 says "An individual may not operate a motorized vehicle within the right-of-way" of the trail, and exception (6) is "An individual operating a Class I electric bicycle, as defined in § 32-20B-9."

If you ride a Class II or Class III there, it is a Class 2 misdemeanor.

Game, Fish and Parks' trail page says the same in its own words: "No motorized vehicles are allowed on the trail," and "Electric wheelchairs and Class 1 e-bikes are allowed on the trail" (GFP). If you are 12 or older, you need a trail pass except inside city limits, and the trail closes from half an hour after sunset to half an hour before sunrise (ARSD 41:03:01:01.01).

Old flyers still say otherwise. The department's Trail Trek information sheet, created in April 2023, reads "Class 1 and 2 pedal assist e-bikes" are allowed (Trail Trek sheet); that predates the 2025 act and the statute now governs.

Game, Fish and Parks land: roads and parking areas

On land the department owns, leases, manages or controls, its rule keeps motor vehicles to roads, parking areas and trails built for them, and the department counts e-bikes among them. The rule reads: "No person may operate a motor vehicle, as defined in SDCL 41-1-1, except on designated roads and parking areas or on trails designated for a specific type of travel" (ARSD 41:03:02:01).

The definition it borrows has no e-bike exception. Title 41's "Motor vehicle" is "any self-propelled vehicle and any vehicle propelled or drawn by a self-propelled vehicle" (§ 41-1-1(18)), unlike the traffic code's, which leaves the e-bike out. The department's hunting rules page applies it plainly: "No person may operate motor-propelled vehicles (including e-bikes) on: Lands owned, leased, or controlled by GFP except on designated roads and parking areas" (GFP).

Whether a Class I, which moves only while you pedal, is "self-propelled" is a fair question the rule's words do not answer, and we found no decision on it. The department's own reading is the one its officers will apply, so plan your ride on roads and parking areas. Custer State Park names seven hiking trails that "may also be used for biking" (Custer State Park trails), and its page does not open them to e-bikes.

A second rule adds a wrinkle. ARSD 41:03:02:13 bars any "motor vehicle, as defined in SDCL 41-1-1" from the department's roads and parking areas "unless the vehicle displays a valid license plate," with exceptions only for equipped golf carts and gas mopeds of 50 cc or less. You cannot plate an e-bike in South Dakota (§ 32-5-187).

Read literally, the two rules together leave an e-bike no ground at all on department land, while the department's own page admits e-bikes to its roads and parking areas. We publish both: the page is how the department says it enforces the rules, and the rule text is what a court would read. Ask the park office before you ride a park road.

Federal land: the Badlands, the caves, Rushmore and the Black Hills

The Park Service's own rule reaches a 750 W motor: its "electric bicycle" has "an electric motor of not more than 750 watts" (36 CFR 1.4). The rule leaves where you may ride to each superintendent. We read the compendium of all six Park Service units with land in South Dakota, and each keeps e-bikes where bicycles go, which mostly means roads.

Sources: each unit's Superintendent's Compendium, read September 29 and 30, 2026.

Mount Rushmore through a tunnel on Iron Mountain Road (NPS Photo, public domain). Inside the memorial, e-bikes keep to State Highway 244, U.S. Highway 16A and the visitor parking areas.

Three of those units write the line differently from the federal rule and from South Dakota. Wind Cave, Jewel Cave and Minuteman Missile define an e-bike with "an electric motor of less than 750 watts" (Wind Cave, Jewel Cave, Minuteman Missile), so a bike rated at exactly 750 W is an e-bike under the state code and under 36 CFR 1.4 but not under those compendiums' own words.

We print both; ask the ranger station before you ride a 750 W bike there.

Four units bar riding on the motor alone off the roads the public may drive. Badlands and Minuteman Missile say "Except where use of motor vehicles by the public is allowed, using the electric motor to move an E-bike without pedaling is prohibited" (Badlands, Minuteman Missile); Wind Cave and Jewel Cave add "exclusively" and "for an extended period of time" (Wind Cave, Jewel Cave). On a park road open to cars, your throttle stays usable.

The Black Hills National Forest is Forest Service land, and the Forest Service treats an e-bike as "a type of motor vehicle" (Forest Service e-bike classes). Its national policy opens "over 60,000 miles of motorized trails and thousands of miles of motorized roads" to e-bikes (Forest Service). On the Black Hills, the forest's Motor Vehicle Use Map shows you which roads and trails those are (Black Hills MVUM).

Two federal proposals could change these rules. The Park Service proposed one national bicycle rule on September 1, 2026, with comments open to November 2 (91 FR 56095), and the Forest Service opened a study of Class 1 e-bikes on its bicycle trails on August 24, 2026 (91 FR 54686). Neither changes a rule you ride under yet.

The 111-mile Centennial Trail crosses land run by four agencies. Its brochure allows motorized use "only on some portions of the Trail between Pilot Knob Trailhead and Dalton Trailhead," bars bicycles from the Black Elk Wilderness, and keeps them to designated roads inside Wind Cave (Centennial Trail brochure). Off those motorized stretches, your e-bike is where the brochure does not put one.

What your town adds

Check your own town before you ride downtown: 75 of South Dakota's 310 towns and cities set a rule that can reach an e-bike rider, and they are home to 83.5% of the people who live in one. Fourteen name e-bikes in their own words. Fifteen more publish a code with no bicycle rule, so state law is the whole rule there, and seven post separate ordinances that name none.

The other 213, home to 9.7%, post no code we could read online; their ordinances are kept at the town or finance office.

All 310 incorporated places, counted by what their code says. Source: our census of every town code, September 29 and 30, 2026.

Towns that name e-bikes

These fourteen codes write the electric bicycle into their own rules. Where a rule below differs from state law, the town's rule is the one you ride under inside its limits.

Spearfish's police publish their own reading of state law for riders. Their page lists Class I and Class II e-bikes as allowed in every city park and recreation area, the rec path and the Lookout Mountain trails included, and on sidewalks; a Class III is not on the allowed list (Spearfish Police). It is guidance, not an ordinance, and it matches the state's path rule for Class III.

Harrisburg: an e-bike chapter of its own

Harrisburg wrote the state's most complete town e-bike rules into Ordinance 2026-12. A Class I or II may ride the streets, sidewalks, shared-use paths and bike paths at 10 or older; a Class III, at 16 or older, rides the streets and paths but not the sidewalks.

No class may ride the grass areas of city parks. On a sidewalk you hold 10 mph and on a path 15 mph, you yield to walkers and give an audible signal before passing.

Two rules reach past state law. Anyone under 18 wears "a bicycle helmet or a helmet of the type and design manufactured for use by operators of such PEV" (Ordinance 2026-12), on any class, and a child under 10 rides only under a parent's or guardian's direct supervision. After dark you need a white front lamp and a red rear lamp.

Volga: 15 mph on the sidewalk

Volga's § 11.1-6 names electric bicycles among its "wheeled, electronically propelled" devices and sets 15 mph on public sidewalks. After dark you need a headlight visible for 300 feet and a red or yellow rear reflector or lamp. A rider under 18 going faster than 20 mph wears a DOT Standard 218 helmet, and a passenger under 18 always wears one.

Sidewalks, town by town

Most town sidewalk rules stop at downtown. Bicycles stay off business-district or named downtown sidewalks in 31 towns and off every sidewalk in thirteen, and twelve towns write sidewalks open to bicycles. Nineteen close sidewalks to "motor vehicles" or to any vehicle, and whether that reaches a motor-assisted bicycle turns on each town's own definition of a motor vehicle. Read those sidewalks as closed to your e-bike unless the town has written e-bikes onto them.

Rapid City shows how the words cut. Its downtown ban on bicycles (RCMC 10.64.210) covers a bicycle, which the chapter defines as a vehicle "propelled solely by human power" (RCMC 10.64.010), and an e-bike is not one.

Its ban on "other motor vehicle" on the same downtown sidewalks (RCMC 10.52.090) reads with the traffic title's definition of a motor vehicle: "Every vehicle which is self-propelled" (RCMC 10.04.180). Either way, walk your e-bike downtown.

Pierre and Flandreau write the same line into their own traffic codes: a bicycle is a "vehicle propelled solely by human power" (Pierre § 9-1-101, Flandreau § 70.01). Their bans on bicycles on business-district sidewalks (Pierre § 9-5-106, Flandreau § 73.06) therefore do not reach your e-bike by their words either.

Britton, Springfield and Faulkton define a bicycle as "propelled by human power" without the word "solely" (Britton § 10.04.020, Springfield § 72.15, Faulkton § 14-1-1).

Your pedal-assist bike moves on your power and its motor's together, and none of the three codes says which side of that line it falls on; Faulkton's definitions also apply only "for the purposes of this ordinance" (Faulkton § 14-1-1), which may or may not reach its sidewalk title. Until a town answers, ride as if its sidewalk rule covers you.

When a town's motorcycle rules reach your e-bike

Eight codes define a motorcycle in the state's words, which include "bicycles with motor attached", and hang a helmet, license or park rule on it. The state's own definition goes on: "The term does not include an electric bicycle" (§ 32-20-1). None of these town codes carries that exclusion, and no court has read one against an e-bike rider, but their words fit your bike:

• Rapid City: DOT Standard 218 helmet under 18 on a 'motorcycle' that includes bicycles with motor attached (RCMC 10.52.030).
• Watertown: Motorcycle chapter (license, DOT helmet under 18, park roads only) whose 'motorcycle' includes bicycles with motor attached (§§ 19.1101-19.1109).
• Huron: Helmet under 18 on a 'motorcycle' that includes bicycles with motor attached (§ 16.14.010) (§ 16.14.040).
• Redfield: Helmet at any age on a 'motorcycle' that includes bicycles with motor attached (§ 10.64.010) (§ 10.64.030).
• Springfield: A 'motorcycle', bicycles with a motor attached included, needs a certified operator and a helmet (§ 70.33).
• Faulkton: DOT helmet under 16 on a 'motorcycle' that includes bicycles with motor attached (§ 14-18-1); mopeds, defined with pedals, exempt (§ 14-18-4). A license to ride that 'motorcycle', mopeds exempt (§ 14-18-2). That 'motorcycle' only on park roads (§ 14-18-9).
• Waubay: Helmet at any age on a 'motorcycle' that includes bicycles with motor attached (§ 14-5-1) (§ 14-5-3). A certified driver's license to ride that 'motorcycle' on the streets (§ 14-5-2). That 'motorcycle' only on park roads or designated areas (§ 14-5-5).
• Keystone: Helmet and eye protection at any age on a 'motorcycle' that includes bicycles with motor attached (§ 71.32).

In these towns, wear a helmet and keep to park roads.

Paths, parks and levees

Three cities say in so many words which e-bikes may use their trails:

• Sioux Falls: Recreation trails: of motorized vehicles, only Class I and Class II e-bicycles (§ 95.031.1). Flood-protection levees: only Class I and Class II e-bicycles (§ 70.009).
• Rapid City: Park trail system: pedal-assist e-bikes under 15 U.S.C. § 2085 only (no throttle; motor under 750 W) (RCMC 12.24.050(B)(4)).
• Aberdeen: City pathways: Class 1 e-bikes only (§ 36-134).

Seven more keep motor vehicles off their bike paths, trails or levees without naming the e-bike: Pierre (§ 9-2-142), Vermillion (§ 70.175), Sturgis (§ 90.066), Hartford (Revised Municipal Ordinances), North Sioux City (§ 9.08.040), Elk Point (§ 6.0702), and Elkton (§ 9.3.12).

The state's path rule admits Class I and II unless the path's owner prohibits them, so treat these as open to Class I and II only where the town has posted that they are.

Park rules reach e-bikes in six towns:

• Sioux Falls: Parks: a Class III only on park roads and parking areas (§ 95.008).
• Watertown: No motorized vehicle in park-department areas except designated trails or areas (Park rules (ordinance book)).
• Pierre: No vehicle in parks, recreation areas or school grounds except roadways or designated areas (§ 9-2-141).
• Deadwood: No bicycle or motor-driven conveyance in city parks except on park streets (§ 10.20.010).
• Worthing: No ATV or motorized vehicle in ditches, parks or city recreation property (§ 72.01).
• Elkton: Any vehicle only on the roads of parks, recreation areas and school grounds (§ 9.3.11).

Registration, lights and speed

A few towns still license bicycles: Huron, optional bicycle registration with the finance office (§ 16.48.010); Hot Springs, residents must register a bicycle with police (§ 71.03); Redfield, bicycle registration required, $2 (§ 10.76.010); Whitewood, police may impound an unlicensed bicycle (§ 74.02); McLaughlin, an optional $2 yearly bicycle license (§ 72.02). Whether a bicycle license reaches an e-bike is the same open question as the sidewalk rules, and registering costs a few dollars at most.

Lamp rules for bicycles run in Summerset (§ 71.005), Redfield (§ 10.76.020), Plankinton (§ 78.05), Colton (§ 7.0301), Bowdle (§ 8-902), and Ethan (§ 72.04); the state asks for the same lamp and reflector already. Madison sets 15 mph on public sidewalks (§ 40-290).

Rules on the way

• Pierre: A draft e-bike and scooter ordinance (No. 1892) went to the City Commission on September 15, 2026 with no action taken.
• Flandreau: At the July 20, 2026 council meeting the mayor raised the growing use of e-bikes and scooters and said the city may need to review its rules (proceedings, in the August 3 packet).
• Emery: The council put an e-bike and motorized scooter discussion on its August 10, 2026 agenda.
• Hayti: The council reviewed Watertown's ordinance on e-bikes and e-scooters on August 10, 2026.

A new ordinance applies from its effective date, so check your town's page before a first ride under it.

Towns with no code online

Of the 310 places, 213, home to 64,831 people, post no code or ordinance book we could read online. Most are small: 175 have fewer than 500 residents. By route:

• no town website found: 121 places, 14,478 people
• a town website with no code or ordinance page: 59 places, 39,149 people
• a town website that no longer loads or no longer belongs to the town: 18 places, 5,130 people
• no town website found (only a school or county site): 11 places, 3,372 people
• a town website posting minutes or reports, no code: 4 places, 2,702 people

In these towns state law is the floor, and the town office can tell you whether an ordinance adds to it. Every place is listed in our local ledger.

Riding under the influence

South Dakota's impaired-driving law is written for "any vehicle," and the traffic definitions list electric bicycles among vehicles. Section 32-23-1 says "No person may drive or be in actual physical control of any vehicle while" at 0.08 percent or more or under the influence, and chapter 32-23 takes its "Vehicle," "bicycles, electric bicycles" included, from § 32-14-1(39).

One section pulls the other way. The chapter does "not apply to any person who is riding" a horse, or "A bicycle, tricycle, or other unpowered foot-pedal conveyance" (§ 32-23-22). The words "other unpowered" treat the bicycle and tricycle as unpowered things, which an e-bike is not, and the exception dates from 2006, thirteen years before South Dakota had an e-bike law.

Read the other way, § 32-20B-9 calls an e-bike "a bicycle or a tricycle," so the exception could reach it. That definition is written "For purposes of this chapter," the bicycle chapter, and we found no South Dakota court decision on the question on either of our two case-law searches. Treat the DUI law as reaching you.

Your stakes are a car driver's. A first conviction is a Class 1 misdemeanor, up to a year in jail or a $2,000 fine or both, and "the court must revoke the person's driver license for not less than thirty days" (§ 32-23-2, § 22-6-2). If you are under 21, your line is 0.02 percent, again for "any vehicle" (§ 32-23-21).

Rebates: what South Dakota's utilities offer

None of the South Dakota utilities we read offers an e-bike rebate here. Black Hills Energy pays one, but only in Colorado: its 2025 sustainability report lists the e-bike rebate for income-qualified customers in its southern Colorado footprint, and says its Ready EV program in South Dakota and Wyoming rebates home and business charging equipment.

Its South Dakota rebate page lists thermostats, an air purifier, a dehumidifier, a power strip, a heat-pump water heater, cooling equipment and a home EV charger.

The other large sellers match. Xcel Energy's South Dakota list has four offers, all for heating and cooling load, and NorthWestern Energy's residential rebate page lists only Montana's program. Sioux Falls Light and Power rebates an EV charger, a heat pump, a water heater and two commercial measures. The nearest thing to an e-bike incentive we found is Sioux Valley Energy's drawing for an e-bike among members at its 2023 annual meeting.

We checked all 73 utilities on the Energy Information Administration's 2024 and 2025 lists for South Dakota and read the sites of 67: 34,359 web pages and 16,230 documents, co-op newsletters included. We could not read the other six: four small city systems (Badger, Bryant, Hecla, McLaughlin), Niobrara Electric Association, which has 16 South Dakota customers, and the Western Area Power Administration; if one of them serves you, a call to its office settles it.

None of the eleven bills filed from 2017 through 2026 that name the electric bicycle or its chapter would have created a state rebate or tax credit.

Our shelf against South Dakota's line

We screened all 217 of our e-bike listings, as our catalog stood on September 29, 2026, against § 32-20B-9, one limb at a time: motor rating, pedals, seat, wheels, top speed and throttle. The 217 leave out five listings that are not bicycles at all: three electric scooters, a 16-inch electric balance bike for children and an accessory kit.

Sixty-three of our listings fit South Dakota's definition on the figures they print, 42 of them at exactly 750 watts.

The "or less" earns its keep here: 42 of the 63 are rated at exactly 750 W, and every one of them would be outside a "less than" state such as Wyoming. Of the 63, 42 read as Class II on their listings, one as Class III, and 20 do not say whether they carry a throttle.

None of our listings confirms a Class I, so none is confirmed for the Mickelson Trail on what it prints. If the Mickelson is the ride you are buying for, write to us with the model you like and we will read the maker's own class and throttle setup for you before you order.

Six bikes that fit South Dakota

Each of the six clears the definition on its maker's rated motor, its pedals, its seat, its wheels and an assist that stops by 20 mph, and each fits a different kind of South Dakota rider. Two print no peak above 750 W and are inside on either reading of rated or peak; four print a higher peak, and each card says so.

All six carry a throttle, so each is a Class II as delivered: welcome on the roads, on paths the state opens to Class I and II, and on Sioux Falls' recreation trails, and not welcome on the Mickelson. Two of the six are trikes, which § 32-20B-9 counts as e-bikes.

The CY20 Pro in black, in the photograph Samebike's US store shows for that color; the TÜV SÜD UL 2849 mark in the corner is Samebike's.

The TIGER RL in orange, in the photograph Qiolor shows for that color.

The SF20H in white, in the photograph VTUVIA shows for that color, with its rear rack.

The MAX-CARGO 2.0 in green, in the photograph Eunorau ties to that color.

The MG1703 in white, with its front basket and rear bag, in the photograph DWMEIGI ties to that color.

The Grandtan M-340 in Army Green, with its backrest seat, front basket and rear rack, in Addmotor's own studio photograph.

Two picks ride on three wheels, the DWMEIGI MG1703 and the Addmotor Grandtan M-340, and South Dakota's "bicycle or a tricycle" (§ 32-20B-9) counts both. For the lowest price, the Samebike CY20 Pro folds at $599; for loads, the Eunorau MAX-CARGO 2.0 carries 440 lb. For gravel, the Qiolor TIGER RL rolls on four-inch tires, and for a folder that seats two, the VTUVIA SF20H.

Other models from the same six makers are on our store under Samebike, Qiolor, VTUVIA, Eunorau, DWMEIGI and Addmotor. If you pick one of them, check that its listing rates the motor at 750 watts or less, and ask us if you want the maker's figures read for you.

Not an e-bike: scooters, mopeds and dirt bikes

Three kinds of machine sell beside e-bikes and fail South Dakota's definition on a limb. A pedal bike past the watt line is a moped or motorcycle, covered in what your bike becomes.

A stand-up electric scooter with "no more than two twelve inch or smaller diameter wheels" and a 15 mph motor is a "motorized foot scooter" (§ 32-26-21.4), which state law lets ride a sidewalk, and "An electric bicycle is not a motorized foot scooter." Towns write their own scooter rules, as Brandon and Vermillion do; the town section links both.

An electric dirt bike without pedals fails the pedal limb and, as a motor-operated vehicle "of the bicycle or tricycle type," reads as a motorcycle (§ 32-20-1(3)); built for off-road, it may instead be an "Off-road vehicle," "designed primarily to be operated on land other than a highway." On a public road it needs the license and the motor-vehicle equipment the becomes section lists.

South Dakota eBike laws at a glance

Each row answers one question riders ask, and names the section, rule or page that settles it so you can open the source yourself.

Which rule applies to you

Most riders fit one of the situations below; each line draws on a section above, so follow its link for the text.

• You commute in Sioux Falls. Class I and II ride the sidewalks, the levees and the recreation trails at up to 15 mph in parks and on the trails; a Class III keeps to park roads and parking areas (town rules).
• You live in Rapid City. The city's trails admit only pedal-assist bikes under 15 U.S.C. § 2085, which means no throttle and a motor "of less than 750 watts" (RCMC 12.24.050).
• You live in Harrisburg. Since September 2, 2026, riders under 18 wear a helmet, no one under 10 rides without a parent or guardian directly supervising, sidewalks are 10 mph and shared-use paths 15 (town rules).
• You want the Mickelson Trail. Bring a Class I, carry a pass if you are 12 or older, and ride between half an hour before sunrise and half an hour after sunset (Mickelson).
• You camp at Custer State Park. Ride the park roads and parking areas; the seven trails the park opens to bicycles do not name e-bikes, and Game, Fish and Parks keeps e-bikes to roads and parking (GFP land).
• You visit the Badlands or Wind Cave. Stay on the roads, off hiking trails and the Sage Creek Wilderness, and ask the ranger about a 750 W motor at Wind Cave (federal land).
• Your teenager wants a fast bike. A Class I or II has no state age limit; a Class III needs a rider of 16 and a helmet until 18 (age).
• You bought a 1,000 W bike. It is a moped or motorcycle here: a driver license or permit, a DOT helmet under 18, goggles, insurance and motor-vehicle equipment (becomes).

What the AI answers get wrong about South Dakota

On September 29, 2026, we put ten South Dakota e-bike questions, each taken from the search suggestions you see as you type, to one AI search engine, and checked every answer against the enacted law. Retailer blogs led four of the ten source lists. The Legislature's own site appeared in one, the moped-license answer's; the Sioux Falls answer led with the city's own code, and the moped-laws answer with the Attorney General's opinion.

• An e-bike rider can need a helmet. One answer said South Dakota "doesn't require head protection whether you're on a pedal-assist bike or a throttle-powered model"; § 32-20B-14 requires one on Class III operators under 18 and every Class III passenger, and thirteen towns write more (helmets).
• E-bikes are not barred from sidewalks statewide. One answer said "Electric bikes are prohibited on sidewalks"; state law allows a bicycle on a sidewalk unless the town restricts it, and Sioux Falls and Harrisburg admit Class I and II by name (sidewalks).
• An e-bike is not a motor vehicle in South Dakota. One answer said "E-bicycles are classed as motor vehicles"; § 32-14-1(17) says the term "does not include an electric bicycle."
• Custer State Park's trails are not e-bike trails. Two answers pointed riders to e-bike trails in state parks and recreation areas, Custer State Park, Newton Hills and Big Sioux among them; Game, Fish and Parks keeps e-bikes to roads and parking areas on its land (GFP land).
• The watt line is "or less," not "less than." The engine's answer to the head query "south dakota ebike laws" wrote "an electric motor of less than 750w," which would leave a 750 W bike out; it is in (the watt line).
• A moped does not have to be registered. One answer said "South Dakota law requires that mopeds be registered"; mopeds are exempt from titling and registration unless the owner applies (§ 32-5-1.2).

The Mickelson answer was right: Class I only since the 2025 act. None of the ten answers mentioned the § 32-20B-11 throttle question, the Game, Fish and Parks plate rule, or any town's helmet rule.

What a South Dakota e-bike ticket costs

Most e-bike rules are Class 2 misdemeanors, up to 30 days in a county jail or a $500 fine or both (§ 22-6-2). A petty offense is a civil case with a judgment of $25, which "the trial court may reduce or eliminate" (§ 23-1A-22).

A South Dakota e-bike checklist

Nine checks cover what South Dakota asks of you and your bike, each resting on a statute, rule or town code quoted above.

• A motor of 750 watts or less. 750 is in; 751 makes it a moped or motorcycle.
• Pedals, a seat, two or three wheels, and assist that stops at 20 mph (Class I or II) or at 28 mph while you pedal (Class III).
• A motor that cuts out when you brake, and a throttle only on a Class II.
• The maker's label with class, maximum assisted speed and wattage, amended if you change the bike.
• A speedometer, a rider of 16 and a helmet under 18 if the bike is a Class III.
• A front lamp visible 300 feet and a rear red or yellow reflector or lamp visible 200 feet.
• Your town's sidewalk and helmet rules, and off any interstate ramp posted against bicycles.
• The landowner's rule before a trail: the Mickelson Class I only, GFP land roads and parking, national parks mostly roads.
• Sober riding, because the DUI law is best read as reaching you.

If an officer stops you

Stop, stay calm and have the bike's facts ready. An e-bike needs no license, title or plate, so the document that matters is the maker's label with "The designated class," "The maximum assisted speed" and "The wattage of the electric bicycle's motor" (§ 32-20B-10). Keep a photo of the maker's specification page on your phone as well.

A citation names the section it charges. State rules are in the South Dakota Codified Laws, linked here to the Legislature's own copies, and town rules are in the codes linked from the town section.

How South Dakota compares with its neighbors

North Dakota, Minnesota and Iowa count a 750 W motor inside the e-bike line, Wyoming leaves it out, Nebraska's horsepower cap leaves it open, and Montana sets no watt figure. A rider crossing any border is under the next state's law at the line; the table quotes each neighbor's own words from its statute.

Sources: each state's statute, in the words our boundary-word census read on September 24–25, 2026.

South Dakota's "or less" puts it with the states whose line includes the 750 W motor. The same bike is an e-bike under "or less" in Maryland, Massachusetts and Wisconsin; under "not more than" in Georgia, Iowa, Minnesota, Nevada, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and Utah; and under "no more than" in Hawaii, North Carolina and Washington. Virginia's version counts the motor's "input," and South Carolina's adds "or one horsepower."

It is one as well where a statute says "not exceeding" (Colorado and New Mexico), "not greater than" (Indiana and Michigan), "does not exceed" (California), "or fewer" (North Dakota) or "less than or equal to" (Delaware).

Cross into one of the seventeen states that write "less than" and a 750 W bike stops being an e-bike: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Tennessee, Vermont and Wyoming. The "fewer than" of Texas and West Virginia leaves it out too, and so does Connecticut until its statute reads "not more than" on October 1, 2026.

Four kinds of statute sit outside that sort. Nebraska caps both watts and brake horsepower, Rhode Island writes "not more than two (2) (S.A.E.) horsepower," the District of Columbia, Montana, New Jersey and Oregon name no watt figure, and Alaska and Kentucky have no e-bike definition at all; the national table quotes every state's words.

What changed, 2019 to 2026

The statute has held still since 2019; the trail and the towns are where the rules you meet have changed.

The next dates to watch are November 2, 2026, when comments close on the Park Service's proposed bicycle rule; any first reading of Pierre's draft; and the 2027 legislative session.

Where to read next

If your question runs past South Dakota, these pages pick up where this one stops.

• Electric bike laws in every state, the 50-state table this page's row belongs to.
• The neighbors with guides: Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, Wyoming and Montana.
• E-bikes on public land, the federal rules behind the park and forest sections.
• Electric mopeds, if the bike you want is past the watt line.
• Dual-motor e-bikes, for the two-motor question the statute leaves open.
• Our reviews of four picks: the Samebike CY20 Pro, the VTUVIA SF20H, the Eunorau MAX-CARGO and the Addmotor Grandtan M-340.

The bottom line

Ride a bike rated 750 watts or less, with working pedals, a seat and assist that stops at its class speed, and South Dakota treats you as a cyclist: no license, plate or insurance, a Class III age of 16, and a Class III helmet under 18.

Then check the ground under you. The Mickelson takes Class I only, Game, Fish and Parks keeps e-bikes to roads and parking areas, the national parks keep them mostly to roads, and 75 of the 310 towns set rules of their own that can reach an e-bike rider. Our six picks sit at or under the line on their makers' ratings; tell us where you ride and we will help you choose.

Why buy a South Dakota-legal e-bike from us

Every figure about our six picks on this page comes from the maker's own published specification, read on September 29, 2026, and each pick was screened against every limb of § 32-20B-9. For any listing our screen leaves undecided, write to support@redtailebikes.com and we will read the maker's figures for you before you order.

Shipping is free on every electric bike to the contiguous United States, South Dakota included, and orders are prepared and dispatched within 1–3 business days, according to our shipping policy.

Support is based in the US, by phone at (213) 444-4020 or by email, before and after you buy, and a claim under the maker's warranty is walked through by that same team.

With Shop Pay, the $599 CY20 Pro could be paid in 4 interest-free installments of $149.75. Picks over $1,000 pay monthly instead: the $1,099 TIGER RL comes to 12 monthly payments of $99.19 at 15% APR, and the $1,699 MAX-CARGO to 12 of $153.35.

Rates from 0-36% APR. Payment options through Shop Pay Installments are subject to an eligibility check and are provided by these lending partners: affirm.com/lenders. Options depend on your purchase amount, and a down payment may be required. State notices to consumers: affirm.com/licenses.

Frequently asked questions

Are e-bikes legal in South Dakota?

Yes. If your bike has pedals, a seat, two or three wheels, a motor of 750 watts or less and a class speed, § 32-20B-9 makes it an electric bicycle, and you ride as a cyclist. On the Mickelson Trail, Game, Fish and Parks land and federal land, you follow whoever manages the ground.

Are e-bikes street legal in South Dakota?

Yes, in every class. The traffic code counts your e-bike as a vehicle but not a motor vehicle (§ 32-14-1), so you ride the street with a cyclist's duties: to the right when slower than traffic, signals before turns. Interstate ramps posted against bicycles are the exception (§ 32-26-11).

Do I need a license, registration, or insurance in South Dakota?

No. The license law reaches motor vehicles, and your e-bike is not one (§ 32-12-22). It "is exempt" from titling and registration (§§ 32-3-78, 32-5-187), and the insurance chapter leaves it out by name (§ 32-35-1). Hot Springs asks residents to register a bicycle with its police, and its definition fits a spoked-wheel e-bike.

What is the legal motor watt limit for e-bikes in South Dakota?

The line is 750 watts, and a motor of exactly 750 counts: the statute says "seven hundred fifty watts or less" (§ 32-20B-9). It does not say whether that is the rated or the peak figure; if your bike prints a peak above 750, you are inside on the rated reading only.

What is the legal e-bike speed limit in South Dakota?

Your motor must stop assisting at 20 mph on a Class I or II and 28 mph on a Class III (§ 32-20B-9); on the road, the posted limit applies to you as to everyone. Towns add their own: 15 mph in Sioux Falls parks and on its trails, 10 mph on Harrisburg sidewalks, 15 mph on Volga and Madison sidewalks.

Are throttle e-bikes legal in South Dakota?

Yes. A Class II is the throttle class, "capable of propelling the bicycle without the person pedaling" to 20 mph (§ 32-20B-9). Because § 32-20B-11 also asks the motor to cut out when you stop pedaling or brake, choose a throttle bike whose motor cuts out when you brake. Throttle bikes stay off the Mickelson Trail.

What is a Class 3 e-bike in South Dakota?

A Class III assists "only when the person is pedaling" and stops at 28 mph (§ 32-20B-9). You must be 16 to ride one, wear a helmet until you are 18, carry a speedometer, and keep off bicycle paths unless the path runs beside a road or its owner allows it (§§ 32-20B-12 to -15).

Are helmets required for Class 3 e-bikes?

Yes, for you if you are under 18, and for every passenger at any age: "a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet" (§ 32-20B-14). Class I and II riders have no state helmet rule, but Harrisburg requires one under 18 on any e-bike, and twelve other towns write helmet rules of their own.

Are e-bikes allowed on the Mickelson Trail?

Only a Class I. Since July 1, 2025, § 41-17-27(6) lets "An individual operating a Class I electric bicycle" onto the trail; a Class II or III there is a Class 2 misdemeanor. If you are 12 or older you need a trail pass outside city limits, and the trail closes from half an hour after sunset to half an hour before sunrise.

Can you ride e-bikes in Custer State Park?

On its roads and parking areas. Game, Fish and Parks keeps "motor-propelled vehicles (including e-bikes)" to designated roads and parking areas on its land (GFP), and the seven park trails opened to bicycles do not name e-bikes. A separate rule on plates leaves even the roads unsettled on its words, so ask the park office before you ride.

Can you get a DUI on an electric bike in South Dakota?

Treat the answer as yes. The DUI law reaches "any vehicle," and the traffic definitions list electric bicycles among vehicles (§ 32-23-1). The chapter's exception for "A bicycle, tricycle, or other unpowered foot-pedal conveyance" (§ 32-23-22) is written for unpowered machines, and a first conviction costs you your driver license for at least 30 days.

Can I modify my e-bike's speed limit in South Dakota?

Only with a new label, and only within a class. Section 32-20B-10 requires you to amend the label after any change to "maximum speed, or manner of propulsion." Raise a throttle bike past 20 mph and it fits no class, so it reads as a moped or motorcycle: a license, a DOT helmet under 18, goggles and insurance.

Do you need a license to drive a moped in South Dakota?

Yes, "a valid motor vehicle driver license or permit" (§ 32-20-2), though not the motorcycle skills test. That matters for e-bike owners because a pedal bike over 750 watts, or one that assists past its class speed, reads as a moped or motorcycle under § 32-20-1.

What fines apply for violating South Dakota e-bike laws?

Most e-bike rules are Class 2 misdemeanors, up to 30 days or a $500 fine or both (§ 22-6-2); a missing lamp or a badly parked bike is a petty offense with a $25 judgment (§ 23-1A-22). The ticket table lists each rule.

Which trails allow Class III e-bikes in Sioux Falls?

None of the recreation trails. Sioux Falls admits only Class I and Class II e-bicycles to its recreation trails (§ 95.031.1) and its levees (§ 70.009), and keeps a Class III in parks to "clearly marked and designated roadways or parking areas" (§ 95.008). On the trails, you hold 15 mph.

Are there age restrictions for riding e-bikes in Sioux Falls?

Only the state's: you must be 16 to operate a Class III (§ 32-20B-13). No Sioux Falls section that names the e-bicycle sets an age of its own. Nearby Harrisburg does set one: no rider under 10 without a parent or guardian directly supervising.

Are dirt bikes street legal in South Dakota?

Not as e-bikes. An electric dirt bike without pedals fails the e-bike definition and reads as a motorcycle or moped (§ 32-20-1). The Attorney General has written that such a machine is "not legal to be operated on the public highways" unless it carries a motor vehicle's equipment (Opinion 04-04).

Does South Dakota have an e-bike rebate?

No. No South Dakota utility we read offers one, and no state program exists. Black Hills Energy's e-bike rebate is for income-qualified customers in Colorado; in South Dakota it rebates EV charging equipment (Black Hills Energy). Sioux Falls Light and Power and Xcel Energy rebate heating, cooling and EV chargers, not e-bikes.

What this page does not cover

Our town census stops at South Dakota's 310 incorporated places. The 256,007 South Dakotans who live outside them, 27.7% of the state's 924,669 (Census Bureau), ride under state law and any county rule, and county codes were not part of this read.

Tribal law governs riding on reservation land and is not covered here. Private land open to the public follows the owner's terms, and nothing on this page is legal advice for a particular case.

How we verified this guide, in detail

Written by Milad Ghobadibeygvand, BScN (Western University, 2014), who writes this journal and reviews the bikes for it. Our evidence on this page is data and math: every figure about our six picks is verified against the maker's published specification, and all 217 of our listings are screened against each limb of § 32-20B-9 on the date stated.

Every rule is quoted from its primary source: the Codified Laws, session laws and journals on the Legislature's own site, the administrative rules through the same site, Game, Fish and Parks' own pages, the eCFR and the Federal Register, each park's and forest's own page, and each town's code at its own publisher. No rule on the page rests on a summary, a competitor's guide or an AI answer.

The instruments behind the page are re-runnable. They scan the full text of 5,864 bills and resolutions in 11,509 versions, 24,139 administrative rules and 655 Supreme Court opinions, build a census of all 310 towns with every quoted rule checked against its saved text, and check all 73 utilities for an e-bike rebate.

First-party datasets published with this guide:

• research/state-laws/south-dakota/sd-local-ledger_20260930.csv: all 310 places, population, code status and every rule found
• research/state-laws/south-dakota/sd-legal-product-screen_20260929.csv: our 217 e-bike listings against § 32-20B-9
• research/state-laws/south-dakota/sd-bill-sweep_20260929.csv: every bill version naming an e-bike term, of 5,864 bills scanned
• research/state-laws/south-dakota/sd-arsd-fulltext_20260929.csv: every administrative rule naming a bicycle or trail-vehicle term, of 24,139 scanned
• research/state-laws/south-dakota/sd-utility-ebike-rebates_20260930.csv: all 73 utilities checked for an e-bike rebate
• research/state-laws/south-dakota/sd-picks-maker-specs_20260929.json: each pick's price, stock and specification at its maker
• research/state-laws/south-dakota/sd-opinion-sweep_20260929.csv: the 655 Supreme Court opinions searched for the open questions on this page

Corrections go to support@redtailebikes.com, and we publish them.

Last verified: September 30, 2026. The statutes, session laws, rules, bills, land managers' pages, town codes and utilities' pages were read on September 29 and 30, 2026; the makers' pages, our prices and stock on September 29, 2026, and the Shop Pay terms on September 30, 2026.

The source register

Every rule on this page rests on a first-tier source you can open yourself. Two secondary sources are cited, each for what it alone publishes: the Attorney General's 2004 opinion on electric two-wheelers, an official reading rather than law, and the press association's public-notice copy that dates Watertown's ordinance.

Limitations

Each limit below is a question the record leaves open, with what would close it. Where one touches your bike or your ride, the section that covers it tells you what to do in the meantime.

1. Whether "seven hundred fifty watts or less" (§ 32-20B-9) means a motor's rating or its peak is not settled by the statute or by any South Dakota ruling we found; the picks are chosen on the rated reading. Expires when a South Dakota court, the Legislature or an agency answers it.
2. Whether a dual-motor bike's limb counts each motor or the pair is not settled; two of our listings are reported as unsettled. Expires on the same terms.
3. Whether a town rule for "a bicycle" reaches an e-bike, and whether the impaired-driving exception for "A bicycle, tricycle, or other unpowered foot-pedal conveyance" (§ 32-23-22) reaches one, are unsettled and published both ways. Expires when each is decided.
4. In 27 towns a rule bars motor vehicles, or any vehicle, from sidewalks, paths or parks, and in 8 a motorcycle definition includes a bicycle with a motor attached; whether either reaches an e-bike is our reading of the words, not a court's. Expires when a court or the town rules on it.
5. Game, Fish and Parks' land rule keeps e-bikes to roads and parking areas, and a separate rule on plates leaves even the roads unsettled on its words. Expires when the department amends or answers.
6. Pierre's draft e-bike ordinance had no action taken, Emery's council has only discussed one, and Flandreau's mayor has raised reviewing the city's rules. Expires at the next posted notice from each city.
7. Of the 46 town codes we read at American Legal and Municode, 39 print how current they are, and 19 of those run only through an ordinance passed a year or more before September 30, 2026; an ordinance a town adopted since its code's last supplement is not in the code we read, so if your town's code is old, ask the town office what it has adopted since. Flandreau shows the gap: its code runs through November 2024, and the e-bike ordinance it adopted in September 2025 was found in its council packets. Expires as each publisher posts a newer supplement.
8. Of the 310 places, 213, holding 64,831 people, publish no code or ordinance we could read online, and for the 7 that post separate ordinances we read what they post, not a whole code. Expires as each town posts its code.
9. The National Park Service's proposed bicycle rule and the Forest Service's travel-management notice were open on September 30, 2026. Expires when each is final.
10. Of the utility documents we found, 262 could not be opened (164 answered 403, most of them a co-op's members-only policy files), and 31 scanned files hold no text that optical character recognition could read. Expires when each can be opened or read.
11. Shelf figures are our listings' figures; 30 listings print too little to decide, and the six picks were read at their makers' US stores on September 29 and again on September 30, 2026. Expires at the next price or specification change.
12. The AI-answer panel ran on one search engine on one day, and three commercial answer engines could not be read from our location on September 29, 2026. Expires at the next panel run.

References

Every source below was retrieved and read on the date stated. South Dakota statutes point at the Codified Laws on the Legislature's own site, rules and bills at the same site, federal rules at the eCFR and the Federal Register, and town ordinances at each town's own publisher.

1. South Dakota Legislature. South Dakota Codified Laws § 32-20B-9 (current codification, as read). https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/32-20B-9.html Accessed September 30, 2026.
2. South Dakota Legislature. South Dakota Codified Laws § 41-17-27, § 41-17-27(6) (current codification, as read). https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/41-17-27.html Accessed September 30, 2026.
3. South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks. General hunting laws: motor vehicles on GFP land (as served 2026-09-29). https://gfp.sd.gov/general-hunting-laws/ Accessed September 30, 2026.
4. South Dakota Legislature. South Dakota Codified Laws § 32-20-1, § 32-20-1(3) (current codification, as read). https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/32-20-1.html Accessed September 30, 2026.
5. South Dakota Legislature. South Dakota Codified Laws § 32-14-1, § 32-14-1(17); § 32-14-1(39) (current codification, as read). https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/32-14-1.html Accessed September 30, 2026.
6. South Dakota Legislature. South Dakota Codified Laws § 32-3-78, §§ 32-3-78 (current codification, as read). https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/32-3-78.html Accessed September 30, 2026.
7. South Dakota Legislature. South Dakota Codified Laws § 32-5-187 (current codification, as read). https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/32-5-187.html Accessed September 30, 2026.
8. Wyoming Legislature. Wyoming Statutes, Title 31, W.S. 31-1-101(a)(xxxiv) (current version, as read). https://wyoleg.gov/statutes/compress/title31.pdf#page=10 Accessed September 30, 2026.
9. Colman, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Colman (American Legal), § 74.06 (current codification, as read). https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/colmansd/latest/colman_sd/0-0-0-11883 Accessed September 30, 2026.
10. Madison, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Madison (Municode), § 40-1 (current codification, as read). https://library.municode.com/sd/madison/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=REVISED_ORD_CH40TRVE_ARTIINGE_S40-1DE Accessed September 30, 2026.
11. Qiolor. Product page (US store), specification and variant data (as served 2026-09-29). https://qiolor.com/products/tiger-rl Accessed September 30, 2026.
12. South Dakota Legislature. South Dakota Codified Laws § 32-20B-11 (current codification, as read). https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/32-20B-11.html Accessed September 30, 2026.
13. South Dakota Legislature. South Dakota Codified Laws § 32-20B-5, §§ 32-20B-5, -6 (current codification, as read). https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/32-20B-5.html Accessed September 30, 2026.
14. South Dakota Legislature. South Dakota Codified Laws § 32-20B-6 (current codification, as read). https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/32-20B-6.html Accessed September 30, 2026.
15. South Dakota Legislature. South Dakota Codified Laws § 32-20B-3 (current codification, as read). https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/32-20B-3.html Accessed September 30, 2026.
16. South Dakota Legislature. Senate Bill 187 (2019), An Act to define electric bicycles and to provide for the regulation of electric bicycles (enrolled), enrolled text (approved 2019-03-27, in force 2019-07-01). https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Documents/54894.html Accessed September 30, 2026.
17. South Dakota Legislature. Senate Journal, 94th Legislative Assembly (2019), the Governor's approval of SB 187, Senate Journal, p. 733 (2019-03-27). https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Documents/55036.html Accessed September 30, 2026.
18. South Dakota Legislature. Senate Bill 187 (2019), action log, Signed by the Governor (as served 2026-09-30). https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Bills/ActionLog/10026 Accessed September 30, 2026.
19. South Dakota Legislature. South Dakota Codified Laws § 2-14-16 (current codification, as read). https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/2-14-16.html Accessed September 30, 2026.
20. South Dakota Legislature. House Bill 1192 (2021), An Act to provide for the use of motorized foot scooters (enrolled), House Bill 1192 of 2021 (in force 2021-07-01). https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Documents/219754.html Accessed September 30, 2026.
21. South Dakota Legislature. House Bill 1084 (2022), An Act to provide for the regulation of motorized foot scooters (enrolled), House Bill 1084 of 2022 (2022). https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Documents/236239.html Accessed September 30, 2026.
22. South Dakota Legislature. South Dakota Codified Laws § 32-26-21.4 (current codification, as read). https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/32-26-21.4.html Accessed September 30, 2026.
23. South Dakota Legislature. Senate Bill 56 (2024), to permit the operation of an electric bicycle on the Mickelson Trail (introduced), Senate Bill 56 of 2024 (2024; tabled in House committee 2024-01-25). https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Documents/258465.html Accessed September 30, 2026.
24. South Dakota Legislature. Senate Bill 56 (2024), Senate engrossed: a Class 1 electric bicycle on the Mickelson Trail, engrossed text (2024-01-16; tabled in House committee 2024-01-25). https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Documents/259943.html Accessed September 30, 2026.
25. South Dakota Legislature. Session Laws of 2025, chapter 178 (SB 79): a Class I electric bicycle on the Mickelson Trail, § 41-17-27(6) (approved 2025-03-11, in force 2025-07-01). https://mylrc.sdlegislature.gov/api/Documents/SessionLaw/283257.pdf?Year=2025 Accessed September 30, 2026.
26. South Dakota Legislature. Senate Journal, 100th Legislative Assembly (2025), the Governor's approval of SB 79, Senate Journal, p. 528 (2025-03-11). https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Documents/284511.html Accessed September 30, 2026.
27. South Dakota Legislature. Senate Bill 79 (2025), action log, Signed by the Governor (as served 2026-09-30). https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Bills/ActionLog/25700 Accessed September 30, 2026.
28. South Dakota Legislature. South Dakota Codified Laws § 32-20B-7 (current codification, as read). https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/32-20B-7.html Accessed September 30, 2026.
29. South Dakota Attorney General. Official Opinion 04-04 (September 21, 2004), electric two-wheelers (2004-09-21). https://atg.sd.gov/ouroffice/officialopinions/opinionhtml.aspx?id=1220 Accessed September 30, 2026.
30. South Dakota Legislature. South Dakota Codified Laws § 32-12-22 (current codification, as read). https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/32-12-22.html Accessed September 30, 2026.
31. South Dakota Legislature. South Dakota Codified Laws § 32-20-2 (current codification, as read). https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/32-20-2.html Accessed September 30, 2026.
32. South Dakota Legislature. South Dakota Codified Laws § 32-20B-14 (current codification, as read). https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/32-20B-14.html Accessed September 30, 2026.
33. South Dakota Legislature. South Dakota Codified Laws § 32-20-4 (current codification, as read). https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/32-20-4.html Accessed September 30, 2026.
34. South Dakota Legislature. South Dakota Codified Laws § 32-20-4.1 (current codification, as read). https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/32-20-4.1.html Accessed September 30, 2026.
35. South Dakota Legislature. South Dakota Codified Laws § 32-35-1 (current codification, as read). https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/32-35-1.html Accessed September 30, 2026.
36. South Dakota Legislature. South Dakota Codified Laws § 32-35-113 (current codification, as read). https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/32-35-113.html Accessed September 30, 2026.
37. South Dakota Legislature. South Dakota Codified Laws § 32-3-2.3, §§ 32-3-2.3 (current codification, as read). https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/32-3-2.3.html Accessed September 30, 2026.
38. South Dakota Legislature. South Dakota Codified Laws § 32-5-1.2 (current codification, as read). https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/32-5-1.2.html Accessed September 30, 2026.
39. South Dakota Legislature. South Dakota Codified Laws § 32-20B-12, §§ 32-20B-12 to -15 (current codification, as read). https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/32-20B-12.html Accessed September 30, 2026.
40. South Dakota Legislature. South Dakota Codified Laws § 32-20-9 (current codification, as read). https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/32-20-9.html Accessed September 30, 2026.
41. Hot Springs, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Hot Springs (American Legal), § 71.03(A)(2); § 71.03(B); § 71.03 (current codification, as read). https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/hotsprings/latest/hotsprings_sd/0-0-0-1525 Accessed September 30, 2026.
42. Hot Springs, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Hot Springs (American Legal), § 71.01 (current codification, as read). https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/hotsprings/latest/hotsprings_sd/0-0-0-1515 Accessed September 30, 2026.
43. Redfield, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Redfield (Municode), § 10.76.010 (current codification, as read). https://library.municode.com/sd/redfield/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT10VETR_CH10.76BI_10.76.010LIEQRA Accessed September 30, 2026.
44. Whitewood, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Whitewood (American Legal), § 74.02 (current codification, as read). https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/whitewoodsd/latest/whitewood_sd/0-0-0-1522 Accessed September 30, 2026.
45. South Dakota Legislature. South Dakota Codified Laws § 32-20B-13 (current codification, as read). https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/32-20B-13.html Accessed September 30, 2026.
46. South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks. George S. Mickelson Trail, GFP (as served 2026-09-29). https://gfp.sd.gov/parks/detail/george-s--mickelson-trail/pages/44/ Accessed September 30, 2026.
47. Rapid City, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Rapid City (ICC Code Solutions), RCMC 10.52.030 (current codification, as read). https://rapidcity.municipal.codes/RCMC/10.52.030 Accessed September 30, 2026.
48. Watertown, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Watertown (the town's own site), §§ 19.1101-19.1109 (current codification, as read). https://watertownsd.us/DocumentCenter/View/774/City-of-Watertown-Ordinance-Book-Master-updated-to-121525 Accessed September 30, 2026.
49. Huron, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Huron (Municode), § 16.14.040 (current codification, as read). https://library.municode.com/sd/huron/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT16TR_CH16.14MO_16.14.040HERE Accessed September 30, 2026.
50. Harrisburg, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Harrisburg (the town's own site), Ord. 2026-12, § 7.1003(D); Ord. 2026-12; Ord. 2026-12, § 7.1003(B); Ord. 2026-12, § 7.1004(B) (current codification, as read). https://harrisburgsd.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1243/Ordinance-2026-12-Amending-Municipal-Ordinances-to-add-E-Bikes Accessed September 30, 2026.
51. Hot Springs, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Hot Springs (American Legal), § 71.04 (current codification, as read). https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/hotsprings/latest/hotsprings_sd/0-0-0-1534 Accessed September 30, 2026.
52. Volga, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Volga (the town's own site), § 11.1-6(h); § 11.1-6(e); § 11.1-6(d); § 11.1-6 (current codification, as read). https://www.volgacity.com/Documents/Government/City%20Ordinances/City%20Ordinances%205-18-26.pdf?t=202605181606340 Accessed September 30, 2026.
53. Flandreau, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Flandreau (the town's own site), Ord. 632, § 73.40(D); Ord. 632 (current codification, as read). https://www.cityofflandreau.com/vertical/sites/%7BD6DBF8C8-FF80-4C7A-AD45-1DB752642A1A%7D/uploads/09.02.25_Packet%281%29.pdf Accessed September 30, 2026.
54. Redfield, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Redfield (Municode), § 10.64.030 (current codification, as read). https://library.municode.com/sd/redfield/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT10VETR_CH10.64MO_10.64.030HERE Accessed September 30, 2026.
55. Springfield, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Springfield (American Legal), § 70.33 (current codification, as read). https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/springfieldsd/latest/springfield_sd/0-0-0-1132 Accessed September 30, 2026.
56. Faulkton, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Faulkton (the town's own site), § 14-18-4; § 12-1-4; § 14-13-8; § 14-18-2; § 14-18-9 (current codification, as read). https://www.faulktonsd.com/media/userfiles/subsite_35/files/citydocs/City%20of%20Faulkton%20Ordinances.pdf Accessed September 30, 2026.
57. Elkton, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Elkton (the town's own site), Ord. 385, § 3; Ord. 385; Ord. 385, § 5 (current codification, as read). https://elktonsd.com/pdf/2026/ordinance-july-2026.pdf Accessed September 30, 2026.
58. Waubay, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Waubay (the town's own site), § 14-5-3; § 14-6-10; § 14-5-2; § 14-5-5 (current codification, as read). https://waubaysd.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Combined-Titles.pdf Accessed September 30, 2026.
59. Keystone, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Keystone (American Legal), § 71.32 (current codification, as read). https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/keystone/latest/keystone_sd/0-0-0-2293 Accessed September 30, 2026.
60. South Dakota Legislature. South Dakota Codified Laws § 32-20B-10 (current codification, as read). https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/32-20B-10.html Accessed September 30, 2026.
61. South Dakota Legislature. South Dakota Codified Laws § 32-20B-15 (current codification, as read). https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/32-20B-15.html Accessed September 30, 2026.
62. South Dakota Legislature. South Dakota Codified Laws § 32-17-25 (current codification, as read). https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/32-17-25.html Accessed September 30, 2026.
63. South Dakota Legislature. South Dakota Codified Laws § 32-17-4 (current codification, as read). https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/32-17-4.html Accessed September 30, 2026.
64. South Dakota Legislature. South Dakota Codified Laws § 32-26-11 (current codification, as read). https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/32-26-11.html Accessed September 30, 2026.
65. South Dakota Legislature. South Dakota Codified Laws § 32-26-26.1 (current codification, as read). https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/32-26-26.1.html Accessed September 30, 2026.
66. South Dakota Legislature. South Dakota Codified Laws § 32-26-21.1 (current codification, as read). https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/32-26-21.1.html Accessed September 30, 2026.
67. South Dakota Legislature. South Dakota Codified Laws § 32-20B-2, §§ 32-20B-2 (current codification, as read). https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/32-20B-2.html Accessed September 30, 2026.
68. Watertown, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Watertown (the town's own site), Ord. 26-30; Ord. 26-30, §§ 19.0700-19.0702 (current codification, as read). https://watertown.civicweb.net/document/266107 Accessed September 30, 2026.
69. South Dakota Legislature (Administrative Rules of South Dakota). ARSD 41:03:01:01.01 (current rule, as read). https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Rules/Rule/41:03:01:01.01.html Accessed September 30, 2026.
70. South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks. Mickelson Trail Trek information, Trail Trek sheet (as served 2026-09-29). https://gfp.sd.gov/UserDocs/Trail-Trek-Info.pdf Accessed September 30, 2026.
71. South Dakota Legislature (Administrative Rules of South Dakota). ARSD 41:03:02:01 (current rule, as read). https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Rules/Rule/41:03:02:01.html Accessed September 30, 2026.
72. South Dakota Legislature. South Dakota Codified Laws § 41-1-1, § 41-1-1(18) (current codification, as read). https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/41-1-1.html Accessed September 30, 2026.
73. South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks. Custer State Park trails (as served 2026-09-29). https://gfp.sd.gov/pages/csp-trails/ Accessed September 30, 2026.
74. South Dakota Legislature (Administrative Rules of South Dakota). ARSD 41:03:02:13 (current rule, as read). https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Rules/Rule/41:03:02:13.html Accessed September 30, 2026.
75. Office of the Federal Register (eCFR). Electronic Code of Federal Regulations, 36 C.F.R. § 1.4 (current version, as read). https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-36/chapter-I/part-1/section-1.4 Accessed September 30, 2026.
76. National Park Service, Badlands National Park. Superintendent's compendium, § 1.5 and § 4.30 electric bicycles (undated). https://www.nps.gov/badl/learn/management/superintendent-s-compendium.htm Accessed September 30, 2026.
77. National Park Service, Wind Cave National Park. Superintendent's compendium, § 1.5 and § 4.30 electric bicycles (undated). https://www.nps.gov/wica/learn/management/superintendent-s-compendium.htm Accessed September 30, 2026.
78. National Park Service, Wind Cave National Park. Getting around, biking (undated). https://www.nps.gov/wica/planyourvisit/gettingaround.htm Accessed September 30, 2026.
79. National Park Service, Jewel Cave National Monument. Superintendent's compendium, § 1.5 and § 4.30 electric bicycles (undated). https://www.nps.gov/jeca/learn/management/superintendent-s-compendium.htm Accessed September 30, 2026.
80. National Park Service, Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Superintendent's compendium, § 1.5 and § 4.30 electric bicycles (undated). https://www.nps.gov/moru/learn/management/superintendent-s-compendium.htm Accessed September 30, 2026.
81. National Park Service, Minuteman Missile National Historic Site. Superintendent's compendium, § 1.5 and § 4.30 electric bicycles (undated). https://www.nps.gov/mimi/learn/management/superintendents_compendium.htm Accessed September 30, 2026.
82. National Park Service, Missouri National Recreational River. Superintendent's compendium, § 1.5 and § 4.30 electric bicycles (undated). https://www.nps.gov/mnrr/learn/management/compendium.htm Accessed September 30, 2026.
83. USDA Forest Service. E-bikes on National Forest System lands (2022 fact sheet), Forest Service e-bike classes (as served 2026-09-29). https://www.fs.usda.gov/sites/default/files/2022-04/Ebikes.pdf Accessed September 30, 2026.
84. USDA Forest Service. E-bikes bring new users to national forests and grasslands (feature), Forest Service (as served 2026-09-29). https://www.fs.usda.gov/about-agency/features/e-bikes-bring-new-users-national-forests-grasslands Accessed September 30, 2026.
85. USDA Forest Service. Black Hills National Forest, motor vehicle use map FAQs, Black Hills MVUM (as served 2026-09-29). https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/blackhills/maps-guides/faqs-mvum Accessed September 30, 2026.
86. Federal Register (U.S. Government Publishing Office). Bicycle Use in Park Areas, proposed rule (91 FR 56095), the proposed action and DATES (2026-09-01). https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-09-01/pdf/2026-17902.pdf Accessed September 30, 2026.
87. Federal Register (U.S. Government Publishing Office). Travel Management; National Forest System Lands, notice of intent (91 FR 54686), the proposed action and DATES (2026-08-24). https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-08-24/pdf/2026-17211.pdf Accessed September 30, 2026.
88. South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks. Centennial Trail brochure (as served 2026-09-29). https://gfp.sd.gov/userdocs/centennial-trail-brochure.pdf Accessed September 30, 2026.
89. Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Sioux Falls (American Legal), § 95.031.1 (current codification, as read). https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/siouxfalls/latest/siouxfalls_sd/0-0-0-55316 Accessed September 30, 2026.
90. Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Sioux Falls (American Legal), § 70.009 (current codification, as read). https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/siouxfalls/latest/siouxfalls_sd/0-0-0-51940 Accessed September 30, 2026.
91. Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Sioux Falls (American Legal), § 76.082 (current codification, as read). https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/siouxfalls/latest/siouxfalls_sd/0-0-0-52546 Accessed September 30, 2026.
92. Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Sioux Falls (American Legal), § 95.008 (current codification, as read). https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/siouxfalls/latest/siouxfalls_sd/0-0-0-55229 Accessed September 30, 2026.
93. Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Sioux Falls (American Legal), § 76.003 (current codification, as read). https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/siouxfalls/latest/siouxfalls_sd/0-0-0-52401 Accessed September 30, 2026.
94. Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Sioux Falls (American Legal), § 70.001 (current codification, as read). https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/siouxfalls/latest/siouxfalls_sd/0-0-0-51866 Accessed September 30, 2026.
95. Rapid City, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Rapid City (ICC Code Solutions), RCMC 12.24.050(B)(4); RCMC 12.24.050 (current codification, as read). https://rapidcity.municipal.codes/RCMC/12.24.050 Accessed September 30, 2026.
96. Aberdeen, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Aberdeen (Municode), § 36-134 (current codification, as read). https://library.municode.com/sd/aberdeen/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH36PARE_ARTIVRETR_S36-134MOVEPRPA Accessed September 30, 2026.
97. Aberdeen, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Aberdeen (Municode), § 36-122 (current codification, as read). https://library.municode.com/sd/aberdeen/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH36PARE_ARTIVRETR_S36-122DE Accessed September 30, 2026.
98. Mitchell, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Mitchell (American Legal), § 7-8-1 (current codification, as read). https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/mitchellsd/latest/mitchell_sd/0-0-0-2146 Accessed September 30, 2026.
99. Vermillion, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Vermillion (American Legal), § 70.002 (current codification, as read). https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/vermillion/latest/vermillion_sd/0-0-0-13283 Accessed September 30, 2026.
100. City of Flandreau. Council proceedings, September 2, 2025: second reading and adoption of Ordinance 632, Motion ... to approve Ordinance No. 632 (2025-09-02). https://www.cityofflandreau.com/vertical/sites/%7BD6DBF8C8-FF80-4C7A-AD45-1DB752642A1A%7D/uploads/CM_09.02.25.pdf Accessed September 30, 2026.
101. South Dakota Legislature. South Dakota Codified Laws § 9-19-13 (current codification, as read). https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/9-19-13.html Accessed September 30, 2026.
102. Colome, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Colome (American Legal), § 74.06 (current codification, as read). https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/colome/latest/colome_sd/0-0-0-5322 Accessed September 30, 2026.
103. Bruce, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Bruce (American Legal), § 74.06 (current codification, as read). https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/brucesd/latest/bruce_sd/0-0-0-16022 Accessed September 30, 2026.
104. Spearfish, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Spearfish (the town's own site), Spearfish Police (current codification, as read). https://www.spearfish.gov/903/Mopeds-Scooters-Motorcycles-and-Motorize Accessed September 30, 2026.
105. Rapid City, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Rapid City (ICC Code Solutions), RCMC 10.52.090 (current codification, as read). https://rapidcity.municipal.codes/RCMC/10.52.090 Accessed September 30, 2026.
106. Rapid City, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Rapid City (ICC Code Solutions), RCMC 10.64.210 (current codification, as read). https://rapidcity.municipal.codes/RCMC/10.64.210 Accessed September 30, 2026.
107. Aberdeen, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Aberdeen (Municode), § 52-276 (current codification, as read). https://library.municode.com/sd/aberdeen/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH52TRVE_ARTVIBILO_S52-276RISI Accessed September 30, 2026.
108. Aberdeen, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Aberdeen (Municode), § 52-9 (current codification, as read). https://library.municode.com/sd/aberdeen/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH52TRVE_ARTIINGE_S52-9ANVESI Accessed September 30, 2026.
109. Brookings, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Brookings (Municode), § 82-754 (current codification, as read). https://library.municode.com/sd/brookings/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CH82TRVE_ARTXIBIMOPLVE_DIV2BI_SDIINGE_S82-754RISIDOAR Accessed September 30, 2026.
110. Yankton, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Yankton (Municode), § 6-5 (current codification, as read). https://library.municode.com/sd/yankton/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CH6BI_ARTIINGE_S6-5RISIWIBUDI Accessed September 30, 2026.
111. Yankton, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Yankton (Municode), § 14-67 (current codification, as read). https://library.municode.com/sd/yankton/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CH14MOVETR_ARTIVOPVE_DIV1GE_S14-67CRSI Accessed September 30, 2026.
112. Mitchell, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Mitchell (American Legal), § 7-8-3 (current codification, as read). https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/mitchellsd/latest/mitchell_sd/0-0-0-2158 Accessed September 30, 2026.
113. Mitchell, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Mitchell (American Legal), § 7-3-8 (current codification, as read). https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/mitchellsd/latest/mitchell_sd/0-0-0-1916 Accessed September 30, 2026.
114. Spearfish, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Spearfish (American Legal), § 77.30 (current codification, as read). https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/spearfish/latest/spearfish_sd/0-0-0-2334 Accessed September 30, 2026.
115. Pierre, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Pierre (the town's own site), § 9-5-106 (current codification, as read). https://www.cityofpierre.org/DocumentCenter/View/204/Article-5---Bicycles Accessed September 30, 2026.
116. Pierre, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Pierre (Municipal Code Online), § 6-5-106 (current codification, as read). https://pierre.municipalcodeonline.com/book/print?type=ordinances&name=Section_6-5-106_Vehicles_And_Animals_Not_Permitted_On_Sidewalks Accessed September 30, 2026.
117. Vermillion, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Vermillion (American Legal), § 70.148 (current codification, as read). https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/vermillion/latest/vermillion_sd/0-0-0-13645 Accessed September 30, 2026.
118. Tea, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Tea (American Legal), § 71.18 (current codification, as read). https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/teasd/latest/tea_sd/0-0-0-723 Accessed September 30, 2026.
119. Sturgis, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Sturgis (American Legal), § 74.01 (current codification, as read). https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/sturgissd/latest/sturgis_sd/0-0-0-2339 Accessed September 30, 2026.
120. Madison, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Madison (Municode), § 40-292 (current codification, as read). https://library.municode.com/sd/madison/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=REVISED_ORD_CH40TRVE_ARTVBI_S40-292OPSI Accessed September 30, 2026.
121. Belle Fourche, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Belle Fourche (Municode), § 10.76.050 (current codification, as read). https://library.municode.com/sd/belle-fourche/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT10VETR_CH10.76BISK_10.76.050NOBINEROSKSKSISPST Accessed September 30, 2026.
122. Dell Rapids, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Dell Rapids (the town's own site), § 20-418 (current codification, as read). https://www.cityofdellrapids.org/Documents/Government/Ordinances_Regulations/Dell%20Rapids%20Code%20Book.pdf?t=202608211035240 Accessed September 30, 2026.
123. North Sioux City, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of North Sioux City (the town's own site), § 10.04.040 (current codification, as read). https://northsiouxcity-sd.gov/?ddownload=1233 Accessed September 30, 2026.
124. Lead, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Lead (American Legal), § 77.10 (current codification, as read). https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/lead/latest/lead_se/0-0-0-4915 Accessed September 30, 2026.
125. Summerset, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Summerset (American Legal), § 70.07 (current codification, as read). https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/summerset/latest/summerset_sd/0-0-0-1532 Accessed September 30, 2026.
126. Winner, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Winner (American Legal), § 70.26 (current codification, as read). https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/winnersd/latest/winner_sd/0-0-0-1615 Accessed September 30, 2026.
127. Sisseton, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Sisseton (Municode), § 10.48.050 (current codification, as read). https://library.municode.com/sd/sisseton/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT10VETR_CH10.48BI_10.48.050RE Accessed September 30, 2026.
128. Sisseton, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Sisseton (Municode), § 12.12.080 (current codification, as read). https://library.municode.com/sd/sisseton/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT12STSIPUPL_CH12.12STSIUSRE_12.12.080ANVESI Accessed September 30, 2026.
129. Flandreau, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Flandreau (American Legal), § 73.06 (current codification, as read). https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/flandreausd/latest/flandreau_sd/0-0-0-998 Accessed September 30, 2026.
130. Redfield, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Redfield (Municode), § 10.76.150 (current codification, as read). https://library.municode.com/sd/redfield/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT10VETR_CH10.76BI_10.76.150BIOPSIYIRI-WPE Accessed September 30, 2026.
131. Redfield, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Redfield (Municode), § 12.04.070 (current codification, as read). https://library.municode.com/sd/redfield/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT12STSIPUPL_CH12.04USSTSI_12.04.070RIDRLEANVEUPSI Accessed September 30, 2026.
132. Springfield, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Springfield (American Legal), § 72.22 (current codification, as read). https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/springfieldsd/latest/springfield_sd/0-0-0-1249 Accessed September 30, 2026.
133. Custer, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Custer (American Legal), § 10.24.070 (current codification, as read). https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/custer/latest/custer_sd/0-0-0-1847 Accessed September 30, 2026.
134. Webster, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Webster (American Legal), § 73.27 (current codification, as read). https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/webstersd/latest/webster_sd/0-0-0-1500 Accessed September 30, 2026.
135. Webster, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Webster (American Legal), § 93.102 (current codification, as read). https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/webstersd/latest/webster_sd/0-0-0-2142 Accessed September 30, 2026.
136. Wagner, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Wagner (the town's own site), Ch. 4-4, Bicycles on Sidewalks Adjacent to Main Street (current codification, as read). https://www.visitwagner.com/s/Wagner_Municipal_Code_Book-updated_through_2021.doc Accessed September 30, 2026.
137. Deadwood, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Deadwood (Municipal Code Online), § 10.20.010 (current codification, as read). https://deadwood.municipalcodeonline.com/book/print?type=ordinances&name=10.20.010_Riding_Bicycles_On_Sidewalks Accessed September 30, 2026.
138. Baltic, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Baltic (American Legal), § 71.04 (current codification, as read). https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/baltic/latest/baltic_sd/0-0-0-786 Accessed September 30, 2026.
139. Salem, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Salem (Municode), § 7.0207 (current codification, as read). https://library.municode.com/sd/salem/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CD_ORD_TIT7TRCO_CH7.02OPVE_7.0207VESHNOBEDRSI Accessed September 30, 2026.
140. Freeman, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Freeman (American Legal), § 151.052 (current codification, as read). https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/freemansd/latest/freeman_sd/0-0-0-2238 Accessed September 30, 2026.
141. Miller, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Miller (Municode), § 36-129 (current codification, as read). https://library.municode.com/sd/miller/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH36TRVE_ARTVBI_S36-129PRSI Accessed September 30, 2026.
142. Parker, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Parker (the town's own site), Municipal Ordinances (current codification, as read). http://www.parkersd.org/vertical/sites/%7B9B4B127D-F483-4D4D-AA0E-E3F21E90AE9E%7D/uploads/Updated_Municipal_Ordinances.pdf Accessed September 30, 2026.
143. Clear Lake, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Clear Lake (the town's own site), Title VI (current codification, as read). https://clearlakesd.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Title-VI-Sidewalks-Streets.pdf Accessed September 30, 2026.
144. Britton, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Britton (Municode), § 10.24.090 (current codification, as read). https://library.municode.com/sd/britton/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT10VETR_CH10.24BIMOSN_ARTIBIMO_10.24.090RISI Accessed September 30, 2026.
145. Lemmon, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Lemmon (the town's own site), § 92.13 (current codification, as read). https://www.lemmonsd.com/s/LemmonOrdinance.pdf Accessed September 30, 2026.
146. Whitewood, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Whitewood (American Legal), § 74.01 (current codification, as read). https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/whitewoodsd/latest/whitewood_sd/0-0-0-1517 Accessed September 30, 2026.
147. Hill City, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Hill City (the town's own site), § 7.36.00 (current codification, as read). https://www.hillcitysd.org/_files/ugd/c09177_a0b5b3e71f0445a6806a9f07b30af802.pdf Accessed September 30, 2026.
148. Worthing, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Worthing (American Legal), § 70.22 (current codification, as read). https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/worthingsd/latest/worthing_sd/0-0-0-816 Accessed September 30, 2026.
149. Elkton, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Elkton (the town's own site), § 8.5.6; § 9.3.12; § 9.3.11 (current codification, as read). https://elktonsd.com/pdf/Comprehensive_Elkton_Ordinances_Final_Version_121014.pdf Accessed September 30, 2026.
150. Alcester, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Alcester (the town's own site), § 5.0107 (current codification, as read). https://alcester.sdcity.gov/_files/ugd/a355fa_c6870233eb38449bbd7cbf8b12d58e69.pdf Accessed September 30, 2026.
151. Plankinton, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Plankinton (American Legal), § 78.01 (current codification, as read). https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/plankintonsd/latest/plankinton_sd/0-0-0-1356 Accessed September 30, 2026.
152. Philip, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Philip (the town's own site), Chapter 8 (current codification, as read). https://www.philipsd.us/vertical/sites/%7B027A62FC-ABCA-4BF1-AA8C-A6CCC72E7A66%7D/uploads/CHAPTER_8_Traffic_Regulations.pdf Accessed September 30, 2026.
153. Colman, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Colman (American Legal), § 70.08 (current codification, as read). https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/colmansd/latest/colman_sd/0-0-0-11477 Accessed September 30, 2026.
154. Wall, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Wall (American Legal), § 150.24 (current codification, as read). https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/wallsd/latest/wall_sd/0-0-0-1933 Accessed September 30, 2026.
155. Menno, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Menno (the town's own site), § 36-6 (current codification, as read). http://www.mennosd.org/vertical/sites/%7B5B65A8E9-B8FA-4D7F-B9F8-C17C1B0EF285%7D/uploads/Chapter_36_Ordinances-Traffic.pdf Accessed September 30, 2026.
156. Selby, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Selby (Municode), § 8.10.070 (current codification, as read). https://library.municode.com/sd/selby/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT8PUHESA_CH8.10STROALPUGR_S8.10.070BIRI Accessed September 30, 2026.
157. Burke, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Burke (American Legal), § 92.04 (current codification, as read). https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/burkesd/latest/burke_sd/0-0-0-1076 Accessed September 30, 2026.
158. Newell, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Newell (the town's own site), Town Ordinances, Section 19, Driving on Sidewalks (current codification, as read). https://www.townofnewell.org/DocumentCenter/View/260/Town-Ordinances Accessed September 30, 2026.
159. Humboldt, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Humboldt (the town's own site), § 72.02 (current codification, as read). https://www.humboldtsd.org/Documents/Government/Ordinance/New%20Code%20of%20Ordinances/NEW%20ORDINANCES-%20Searchable%20PDF.pdf Accessed September 30, 2026.
160. Tripp, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Tripp (the town's own site), Municipal Ordinances (current codification, as read). http://www.trippsd.com/pdf/ordinances/ordinances-may-2024.pdf Accessed September 30, 2026.
161. White, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of White (the town's own site), § 2013 (current codification, as read). https://white.sdcity.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Updated_2013_ordinance_book.pdf Accessed September 30, 2026.
162. McLaughlin, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of McLaughlin (American Legal), § 72.02 (current codification, as read). https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/mclaughlinsd/latest/mclaughlin_sd/0-0-0-971 Accessed September 30, 2026.
163. Bowdle, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Bowdle (the town's own site), § 8-903; § 8-902 (current codification, as read). https://bowdlesd.com/documents/550/Bowdle_City_Ordinance.pdf Accessed September 30, 2026.
164. Wolsey, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Wolsey (the town's own site), § 10-3-9 (current codification, as read). https://wolseysd.com/pdf/Wolsey-Ordinances.pdf Accessed September 30, 2026.
165. Big Stone City, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Big Stone City (the town's own site), § 92.042 (current codification, as read). https://bigstonecitysd.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/title_ix_-_chapter_90.pdf Accessed September 30, 2026.
166. Leola, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Leola (the town's own site), § 12-2-5; § 11-5-8 (current codification, as read). http://www.leolasd.com/uploads/1/4/9/2/14923860/city_ordinances_-_revised_dec_2025.pdf Accessed September 30, 2026.
167. Herreid, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Herreid (Municipal Code Online), § 10.08.240 (current codification, as read). https://herreid.municipalcodeonline.com/book/print?type=ordinances&name=10.08.240_Driving_On_And_Crossing_Sidewalk Accessed September 30, 2026.
168. Ethan, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Ethan (American Legal), § 94.146 (current codification, as read). https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/ethansd/latest/ethan_sd/0-0-0-1336 Accessed September 30, 2026.
169. Colome, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Colome (American Legal), § 70.08 (current codification, as read). https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/colome/latest/colome_sd/0-0-0-4916 Accessed September 30, 2026.
170. Bison, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Bison (American Legal), § 150.01 (current codification, as read). https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/bisonsd/latest/bison_sd/0-0-0-878 Accessed September 30, 2026.
171. Bristol, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Bristol (the town's own site), Ordinance book pt. 2, 'Animal and Vehicles on Sidewalk' (current codification, as read). http://www.bristolsd.com/vertical/sites/%7B2E0F89B0-2E0B-43CA-91FB-4DBE15288CD8%7D/uploads/ordinance_pt2.pdf Accessed September 30, 2026.
172. Gary, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Gary (the town's own site), Title XV (current codification, as read). https://garysd.com/pdf/ordinances/2026/title-xv-land-usage.pdf Accessed September 30, 2026.
173. Bruce, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Bruce (American Legal), § 70.08 (current codification, as read). https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/brucesd/latest/bruce_sd/0-0-0-15616 Accessed September 30, 2026.
174. Oldham, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Oldham (the town's own site), § 70.32 (current codification, as read). https://oldhamsd.com/pdf/ordinances/oldham-sd-ordinances-updated-6-24-26.pdf Accessed September 30, 2026.
175. Rapid City, South Dakota. Rapid City Municipal Code (ICC Code Solutions), RCMC 10.64.010 (current through Ordinance 6733 and legislation passed through July 20, 2026, as read). https://rapidcity.municipal.codes/RCMC/10.64.010 Accessed September 30, 2026.
176. Rapid City, South Dakota. Rapid City Municipal Code (ICC Code Solutions), RCMC 10.04.180 (current through Ordinance 6733 and legislation passed through July 20, 2026, as read). https://rapidcity.municipal.codes/RCMC/10.04.180 Accessed September 30, 2026.
177. Pierre, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Pierre (Municipal Code Online), § 9-1-101(3), "Bicycle" (current codification, as read). https://pierre.municipalcodeonline.com/book/print?type=ordinances&name=Section_9-1-101_Definitions Accessed September 30, 2026.
178. Flandreau, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Flandreau (American Legal), § 70.01, BICYCLE (current through Ord. 624, passed 11-4-2024). https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/flandreausd/latest/flandreau_sd/0-0-0-739 Accessed September 30, 2026.
179. Britton, South Dakota. Britton City Ordinances (Municode), § 10.04.020, "Bicycle" (current codification, as read). https://library.municode.com/sd/britton/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT10VETR_CH10.04GEPRDE_10.04.020DE Accessed September 30, 2026.
180. Springfield, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Springfield (American Legal), § 72.15, BICYCLE (current through Ord. 612, passed 2-15-2022). https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/springfieldsd/latest/springfield_sd/0-0-0-1226 Accessed September 30, 2026.
181. Pierre, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Pierre (Municipal Code Online), § 9-2-142 (current codification, as read). https://pierre.municipalcodeonline.com/book/print?type=ordinances&name=Section_9-2-142_Operation_Of_Motor_Vehicle_On_Bicycle_Path Accessed September 30, 2026.
182. Vermillion, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Vermillion (American Legal), § 70.175 (current codification, as read). https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/vermillion/latest/vermillion_sd/0-0-0-13671 Accessed September 30, 2026.
183. Sturgis, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Sturgis (American Legal), § 90.066 (current codification, as read). https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/sturgissd/latest/sturgis_sd/0-0-0-2557 Accessed September 30, 2026.
184. Hartford, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Hartford (the town's own site), Revised Municipal Ordinances (current codification, as read). http://www.hartfordsd.us/vertical/sites/%7B0786574D-ED03-4822-A2DF-5DE2E3C986DE%7D/uploads/FINAL_FINAL_Hartford_Revised_Municipal_Ordinances_Effective_1-1-2003_Condified_Through_9-15-2024.pdf Accessed September 30, 2026.
185. North Sioux City, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of North Sioux City (the town's own site), § 9.08.040 (current codification, as read). https://northsiouxcity-sd.gov/?ddownload=1227 Accessed September 30, 2026.
186. Elk Point, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Elk Point (the town's own site), § 6.0702 (current codification, as read). https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/5286/Cep/04e31078-c816-452f-801c-93b36858d157/EP-Ordinances.pdf Accessed September 30, 2026.
187. Pierre, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Pierre (Municipal Code Online), § 9-2-141 (current codification, as read). https://pierre.municipalcodeonline.com/book/print?type=ordinances&name=Section_9-2-141_Unlawful_To_Operate_Vehicle_In_Public_Park,_Recreation_Area_Or_School_Ground Accessed September 30, 2026.
188. Worthing, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Worthing (American Legal), § 72.01 (current codification, as read). https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/worthingsd/latest/worthing_sd/0-0-0-912 Accessed September 30, 2026.
189. Huron, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Huron (Municode), § 16.48.010 (current codification, as read). https://library.municode.com/sd/huron/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT16TR_CH16.48BI_16.48.010RE Accessed September 30, 2026.
190. Summerset, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Summerset (American Legal), § 71.005 (current codification, as read). https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/summerset/latest/summerset_sd/0-0-0-1701 Accessed September 30, 2026.
191. Redfield, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Redfield (Municode), § 10.76.020 (current codification, as read). https://library.municode.com/sd/redfield/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT10VETR_CH10.76BI_10.76.020LIRE Accessed September 30, 2026.
192. Plankinton, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Plankinton (American Legal), § 78.05 (current codification, as read). https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/plankintonsd/latest/plankinton_sd/0-0-0-1368 Accessed September 30, 2026.
193. Colton, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Colton (the town's own site), § 7.0301 (current codification, as read). https://cityofcoltonsd.com/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/ordinances/Title_7_-_Traffic_Code.pdf Accessed September 30, 2026.
194. Ethan, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Ethan (American Legal), § 72.04 (current codification, as read). https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/ethansd/latest/ethan_sd/0-0-0-796 Accessed September 30, 2026.
195. Madison, South Dakota. Code of Ordinances of Madison (Municode), § 40-290 (current codification, as read). https://library.municode.com/sd/madison/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=REVISED_ORD_CH40TRVE_ARTVBI_S40-290SP Accessed September 30, 2026.
196. City of Flandreau. Council packet, August 3, 2026, with the proceedings of July 20, 2026, the mayor on electric bicycles and scooters (2026-08-03). https://www.cityofflandreau.com/vertical/sites/%7BD6DBF8C8-FF80-4C7A-AD45-1DB752642A1A%7D/uploads/08.03.26_Packet.pdf Accessed September 30, 2026.
197. South Dakota Legislature. South Dakota Codified Laws § 32-23-1 (current codification, as read). https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/32-23-1.html Accessed September 30, 2026.
198. South Dakota Legislature. South Dakota Codified Laws § 32-23-22 (current codification, as read). https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/32-23-22.html Accessed September 30, 2026.
199. South Dakota Legislature. South Dakota Codified Laws § 32-23-2 (current codification, as read). https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/32-23-2.html Accessed September 30, 2026.
200. South Dakota Legislature. South Dakota Codified Laws § 22-6-2 (current codification, as read). https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/22-6-2.html Accessed September 30, 2026.
201. South Dakota Legislature. South Dakota Codified Laws § 32-23-21 (current codification, as read). https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/32-23-21.html Accessed September 30, 2026.
202. Black Hills Energy. 2025 Sustainability Report, pp. 28-29, Electric vehicle program (2025). https://blackhillsenergy.com/sites/blackhillsenergy.com/files/2025-sustainability-report.pdf Accessed September 30, 2026.
203. Black Hills Energy. Electric residential rebates for South Dakota and Weston County, Wyoming, rebate list (as served 2026-09-29). https://www.blackhillsenergy.com/efficiency-and-savings/residential-rebates/electric-residential-rebates-south-dakota-and-weston Accessed September 30, 2026.
204. Xcel Energy. Home Rebates, South Dakota, Available Rebates & Offers (as served 2026-09-30). https://sd.my.xcelenergy.com/s/residential/home-rebates Accessed September 30, 2026.
205. NorthWestern Energy. Rebates and Incentives for Homeowners, program list (as served 2026-09-30). https://www.northwesternenergy.com/billing-payment/ways-to-save/rebates-incentives Accessed September 30, 2026.
206. City of Sioux Falls, Light and Power. Energy-Efficiency Rebate, rebate list (as served 2026-09-30). https://www.siouxfalls.gov/resident-services/utilities-billing/electric-light/rebate-program Accessed September 30, 2026.
207. Samebike. Product page (US store), specification and variant data (as served 2026-09-29). https://us.samebike.com/products/cy20-pro-portable-commuter-powerful-500w-electric-bike Accessed September 30, 2026.
208. VTUVIA. Product page (US store), specification and variant data (as served 2026-09-29). https://vtuviaebike.com/products/sf20h-fat-tire-folding-electric-bike-ul-certified-ebike Accessed September 30, 2026.
209. Eunorau. Product page (US store), specification and variant data (as served 2026-09-29). https://eunorau-ebike.com/products/max-cargo Accessed September 30, 2026.
210. DWMEIGI. Product page (US store), specification and variant data (as served 2026-09-29). https://dwmeigi.com/products/mg1703-zeus-3-wheel-fat-tire-electric-trike Accessed September 30, 2026.
211. Addmotor. Product page (US store), specification and variant data (as served 2026-09-29). https://www.addmotor.com/products/grandtan Accessed September 30, 2026.
212. Addmotor. Grandtan M-340 product Q&A: 'Is 750w rating for the motor continuous or peak?', answer of March 7, 2023 (2023-03-07). https://www.addmotor.com/question_q1047/ Accessed September 30, 2026.
213. South Dakota Legislature. South Dakota Codified Laws § 23-1A-22 (current codification, as read). https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/23-1A-22.html Accessed September 30, 2026.
214. U.S. Government Publishing Office (United States Code). 15 U.S.C. § 2085, Low-speed electric bicycles, § 2085(b) (2024 edition). https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2024-title15/html/USCODE-2024-title15-chap47-sec2085.htm Accessed September 30, 2026.
215. South Dakota Legislature. South Dakota Codified Laws § 32-20B-4 (current codification, as read). https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/32-20B-4.html Accessed September 30, 2026.
216. Office of the Federal Register (eCFR). Electronic Code of Federal Regulations, 36 C.F.R. § 1.3 (current version, as read). https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-36/chapter-I/part-1/section-1.3 Accessed September 30, 2026.
217. North Dakota Legislative Branch. North Dakota Century Code chapter 39-01, N.D.C.C. § 39-01-01 (current version, as read). https://ndlegis.gov/cencode/t39c01.pdf Accessed September 30, 2026.
218. Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes. Minnesota Statutes § 169.011, Minn. Stat. § 169.011 (current version, as read). https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/169.011 Accessed September 30, 2026.
219. Iowa Legislature. 2026 Iowa Acts, chapter 1053, 2026 Iowa Acts ch. 1053 (current version, as read). https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/publications/iactc/91.2/CH1053.pdf Accessed September 30, 2026.
220. Nebraska Legislature. Nebraska Revised Statutes § 60-614.02, Neb. Rev. Stat. § 60-614.02 (current version, as read). https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=60-614.02 Accessed September 30, 2026.
221. Montana Legislature. Montana Code Annotated § 61-8-102, MCA § 61-8-102(7) (current version, as read). https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0610/chapter_0080/part_0010/section_0020/0610-0080-0010-0020.html Accessed September 30, 2026.
222. South Dakota News Media Association (public notices). Watertown Current legal notice: Ordinance No. 26-30, published Thursday, September 10, 2026 (2026-09-10). https://www.sdpublicnotices.com/ Accessed September 30, 2026.
223. U.S. Census Bureau. Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Incorporated Places, South Dakota (SUB-EST2024), South Dakota rows, 2024 estimates (2025). https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/datasets/2020-2024/cities/totals/sub-est2024_46.csv Accessed September 30, 2026.

Image credit: the cover is the National Park Service's photograph of Mount Rushmore National Memorial (NPS Photo, public domain), its pixels unchanged, with its own clear sky continued above it and the cover type set in-house. The six bikes appear in their makers' own product images, scaled only, and the charts are drawn from the page's own datasets.