By Brandon Thompson, MBG Insurance
Bentonville is one of the best places in the country to ride a bike, and more of those bikes have a motor every year. E-bikes make it easy to commute downtown, cruise the greenways, or reach trailheads that used to feel out of range. The City of Bentonville even helps residents buy them.
But as e-bikes get faster and more common, riders need to understand two things: the rules for where each type can go, and what happens financially if something goes wrong. Here’s what Bentonville riders should know.
Arkansas E-Bike Classes
Arkansas uses a three-class system. To legally count as an e-bike, it must have fully operable pedals and a motor under 750 watts.
- Class 1: Pedal-assist only. The motor stops helping at 20 mph.
- Class 2: Has a throttle, and the motor stops helping at 20 mph.
- Class 3: Pedal-assist only, but the motor helps up to 28 mph. Class 3 bikes must have a speedometer.
E-bikes don’t need a driver’s license, registration, or insurance under Arkansas law. That’s exactly why many riders never think about coverage, and why so many are exposed when an accident happens.
Where You Can Ride in Bentonville
Streets and bike lanes: E-bikes follow the same traffic rules as regular bicycles and use the same lanes.
Paved greenways and multi-use paths: Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are generally allowed on paved multi-use paths. Class 3 e-bikes face more restrictions on paths under state law, so check posted signs before riding one on a greenway.
OZ Trails and natural-surface singletrack: Class 1 e-mountain bikes are welcome on most of the OZ Trails network. Class 2 throttle bikes are generally restricted on narrow mountain bike singletrack, and Class 3 bikes are not allowed on natural-surface mountain bike trails. Trail rules can vary by property, so always follow posted signage.
Helmet and Age Rules for Class 3 E-Bikes
Arkansas has one of the strictest Class 3 helmet laws in the country. Anyone under 21 who is operating or riding as a passenger on a Class 3 e-bike must wear a bicycle helmet. Riders must also be at least 16 years old to operate a Class 3 e-bike.
Even where helmets aren’t required, wear one. A 28 mph crash on a bicycle frame is serious.
Bentonville’s E-Bike Rebate Program
The City of Bentonville offers rebates to residents who buy a new e-bike from a participating Bentonville retailer. Rebates cover standard Class 1, 2, and 3 e-bikes, mountain e-bikes, cargo e-bikes, and adaptive e-bikes, with higher amounts for income-qualified households. Applicants must live in the City of Bentonville and be at least 18, and rebates are awarded through a random drawing.
Details and the application are on the city’s E-Bike Rebate Program page.
If you’re using the rebate to buy an e-bike, now is the right time to think about insuring it too.
Why You Should Insure Your E-Bike, Especially a Faster One
We strongly recommend insurance for every e-bike, and we consider it essential for Class 3 bikes and any e-bike ridden regularly at higher speeds. Here’s why.
Your homeowners or renters policy may not cover you. Many people assume their home policy covers their e-bike. It may cover theft at home with limits and a deductible, but many homeowners policies exclude or limit liability for motorized vehicles. That means if you injure a pedestrian or another rider, you could be personally responsible for their medical bills and legal costs.
Speed increases the damage. A cyclist traveling 28 mph on a busy greenway or street can cause serious injuries. Bentonville’s paths are shared with walkers, kids, dogs, and other riders. One collision can lead to a claim much larger than the cost of your bike.
E-bikes are expensive and a target for theft. Quality e-bikes and e-mountain bikes can cost several thousand dollars, and the batteries alone are pricey. A dedicated e-bike policy can cover theft, damage, and accessories.
Modified bikes may not be “e-bikes” anymore. If an e-bike has a motor of 750 watts or more, or has been modified to go faster than its class allows, it may no longer qualify as an e-bike under Arkansas law. That can change how it’s treated legally and create serious coverage gaps. Tell your agent exactly what you ride.
Your family members ride too. If your teenager is riding a Class 3 e-bike to school or with friends, you want to know your family is protected if they cause an accident.
What E-Bike Insurance Can Include
Coverage varies by carrier, but an e-bike policy may include:
- Liability coverage if you injure someone or damage their property
- Coverage for theft and physical damage to your bike
- Accessory coverage for gear and add-ons
- Medical payments coverage
- Uninsured motorist protection in some cases
Get an E-Bike Insurance Quote in Bentonville
MBG Insurance insures e-bikes, golf carts, side-by-sides, motorcycles, and other recreational vehicles for riders across Northwest Arkansas. As an independent agency, we compare multiple insurance companies to find the right coverage for how you actually ride.
Learn more about our recreational and powersports insurance, or call our Bentonville office at (479) 350-6862 for a quote before your next ride.