Birmingham Police Cracking Down on Electric Motorcycles

(Birmingham Police, April 19, 2026)

Birmingham, MI – The Birmingham Police Department has observed a significant increase in the number of electronic motorcycles being operated within the City. Most of these devices are not only illegal to operate within the City, they also pose a significant safety risk to the riders, other motorists and pedestrians.

*License Requirements*
Electric Motorcycles (no pedals) are considered motorcycles under state law and as such, are prohibited on sidewalks and must be licensed through the Secretary of State. In order to obtain a license for the motorcycle it must meet all safety requirements to be street legal.

An operator of a street legal motorcycle must have a driver’s license with a cycle endorsement.

*Criminal Charges*
The Police Department has observed the majority of users of these devices are underage minors. While there are certainly legal ramifications for those operating these devices illegally there are also ramifications for those purchasing them and allowing their unlicensed children to operate them.

Under *Michigan Law Section 257.904*, it is a Misdemeanor to allow an unlicensed person operate a motor vehicle.

The Birmingham Police Department asks for your cooperation in helping us to ensure everyone’s safety by not permitting the use of these devices within the City.

Birmingham officers will be providing strict enforcement!

Learn more about Birmingham Police at https://www.bhamgov.org/about_birmingham/city_departments/police_department/index.php