Nebraska Laws for E-Bikes, ATVs, Minibikes, and Other Similar Vehicles
Help Your Family Ride Safely and Legally
Electric bicycles (e-bikes), motorized scooters, golf carts, minibikes, mopeds, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), utility type vehicles (UTVs), and other alternative vehicles are becoming increasingly popular across Nebraska. Whether your teenager wants an e-bike to ride to school, your family uses a golf cart around town, or you're considering purchasing an ATV or moped, it's important to understand Nebraska's laws before you ride.
Many people assume these vehicles follow the same rules, but they don't. Requirements for driver's licenses, registration, insurance, license plates, and where each vehicle can legally operate vary by vehicle type.
Below you will find a guide that provides an easy-to-understand overview of Nebraska's laws so you can make informed decisions and help keep yourself, your family, and others safe.
Safety Starts Before the Ride
Choose the Right Vehicle
Not every alternative vehicle is appropriate for every rider. Consider the rider's age, experience, maturity, and the roads or paths where the vehicle will be used.
Wear a Helmet
A properly fitted helmet is one of the most effective ways to prevent serious head injuries. Even when helmets are not required by law, they are strongly recommended for riders of all ages. Talk to your children about the importance of always wearing a helmet.
Know Where You Can Ride
One of the most common misconceptions is that alternative vehicles can be ridden anywhere. In reality, some vehicles may be operated on certain roads, while others are prohibited from highways or sidewalks altogether. Before riding, make sure you know where your vehicle is legally allowed to operate.
Follow the Rules of the Road
Alternative vehicles are not toys. Riders should obey traffic signs and signals, yield to pedestrians, travel in the correct direction, watch for other vehicles, operate vehicles sober, and stay alert at all times. Make sure any children who are driving these vehicles understand the rules of the road.
Be Seen
If riding near sunrise, sunset, or after dark, use lights and reflectors and wear bright or reflective clothing to improve visibility.
Nebraska Laws at a Glance
Disclaimer: This is intended to provide a general overview of Nebraska law and is for educational purposes only. Local cities and communities may have additional ordinances or restrictions for certain vehicles, including golf carts, ATVs, UTVs, and motorized scooters. Always check local regulations before operating any vehicle.
Vehicle Type |
Can Drive on Highways* |
Can Drive on Sidewalks |
Certificate of Title Required |
Registration Required |
License Plate Required |
Operator's License Required |
Insurance Required |
| Electric Bicycle (E-Bike) [Must have pedals] |
Yes, ride next to right-hand curb |
Yes | No | No | No | No | No |
| Motorized Scooter | Yes, ≤ 35 mph roads | No (with the exception of children wearing helmets) | No | No | No | Yes (with the exception of children wearing helmets) | No |
| All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) | Only for agricultural use | No | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Golf Car Vehicle | No | No | No | No | No | Yes | No |
| Utility-Type Vehicle (UTV) | Yes, ≤ two traffic lanes | No | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Moped** | Yes, ≤ 45 mph roads | No | No | No | No | Yes | No |
| Minibike | No | No | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Low-Speed Vehicle** | Yes, ≤ 35 mph roads | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Minitruck | Yes, on normal city streets |
No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Autocycle** | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
*A highway is any public road or street maintained by a government and open for people to drive on.
**See the definition below for the specific meaning of this vehicle type.
Nebraska Laws Vary by Vehicle
Depending on the type of vehicle, Nebraska law may require:
- A certificate of title
- Vehicle registration
- License plates
- A driver's license
- Liability insurance
Operating rules also differ depending on the vehicle. Some may be driven on certain highways, while others are limited to local streets or are prohibited from roadways altogether.
Expand the boxes below for more information on the regulations and requirements on each vehicle type.
A certificate of title, Class O operator's license, and liability insurance is required to operate an ATV. Registration and license plates are not required.
ATV's cannot be driven on highways (public roads), and can be driven on roads for agricultural use. ATV's cannot be driven on sidewalks.
An autocycle is a motor vehicle with three wheels and includes a steering wheel, pedals seatbelts, airbags, and antilock brakes. Common makes and models of autocycles are the Polaris Slingshot, Arcimoto FUV, and Vanderhall Venice.
A certificate of title, registration, two license plates, Class O operator's license, and liabilitiy insurance are required to operate. Autocycles can drive on any highway and cannot drive on sidewalks.
Both bicycle and electric bicycles can operate on highways and sidewalks. Bicyclists need to ride as near to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway as practicable and must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians.
There are three classes of electric bicycles. An e-bike must have pedals to be considered an e-bike. All three classes follow the same regulations of operation.
Class l: The bicycle only provides power when pedaling.
Class ll: The bicycle is capable of providing power whether or not the operator is pedaling.
Class lll: The bicycle is capable of providing power when the operator is not pedaling for up to a speed of twenty-eight miles per hour.
A golf car vehicle is a vehicle that has been specifically designed and manufactured for operation on a golf course. You do not need a certificate of title, registration, license plate, or insurance to operate. You do need a driver's license.
A golf cart cannot be operated on highways (public roads) or sidewalks. (Note: some cities in Nebraska may allow for operation of a golf cart on city streets adjacent to a golf course. Omaha does not allow this.)
A low-speed vehicle may look like a golf cart, but it is designed and manufactured for use on public roads rather than golf courses. It meets federal motor vehicle safety standards, weighs less than 3,000 pounds, and can travel between 20 and 25 mph. Low-speed vehicles may have three or four wheels.
Low-speed vehicles can be driven on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less. They cannot be driven on sidewalks. You must have a certificate of title, registration, two half size license plates, Class O operator's license, and liability insurance to operate a low-speed vehicle.
A minibike is a two-wheel device that has less than three horsepower and was designed for off-road use. Minibikes do no include an electric personal assistive mobility device. A certificate of title is required to operate, but you do not need registration, an operator's license, license plates, or insurance.
You cannot ride a minibike on public roads or sidewalks. You may only enter a road briefly to cross it or safely turn around.
A minitruck is a small pickup truck with an enclosed cab and a cargo bed. It is larger than a UTV but smaller than a full-size pickup, can travel about 55 mph, and is equipped with safety features such as headlights, turn signals, windshield wipers, mirrors, and seat belts. Many minitrucks are imported from Japan, though some are made in the United States. Common examples include the Suzuki Carry, Honda Acty, and Subaru Sambar.
You must have a certificate of title, registration, a half-size rear license plate, operator's license, and liability insurance to operate. Minitrucks can be operated on normal city streets and highways, but cannot be operated on interstates, defense highways, expressways, or freeways. They also cannot be driven on sidewalks.
A moped is a small motorized bike with working pedals, a small engine, and a top speed of 30 mph or less. If it does not have pedals, it is not considered a moped under the Nebraska law. Common makes/models are the Puch Maxi and Tomos A35.
A moped (with working pedals) may be driven on highways with speed limits of 45 mph or less. You must have an operator's license to drive a moped.
A motorized scooter is a one-person electric scooter with two of more wheels that can be powered by the motor or by the rider, but it must have a top speed of 15 mph or less without pedaling or pushing.
You must have an operator's license to drive a motorized scooter. You can drive on highways and city streets, but cannot drive on freeways and expressways. Motorized scooters cannot be driven on sidewalks and cannot be parked in a way that blocks railroad tracks, handicapped or prohibited parking spots, or driveways. You cannot operate a motorized scooter if you are consuming alcohol.
Children (under the age of 18) may operate motorized scooter without an operator's license if they are wearing a helmet. They may also drive on sidewalks.
A certificate of title, Class O operator's license, and liability insurance are required to drive a UTV. Registration and license plates are not required.
UTV's can be driven on highways, and can be driven on freeways and expressways with two or less lanes. UTV's cannot be driven on sidewalks.
Talk with your kids about the responsibility that comes with operating any vehicle, make sure they understand the laws and safety expectations, and ensure they are using the proper equipment and riding in safe areas. Encourage family members, friends, and other riders in your community to learn the rules and practice safe behaviors.
Whether riding an e-bike, ATV, golf cart, minibike, or another alternative vehicle, every rider has a responsibility to follow Nebraska laws, respect other road users, and make safety a priority. Taking a few extra moments to prepare, wear your helmet, and set good examples can help prevent injuries and keep everyone riding safely.