Electric motorcycles often lack titles because they fall into a legal gray area between motorized vehicles and bicycles
Many electric motorcycles have no title because they're classified as motorized bicycles or electric bicycles (e-bikes) rather than motorcycles under state law. Most states don't require titles for vehicles below a certain engine size or power output — typically 50cc or less for gas bikes, or under 750 watts for electric bikes. If your electric motorcycle meets those thresholds, your state's motor vehicle department straightforward doesn't issue a title for it, the same way they don't for a regular pedal bicycle.
The confusion happens because "electric motorcycle" is a marketing term, not a legal category. A sleek electric bike that looks like a motorcycle might be legally classified as a bicycle in your state, which means no registration, no title, and no license plate requirement. A different electric bike that's slightly more powerful might cross into the "motorized bicycle" category, which some states do title and register. And a third one might be classified as a full motorcycle, which requires everything.
This matters because it affects whether you can legally ride it on public roads, whether you need insurance, and what you can do if you sell it or need to prove ownership.
Key Takeaways
- Electric bikes under 750 watts are classified as bicycles in most states and don't receive titles, even if they look like motorcycles.
- States set their own power and speed thresholds for what counts as a bicycle versus a motorized vehicle, so the same bike may be titled in one state and not in another.
- A bike with no title can still be registered with your state's motor vehicle department if it crosses into motorized vehicle territory, but you'll need to know your state's specific wattage or speed limits.
- When you buy an electric motorcycle, check your state's definition before assuming it will or won't come with a title.
How states define electric bicycles versus motorcycles
Each state draws the line differently. Most states use wattage as the dividing line: bikes under 750 watts are bicycles, bikes over 750 watts are motorized vehicles. Some states use top speed instead: bikes that can't exceed 20 mph are bicycles, faster ones are motorcycles. A few states use both — a bike has to stay under 750 watts and 20 mph to count as a bicycle.
California, for example, defines an e-bike as having a motor of 750 watts or less and a top assisted speed of 28 mph or less. Anything over that is a motorcycle and requires a title. New York uses 750 watts and 20 mph. Colorado allows up to 750 watts with no speed cap for bicycles. Texas has no statewide e-bike law at all, leaving it to local jurisdictions.
Because these thresholds vary, an electric motorcycle that's titled in one state might not be titled in another. A 1000-watt bike that's a motorcycle in California is a motorized bicycle in some other states. This is why dealers sometimes can't provide a title even if you ask — the bike doesn't meet their state's definition of a vehicle that gets titled.
What happens when you buy an untitled electric motorcycle
If you buy an electric motorcycle with no title, you still own it — you just don't have a government document proving ownership. You'll have a bill of sale from the dealer, which is a receipt showing you paid for it. That's legally sufficient for ownership in most situations, but it's not the same as a title.
The real problem comes if you try to sell it later. A buyer will want proof you own it, and a bill of sale is weaker than a title. If the bike is stolen and recovered, police have a harder time returning it to you without a title. If you need to file an insurance claim, some insurers want to see a title before they'll pay out.
Some states do allow you to register an untitled vehicle anyway. You can contact your state's motor vehicle department and ask whether your specific bike can be registered. They may issue a registration certificate even without a title — that's different from a title, but it's an official record that you own it. The process and cost vary by state.
When an electric motorcycle does get a title
If your electric motorcycle is over your state's wattage or speed threshold, it will be titled like any other motorcycle. The dealer should handle the paperwork and send it to your state's motor vehicle department. You'll receive a title certificate in the mail, usually within two to four weeks, depending on how backed up your state's office is.
Once you have a title, you'll also need to register the bike and get a license plate. Most states require motorcycle insurance before you can register. You may also need a motorcycle endorsement on your driver's license, though some states don't require this for electric motorcycles — check your state's rules.
If you buy a used electric motorcycle that should have a title but doesn't, you can still register it. You'll need the bill of sale, proof of your identity, and proof of residency. Your state's motor vehicle department can issue a new title in your name, though the process may take longer than a normal title transfer.
How to learn about your electric motorcycle should have a title
Start by checking your state's motor vehicle department website. Search for "electric bicycle" or "e-bike" — most states have a page explaining their wattage and speed thresholds. Write down the exact limits.
Then check your bike's specifications. The motor wattage should be on a sticker on the motor itself or in the owner's manual. The top assisted speed may be in the manual or on the manufacturer's website. Compare those numbers to your state's thresholds.
If your bike is under the threshold, it won't be titled in your state, and that's normal. If it's over the threshold, contact your state's motor vehicle department or the dealer and ask whether a title should have been issued. If the dealer sold you a bike that should be titled but didn't provide one, you may have a warranty issue to resolve with them.
Selling an untitled electric motorcycle
You can sell an untitled electric motorcycle, but you'll need to be transparent about the title situation. Provide the buyer with the bill of sale, the original owner's manual, and any warranty documentation. Explain that the bike is classified as a bicycle in your state and therefore doesn't require a title.
If the buyer is moving to a state with different thresholds, they should know that their state might classify the same bike differently. They may need to register it or get a title in their new state, even though you didn't have one. Make sure they understand this before they buy.
If you're selling to someone out of state, they should contact their state's motor vehicle department before the purchase to confirm what paperwork they'll need. Some states will issue a title for an untitled bike if the buyer provides proof of purchase and ownership.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ride an untitled electric motorcycle on public roads?
Yes, if it meets your state's definition of a bicycle. You don't need a license plate, registration, or motorcycle endorsement. However, you may still need to follow traffic laws and wear a helmet. Check your state's specific rules for e-bikes, as some states restrict where they can be ridden.
Do I need insurance for an electric motorcycle with no title?
Most standard homeowner's or renter's insurance policies don't cover bikes. Some insurers offer separate e-bike coverage, and some motorcycle insurers will insure untitled bikes. Contact your insurance company and ask whether they cover electric bicycles. If your bike is classified as a motorized vehicle in your state, insurance is usually required.
What if I want to get a title for my untitled electric motorcycle?
Contact your state's motor vehicle department and explain the situation. Some states can issue a title for an untitled vehicle if you provide a bill of sale and proof of ownership. Others won't, because the bike doesn't meet their definition of a vehicle that gets titled. The answer depends entirely on your state's law.
Can I register an electric motorcycle that doesn't have a title?
Many states allow registration without a title. Registration is different from a title — it's proof that you own the bike and that it's legal to ride. Contact your state's motor vehicle department to ask whether they can register your bike and issue a registration certificate.
Will the title situation change if I move to a different state?
Possibly. If your new state has a lower wattage threshold than your old one, your bike might become a motorized vehicle and require a title and registration. If your new state has a higher threshold, your bike might remain untitled. Check your new state's e-bike law before you move.