E-Bikes (Electric Bikes)

In accordance with P.A. 139 of 2017, Sec. 662A(7), Electric bicycles are prohibited within a city that prohibits the use of non emergency motor vehicles; unless the city adopts a resolution allowing the operation of electric bicycles within the city limits.

The City of Mackinac Island, and the Mackinac Island State Park have adopted an ordinance (66-167), which allows the use of electric bicycles by individuals with a qualifying condition; in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).  An E-bike permit may be obtained at no cost.

The ordinance requires those individuals to first submit an application packet, which can be obtained from the Mackinac Island Police Department; or downloaded from the City website at: cityofmi.org.  Choose the link to the Police Department to locate the application. Once the application has been approved, the individual must still purchase a regular bicycle license at a cost of $3.50 to accompany their e-bike permit.  Both may be picked up at the Mackinac Island Police Department.

An Island to Call Home

Mackinac Island is located on Lake Huron in the Straits of Mackinac, in Mackinac County, east of the Mackinac Bridge. From 1818 to 1882, the City was the county seat of the former Michilimackinac County, which was later organized into Mackinac County with St. Ignace as the county seat.

The City includes all of Mackinac Island except for the state owned property under the jurisdiction of the Mackinac Island State Park Commission and Department of Natural Resources. The City Charter also originally included nearby Round Island which is unpopulated and now federally owned and part of Hiawatha National Forest. The City Charter was passed by the State of Michigan Legislature in 1899 which vacated the Township of Holmes and Village of Mackinac to incorporate the City of Mackinac Island. Many of the City’s actions are through passing of ordinances or resolutions.