Different Types of Electric Bikes (and Where They Are Allowed to Ride)
There is a lot of confusion regarding electric bikes or e-bikes and this is mainly due to the different laws governing their use across the country. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission regulates e-bikes at the federal level, but focuses on product safety during manufacture and initial sale, leaving states to decide how these bikes will be regulated for use. Not surprisingly, in each state there are serious discrepancies between the rules. Here’s what you need to know about the “three-class” model law system.
What is an electric bike?
An e-bike is a bicycle with a motor that makes it easier to ride. According to BikeRadar , they are great for everything from commuting to trail riding. You have probably seen drivers using them in big cities; it is their urban use that has caused the most drama, largely because locals make the decision whether to classify them as regular bikes or cars.
For the most part, e-bikes, according to BikeRadar, are ones that offer “help” to riders but don’t promote them. The amount of power the engine puts out depends on how hard you pedal and what level of support you choose. As a general rule, motors worldwide are limited to 250W output and must shut off when you reach 15.5mph, but these rules vary around the world. (See more about US regulations below.) The motors have batteries, but some can be charged while attached to the bike, while others are removed for charging.
What is the “3-class” e-bike regulation system?
PeopleForBikes leads the way in helping legislators develop e-bike regulations. Since 2014, more than 30 states have adopted a so-called “Class 3” system to categorize e-bikes and regulate them more effectively. Here are the classes:
- Class 1 e-bikes are pedal driven only, have no throttle, and have a top speed of 20 mph.
- Class 2 e-bikes have a throttle but maintain a top speed of 20 mph.
- Class 3 e-bikes are pedal-powered, have no throttle, and have a top speed limit of 28 mph.
All classes limit motor power to 750 watts or 1 horsepower.
According to Bosch e-bikes , class 1 and class 2 e-bikes are generally allowed wherever traditional bikes are allowed. Most US states have adopted this model, and some of them legally allow Class 1 vehicles on bike lanes, roads, multipurpose trails, and bike lanes.
The laws here are changing quite quickly, in part because PeopleForBikes, Bosch and other advocacy groups continue to urge more states to adopt this model of legislation. In November 2020, New York allowed the use of all three classes of e-bikes in the city.
What does this mean to you
Again, these laws are changing rapidly. For the most up-to-date information on laws in specific states, visit the PeopleForBikes website. Currently, only Rhode Island, New Mexico, and Alaska are listed as “problematic” by the PFB, meaning that those states regulate e-bikes like mopeds or cars; governed by “confusing” equipment and usage requirements, as well as licensing and registration requirements; and/or have “confusing” access to cycling infrastructure.
You can find your state’s specific rules here .