New Hampshire is among the go-to place for every adventure seeker, including riders of traditional mountain bikes, because of the breathtaking view of the Appalachian mountains. However, are there any restrictions or any laws in regard to electric bicycles?
With that in mind, if you're planning to ride with your electric bicycle, you might want to consider reading this article. Because this article has useful information about New Hampshire ebike laws which are extremely helpful to prevent any unwanted violations and keep you safe from any accidents.
Specifically, New Hampshire states cycle bikes and bikes are electric-powered bicycles without an electric motor rated at 750 watts. The state of New Hampshire defines electric bikes with the following:
Class 1 - A motor-driven bicycle that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and that ceases to provide assistance when the e-bike reaches 20 mph.
Class 2 - bicycle equipped with a throttle-actuated motor that ceases to provide assistance when the e-bike reaches 20 mph.
Class 3 - Class 3 e-bikes are equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and that ceases to provide assistance when the e-bike reaches 28 mph.
There is no age restriction when riding an e-bike for classes 1 and 2. However, you need to be at least 16 years old and above to ride a class 3 e-bike.
The state of New Hampshire does not require a rider to acquire a license or a permit to use an electric bicycle.
E-City - Parks and Recreation zones - Exclusion of public roads, the Superintendent is required to allow only one Category 1 electric scooter within a defined area. Except on traffic roads, e-bike classes 2 and 3 are not permitted.
While many sections of the Appalachian Trail are restricted primarily to hikers, portions of the Appalachian National Wilderness Trail within parks administered by the National Park Service can be easily utilized by mountain bikers.
This is part of a new regulation in place for national park enactments in 2020 that states electric motorcycles are only permitted in certain countries and are regulated by state regulations governing bike traffic from 1 to 20 km and from 2 to 3.
The National Forest Service is still announcing the legal change that would allow for a more comprehensive definition for motorcyclists in the United States in a subsequent report commissioned by the Forest Service in 2007.
This is a new law regulated by the Department of Natural Resources the United States Government and the Canadian The only way to determine whether riding an e-bike in these areas is to visit a forest conservation department and talk to the forest department.
No paved trail in NH state parks is permitted or accessible without driving. It does mean that you can walk and commute along motorcycle trails. Of course, you have a better chance of contacting park officials about an e-bike license at that specific park.
Like every local state in the United States, the state of New Hampshire adheres to the national guideline of three-tiered e-bike classifications namely class 1, class 2, and class 3. This ensures that every electric bicycle is standardized and regulated in the name of the law.
Class 1 E-Bikes: Bikes that are powered by electric motors that have pedal assistance features, and that cease to provide assistance when the e-bike reaches 20 mph.
Class 2 E-Bikes: A bike equipped with a throttle-actuated electric motor that may be used to provide assistance until the e-bike reaches 20 mph.
Class 3 E-bikes: Bicycle equipped with an electric motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and that it ceases to provide assistance when the e-bike reaches 28 mph. A factory-installed speedometer is also required.
New Hampshire defines a bicycle as any motorcycle that reaches speeds less than 20 mph within miles per mile. If the e-bike had an integrated bicycle pedal it would require two pedaling units plus three motors that could be as many as 75 watts if its motor output was less than 250 watts.
In reality, e-bikes are still classified as bicycles and haven' NH Legislature 148 contains additional information although if there's a recent update, we're going to update our article.
There aren't many differences when it comes between traditional bikes and bikes with electric motor power rules and regulations. However, you still need to know what are the specific e-bike regulations because you might overlook some of these laws and might be the cause of your violation.
Also, it's important to always mind and share the road when you're riding especially if you're on multi-use path. It's best to keep alert and ensure you know the e-bike laws, especially in New Hampshire.
All of our e-bike rules and regulations are based on each local state's e-bike laws. In addition, our information and details regarding these ebike laws are not permanent and are subject to change especially when there are updates and missed out details.
We highly encourage that you check with local authorities or check the website of your State, County, City, and other agencies.
See more information about bike laws in every state with our article: Ebike Regulations State Specific