Christian Angelo 9-18-21
In recent years, e-bikes sales in the U.S. have drastically increased. In the time of the pandemic, the sales even surged higher. Between 2019-2020, e-bike sales grew by 145%.
E-bike sales are generally regulated like regular bicycles. However, state-specific laws vary significantly. This article discusses general e-bike laws in the U.S. and state-specific e-bike laws for the different states.
An e-bike is defined as a bicycle that is integrated with a low-powered motor that can give the rider electric assistance to boost performance, climb hills easier, and make riding almost effortless. The electrical assist comes in two types: “pedal-assist” or pedal which only activates when the rider is pedaling, and “throttle mode” does not require any pedaling to propel the bike forward.
A low-speed e-bike is more comparable to a regular bike than to a moped, scooter, or other motorized vehicle. It is as safe as a traditional bicycle, with almost similar speeds. A regular e-bike could cost around $2,000-3,000, while high-end e-bikes could cost around $6,000-$8,000. The price makes it a very feasible alternative for a car, which requires more costly fuel.
People buy e-bikes for different reasons. It can be a cheap commuter, workout equipment, an eco-friendly ride, a fun social group, and a more chill experience that allows longer rides.
Federal guidelines for e-bike are based on H.R. 727, which amends the Consumer Product Safety Commission definition of e-bikes. According to the law, an e-bike is ““A two- or three-wheeled vehicle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts (1 h.p.), whose maximum speed on a paved level surface, when powered solely by such a motor while ridden by an operator who weighs 170 pounds, is less than 20 mph.” It is also allowed to have “throttle-mode” or “pedal-assist”.
There is also a speed-limit to which an e-bike can run when it is powered by the motor alone. There is no max speed when you use both your human and motor power. Thus, e-bikes that travel faster than 20mph when both powers are used are allowed. E-bikes must meet the safety standards of the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Moving on to state traffic laws and vehicle codes, these guidelines are given to the jurisdiction of the states and state legislations. Basically, the only rule set by the federal government is the bicycle safety standards. Because of this, e-bike laws from state to state vary significantly, which will be elaborated here.
Some states have their own definition of an e-bike while others do not. There are states who do not require helmets, registration, licensure, and insurance, and there are states who do. Regulation on bike lanes or multi-purpose trails also vary.
26 states follow the three-tiered class system to differentiate models and speed differences. These 26 states have similar definitions for an electric bike, and identical rules and regulations regarding it.
A 3-tier classification system is also followed by more than 40 states.
Class 1: equipped with a motor that assists the rider only when pedaling, top assisted speed of 20 miles per hour or less
Class 2: equipped with a motor that may be utilized to propel the bicycle without pedaling, top assisted speed of 20 miles per hour or less
Class 3: equipped with a motor that assists the rider only when pedaling, top assisted speed of more than 20 but less than 28 miles per hour, must be equipped with a speedometer
Things that states have in common is that they allow local authority to regulate or prohibit the use of e-bike on roads that are under their jurisdiction and they require labeling on all e-bikes.
Manufacturers are required to affix a permanent label on a prominent location that would indicate the classification of the e-bike motor, and top speed. No person shall tamper with the label. If a rider chooses to modify the electric bicycle, the affixed label must be updated.
The state of Texas defines an electric bicycle as a bicycle with fully operable pedals, equipped with an electric motor not exceeding 750 watts, and with a top assisted speed of 28 mph. The top assisted speed refers to the speed at which the motor ceases to propel the bike or assist the rider. The three-tiered class system is followed.
Permissible routes for e bikes
Electric bicycles may not be prohibited on a highway that is primarily used by motor vehicles, or in an area that allows the operation of non-electric bicycles under certain guidelines.
Registration and Licensure
Generally, there is NO registration, licensing, or insurance requirements for electric bikes.
Helmet Requirements
The wearing of helmets is required for riders below 18 years old.
Operation
The rider of a Class 3 e-bike must be at least 15 years old. Riding as a passenger is exempt from this age restriction
Safety Equipment
Safety equipment requirements and guidelines include:
Definition of E-bike
The state of Colorado defines an electric bicycle as a bicycle with two or three wheels, fully operable pedals, and an electric motor that does not exceed 750 watts.
Electric Bicycle Regulations and Classifications
Electric bicycles are not required to register their vehicles nor operate with a license. There are three classifications of electric bicycles that can be followed. A label that shows the bike’s classification, top assisted speed, and motor wattage, is required. An upgraded or modified electric bike requires an updated label as well.
Permissible routes for e bikes and scooters
Class 1 and Class 2 electric bicycles can be driven in the same bicycle and pedestrian paths as regular bikes, unless otherwise restricted. Class 3 electric bicycles are prohibited for riding on a bicycle or pedestrian path, unless the path is within a street or a highway or the local jurisdiction permits so.
Local jurisdictions have the power to authorize any prohibitions in the operation of electric bicycles and scooters on any bike or pedestrian path as long as it is under its own jurisdiction.
Age restrictions and Helmet Laws
There are no age restrictions and helmet laws for riders or passengers of Class 1 and Class 2 electric bicycles. For Class 3 e-bikes, the rider must be above 16. Passengers are exempted from this age restriction. Additionally, anyone on a Class 3 e-bike who is below 18 years old must wear a helmet.
Penalties
Violators of these regulations are subject to a class B traffic infraction, a $15 fine and $6 surcharge.
Ohio State-Specific Laws
Definition of E-bike
Like most states, Ohio follows the three-tier classification system - Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3. Each class is defined as a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals with different distinctions. The class of the e-bike is the defining factor for certain laws.
Permissible routes for e bikes
Registration and Licensure
Operation of any electric bicycle DOES NOT require any license requirements. Operation of any electric bicycle DOES NOT require any registration.
Helmet Requirements
There are no helmet requirements in Oregon.
Age Requirements
Persons below 16 years old are prohibited from operating a class 3 electric bicycle. Riding as a passenger does not require any age limit.
Safety Equipment
Definition of E-bike
Under the new Florida e-bike law, a clearer definition for electric bicycles was given. An electric bicycle is a “bicycle or tricycle equipped with fully operable pedals, a seat or saddle for the use of the rider, and an electric motor of less than 750 watts which meets the requirements of one of the three classifications.
Permissible routes for e bikes
E-bikes are now eligible for the rights and privileges that regular bicycles are entitled to. Additionally, e-bike operators must also be responsible because they are subject to the same duties as regular bicycles do. Basically, electric bicycles are now defined as a vehicle to the same extent as a bicycle and can be ridden in the same areas regular bikes are allowed to.
Registration and Licensure
An operator of an e-bike is not required to have a license, or auto insurance.
Helmet Requirements
A rider who is under the age of 16 must be equipped with a fully approved protective helmet.
Age Requirements
Persons below 16 years old are prohibited from operating a class 3 electric bicycle. Riding as a passenger does not require any age limit.
Operation
The new law has given power to local authorities to permit, control, or regulate, the operation of e-bikes on sidewalks, sidewalk areas, streets, and highways. In sidewalk areas, the ordinance must require a 15 miles per hour speed limit. The local government also has the power to prohibit electric bicycles from bicycle paths, multi-use paths, or trails.
Safety Equipment
In terms of safety, the driver of a vehicle must pass an e-bike at a safe distance of not less than 3 feet in between. An e-bike rider shall position one’s self in the most practical path on the right side of the road.
Definition of E-bike
In Wisconsin, an electric bike is defined as a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedas and an electric motor that does not exceed 750w that provides assistance to the rider. An electric bicycle is regulated like a standard bicycle. E-bikes are categorized according to the three classes.
Permissible routes for e bikes
Generally, electric bicycles are allowed on roadways and roadway bike lanes where regular bicycles are allowed. In bike paths and shared-use paths, electric bikes may only be allowed when the motor is not engaged. On sidewalks, e-bikes are prohibited.
Registration and Licensure
There are NO license, registration, and insurance requirements for electric bike operators.
Helmet Requirements
Interestingly, there are NO helmet requirements for riders, which is usually required by other states.
Age Requirements
Persons below the age of 16 are prohibited from operating a Class 3 electric bicycle.
Operation
The new law has given power to local authorities to permit, control, or regulate, the operation of e-bikes on sidewalks, sidewalk areas, streets, and highways. In sidewalk areas, the ordinance must require a 15 miles per hour speed limit. The local government also has the power to prohibit electric bicycles from bicycle paths, multi-use paths, or trails.
Definition of E-bike
Oregon is one of the few states that has a specific definition of an electric bicycle but does not incorporate the usual three-tier classification system. In Oregon, an e-bike is called an “electric assist bicycle” with the definition of:
“a vehicle that Is designed to be operated on the ground on wheels; has a seat or saddle for use of the rider; is designed to travel with not more than three wheels in contact with the ground; has both fully operative pedals for human propulsion and an electric motor; and is equipped with an electric motor that: has a power output of not more than 1,000 watts; and is incapable of propelling the vehicle at a speed of greater than 20 miles per hour on level ground.
Permissible routes for e bikes
E-bikes can be driven in bicycle lanes and on paths, but prohibited on sidewalks. In the absence of a bicycle lane, you can ride in the lane with traffic. Both public and private lands are subject to its own rules so it’s better to read about the regulations in your area before purchasing or riding an e-bike.
Registration and Licensure
There are NO license, registration, and insurance requirements for electric bike operators.
Helmet Requirements
Helmets are only required for riders below 16 years old.
Age Requirements
The minimum age for e-bike operation is 16.
Safety Equipment
The use of lights during nighttime is mandated by law. Your e-bike must have a front white light that is visible from at least 500 feet away, and a rear red light that is visible from at least 600 feet away. White reflectors are not as effective, insufficient, and not legal.
Definition of E-bike
An electric assisted bicycle or e-bike is a fully operable bicycle equipped with an electric motor (not exceeding 750w) that provides electrical assistance to propel the bike and give the rider a boost, and belongs to one of these classes.
Permissible routes for e bikes
E-bikes may be operated on a path or trail that is designated for bicycle use. An e-bike with an engaged electric motor is not allowed on sidewalks.
Registration and Licensure
There are NO license, registration, and insurance requirements for electric bike operators.
Helmet Requirements
The state requires helmets for riders below 18.
Age Requirements
An individual below 16 years old is not allowed to operate a class 3 e-bike. A person under the age of 14 may not operate an e-bike with the electric motor engaged on any public property, highway, path, or sidewalk unless that person is directly supervised by his/her parent or guardian. Children below 8 years old are prohibited from operating an e-bike with the electric motor engaged on public property, highway, path, or sidewalk.
Operation
An e-bike owner should not authorize or intently permit another individual to operate an e-bike under illegal conditions.
Safety Equipment
Definition of E-bike
In Illinois, an electric bicycle is called “low-speed electric bicycle” with the definition of “a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts that meets the requirements of one of the three classes.
Permissible routes for e bikes
Electric bicycles may be operated in authorized roadways for bicycles, including bicycle lanes.
Registration and Licensure
Illinois requires electric bicycle riders to carry a license when driving. E-bikes are also subject to registration.
Helmet Requirements
There are no helmet requirements in Illinois.
Age Requirements
Riders of a class 3 e-bike must be 16 years old or older, passengers of a class 3 e-bike that is designed to accommodate one may be below 16 years old.
Safety Equipment
All class 3 electric bicycles must have a speedometer that displays the accurate speed of the bike in miles per hour.
Michigan
Definition of E-bike
An electric bicycle, or e-bike for short, looks like your regular bicycle but with the addition of a small rechargeable electric motor that provides assistance to the pedaling rider and on some types can propel the bike completely without pedaling. The following requirements are required in order to qualify as an electric bicycle:
Electric bicycles are categorized into three classes (1, 2 and 3) according to specific attributes of each type.
Permissible routes for e bikes
Electric bicycles may be operated in road and bike lanes, linear paved trails, and motorized, natural trails. E-bikes are prohibited on non-motorized, natural surface trails.
Registration and Licensure
There are no registration and licensure requirements.
Helmet Requirements
A class 3 e-bike rider is required to wear a helmet if he/she is aged 14-18.
Age Requirements
Class 3 e-bike operators must at least be 14 years old
