![]() So, there is no easy answer to the question what local requirements to electric bikes are. ![]() Nope! The problem is that some states define and classify e-bikes differently from the federal regulations, while other states even didn’t bother to mention electric bikes in their vehicles codes. And vice versa, if your e-bike is taken for a motor vehicle, there are clear rules for this type of motor vehicle. Electric Bikes State RegulationsĪt this point, you might think that if your e-bike is typified as a low-speed electric bicycle, you need to follow some rules that are common to all low-speed electric bicycles. As it seems very unlikely that you are planning to ride only in your backyard, let’s move to state regulations. But what about using your bicycle on public roads? Surprise, all these federal regulations have no connection with the application of e-bikes outside your house or backyard since this falls under local vehicle codes. And this refers to your bike as a consumer product – i.e., it’s about safety standards the manufacturer must comply with. Funny, but since they don’t conform to the above-mentioned definition, these electric bicycles are taken for motor vehicles, thus falling under DOT and NHTSA regulations with regard to their safety rules.Ĭonsequently, your e-bike can be classified either as a low-speed electric bicycle or as a motor vehicle based on its technical specification. However, manufactures can produce e-bikes with a higher power output and maximum speed, and there are plenty of such bikes sold in the U.S. Furthermore, according to the federal regulations e-bikes that have 2 or 3 wheels, properly functioning pedals and an electric motor generating less than 750W and are able to travel only at a speed under 20 mph when driven by the motor alone, are considered low-speed electric bicycles and cannot be classified as motor vehicles. The rules are established by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. On the federal level, electric bikes are only defined as consumer products that need to be manufactured as specified in certain rules to provide safety for consumers. ![]() And what about the United States? Are any plates, licenses or registration required to ride an electric bicycle legally on public roads here? Electric Bike Federal RegulationsĪctually, the problem is a lot more prominent in the United States since there is an obvious disagreement in e-bike definition on the federal and state levels, and there are even more differences when it comes to states. This mess creates problems for owners of e-bikes, as they simply don’t know which rules they need to obey. And sure, there are countries where no official name and definition are adopted at all. They are termed variously in different countries, and sometimes even within one country. The problem with electric bicycles resides in their definition and classification. What?! Does all this stuff have something to do with electric bikes?! One way or another, all the above-mentioned examples are means of transportation, as well as road users, and thus they fall under traffic rules and other requirements associated with vehicles like licensing, registration, plates, insurance, etc. As consumers, we usually make our choices based on price, speed, dimensions, maintenance costs and other factors, but we should also bear in mind our safety and legal responsibility. Mopeds, scooters, electric bikes-there are a variety of options to choose from if you are searching for an alternative to a traditional motorcycle. Is a License Required To Ride An Electric Bike?
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