Class 2 Electric Bike Laws

Three classes of electric bikes now exist in the state with laws as to where each type may operate.

Class 2 electric bike laws. Class 1 ebikes are low speed pedal assisted. Class 2 electric bikes that are equipped with a throttle and that can function even without pedaling will. Class 3 e bikes are only allowed on the roadway unless otherwise indicated by the local authority. Class 2 some of the most popular womens ebikes are class 2 models.

Multi use paths but may use bike lanes and protected bike lanes on public roadways. From a legal perspective class 2 ebikes are defined as bicycles and subject to the same rules as bicycles. These e bikes are legal on any paved surface that a regular bike is allowed to operate. The federal consumer product safety act defines a low speed electric bicycle as a two or three wheeled vehicle with fully operable pedals a top speed when powered solely by the motor under 20 mph 32 km h and an electric motor that produces less than 750 w 1 01 hp.

Any bike that has a throttle to allow for full electric operation on demand is automatically classified as a class 2 ebike. Assembly bill 1096 defines an electric bicycle as a bike with fully operable pedals and an electric motor up to 750 watts. Class 3 electric bikes cannot be ridden by anyone under the age of 16 and class 3 ebikes will also be banned from using class 1 bike paths a k a. For more information on new hampshire s electric bike laws click here.

In 2015 california updated its bicycle laws to accommodate electric bicycles. Luckily for you here at aventon we are striving to become your go to e bike experts to help you along the way with making the best decision when choosing the type of e bike that would best fit you. While class 1 and class 2 electric assisted bicycles are not explicitly prohibited from riding on sidewalks it is unlawful to ride a class 3 electric assisted bicycle on a sidewalk unless there is no alternative. The law defined a low speed electric bicycle as 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.

Federal classification of ebike law hr 727. Laws and policies can change at any time rendering the above information outdated and non applicable. Ebikes categorized as class 2 have either a thumb or twist throttle a top assist speed of 20 mph and an electric motor rated at 750w or less for nominal output. Both class 1 and class 2 e bikes are permitted on bicycle or multi use paths.

At the federal level a 2002 law enacted by congress hb 727 amended the consumer product safety commission definition of e bikes.