E-bike laws in your state

photo: Tristan Ervin

We’re now seeing more and more bikes in people’s neighborhoods, trails, beaches, and bike paths since the “bike boom”. E-bikes in particular, like SUPER73, have seen exponential growth to date. There are thousands of e-bikes in the wild and still many states are uncertain about the laws in this gray area between traditional bicycles and mopeds/scooters or motorcycles.

One organization, PeopleForBikes, is making its goal to clearly define e-bikes and provide sensible roles for their use. Their mission, to get more people riding bikes more often. To make bike riding better for everyone. This is extremely important in molding the future of bike safety & regulations. They inspire and empower cities to take actions that get more people on bikes to promote healthier populations and a more livable planet. Bike safety and easier access seem like a win-win to me.

There are e-bike regulations in place but not for every state at the moment. Old regulations are being updated and low-speed e-bikes are being regulated similarly to traditional bicycles. The goal is for consumers like yourself to have knowledge about their state’s laws and to encourage the public to take advantage of the benefits that e-bikes have to offer. Below are the three class e-bike models. Where does your e-bike fit? Did your state adopt these regulations?

THREE CLASS E-BIKE MODEL:
CLASS 1: Bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the e-bike reaches 20mph.

CLASS 2: Bicycle equipped with a throttle-actuated motor, that ceases to provide assistance when the e-bike reaches 20mph.

CLASS 3: Bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the e-bike reaches 28mph.

These regulations mean that e-bikes won’t need registration, license or insurance like a motor vehicle. That is a pretty big incentive as you can just power on your e-bike and go. No frills of getting your M1 or M2 license or going to the DMV or paying monthly insurance.

Helmets are required for riders of Class 3 e-bikes and kids under 16 years old are not able to ride in this class unless as a passenger. I can’t stress enough that wearing a helmet while riding an e-bike is super important. Riding 25+ mph doesn’t sound fast but wearing a helmet could be a lifesaver at these speeds. Do yourself a favor and wear a helmet. I wear a helmet on my Marin MTB even when going out on the Back Bay Loop Trail here in Newport Beach, CA.

SUPER73’s e-bikes are Class 2 right out of the box. From the entry-level Z1 up to the adventure trail seeker RX. There is a mandatory standard label that is located towards the bottom of your frame to indicate such. It’s there to help law enforcement determine if your e-bike has access to a particular bikeway, path, or trail. Road rules do apply to e-bikes as well as traditional bicycles. You do need to obey the laws of the road when it comes to speed, proper passing, safety equipment, and other ordinances. With the newer SUPER73 models (S2, R-Series) you are able to bump up to levels three and four to go faster but you are prompted that you are fully aware of the laws and regulations of doing so.

I ride a Lithium Cycles Original 2016. It’s a Class 3 e-bike with a 1000w mid-drive motor that can reach speeds of 28mph. I’m very careful riding in areas where Class 2 and below are required. I make sure I’m in PAS mode and mindful of my speed and surroundings. Yeah, that doesn’t sound too fun if you want to go fast but you can do that on open spaces and trails where it’s allowed.

We can go down the rabbit hole and talk about research and state legislation but I’ll spare you. Please follow your state’s e-bike laws do yourself a favor and wear a helmet.

As always, have fun and ride safe.

Reference:
https://super73.com/pages/laws-and-policies-for-e-bikes