Who could blame them?

It’s typically sunny and warm outside, making for a gorgeous and fun bike ride.

However, when winter comes around, we see lower temperatures and longer nights. Many cyclists store their bikes away and opt for other modes of transportation to stay warm. However, that doesn’t need to be the case for you with your electric bike!

Yes, you can safely ride your e-bike in the colder months, though it will take a little bit of extra work on your end to make sure your ride is fun but safe.

So how can you prepare your electric bike for winter? 

From the appropriate tires and clothing to have as well as safety tips for cycling on the slick roads, this guide will break down everything you need for your electric bike in the winter!

How Can You Keep The Battery Running On Your Electric Bike During The Winter?

Even though there will be significantly lower temperatures outside, you can still use an e-bike as a means of transportation or for exercise in the winter.

These bikes will work just fine, but you will have to pay extra attention to the battery, specifically, to cycle safely.

Charge The Battery More

For rides in warmer weather, most cyclists typically only charge the battery a few times a week for trips.

In winter, it’s important to charge the battery more frequently.

During the cold weather, the battery is unable to store as much energy as it typically does in the warmer months.

Keep a close watch on your battery charge so that you don’t run out of juice while riding on the road.

Properly Store The Battery

If you don’t plan on using your electric bike as much in the winter, it’s important to store the battery correctly. You can buy a neoprene battery

Neoprene Ebike Battery Covers for Cold Weather

It’s fine to leave the battery fully charge for up to a week if you’re not riding. However, if you won’t be riding for a long while, you should lower the voltage of the battery down to lower than a charge of 90% (typically around 70%). You won’t have to replace your battery for a while if you don’t store it at a full charge.

Don’t Leave The Battery Out In The Cold

The battery for your electric bike will not last long if you leave it out in the cold. It will ultimately have less power than it typically would, which means your bike won’t have high performance.

If you do happen to leave the battery outside for a while, you may be tempted to charge the battery straight away. However, charging it at a low temperature will lessen the quality of the battery over time. Bring the battery inside and let it warm up for a bit before charging.

Photo Courtesy: [Alaska John/YouTube]

Other Ways To Prepare Your E-Bike For The Winter Months

Get Winter Tires

The primary thing you need to do, if you plan to ride during the winter regularly, is investing in a pair of snow tires for your electric bike. Bike tires that function well on a slick, rainy day will, most likely, not fare well when it’s cold and snowing.

There are many winter bike tires out there, including studded tires, which can be very helpful when the roads are icy. Studded tires should be used only for heavy snow days, while regular winter tires should be used on lighter days.

The studs on the tires can be worn down quickly if you ride on the bare pavement, which will slow your e-bike down.

It’s ideal to have two complete sets of tires with rims, though it can be a little costly. A winter tire, regular or studded, can range from $75-mid $100s.

There is an incredible collection of winter tires for your e-bike on Amazon.

Do A Maintenance Check Before You Ride

You should always check out your bike before you ride, but especially during the winter months. With the roads potentially slicker than they usually would be, it’s vital that the parts on your bike are up to par.

In addition to keeping the battery charged for a ride, regularly inspect the chain, brakes, rotors, tire pressure, and other parts and ensure that they are working properly.

Also, be sure to clean your bike periodically! Dirt and debris that has built up in the e-bike will harm the bike’s motor and performance in the long run.

Protect Your Bike Against Rust

Another tip for preparing your e-bike for the cold is to protect it from rust. Due to the water and moisture in the air, the e-bike is at risk of rusting.

There are many products to help prevent or fix rust like the Finish Line 1-Step Bicycle Chain Cleaner & Lubricant, which can be found online or at automobile stores.

These can be sprayed on the exposed metal parts but not the electronic parts!

Invest In Bright Lights

While riding your e-bike in the winter, there is a big chance that you may be riding in the dark while commuting to work or heading home.

To ride safely, you should buy some bright lights for your bike to see any obstacles ahead.

Here is a collection of lights for electric bikes, many of which are under $20!

Photo Courtesy: [Cyrusher]

Best Electric Bikes For The Winter

While there are many great e-bikes out there, there are some that are more suited for riding in the winter months.

These four bikes come at a hefty price but, with their features, will certainly help you manage the rough terrain during the freezing season.

Check them out below.

Safety Tips When Riding In The Snow

Of course, conditions on the road can be unpredictable at any given time but especially during winter. Here are a few tips to keep you safe out there!

Ride Slowly

This should go without saying but avoid riding fast in winter. Not only are the roads slippery, but it also gets pretty dark earlier, thanks to Daylight Savings Time. This makes it difficult for drivers to see you as well, and they are unable to stop as quickly as you can.

Riding slowly on your e-bike will not only allow you to foresee any potential accidents or danger ahead, but you also won’t have to deal with so much of the winter air hitting your face.

Lower Your Seat

Another tip: lower your seat on your electric bike to help keep your feet closer to the ground in case you catch yourself on a slippery road.

If you find yourself losing control, all you have to do is stop pedaling and hover your feet close to the ground for an emergency stop in case a tire slips.

Don’t Ride Through Slush

We previously discussed checking your e-bike for rust regularly. During the winter, riding in the snow is perfectly fine with the right bike and tires. However, riding through wet slush is a definite no-no.

It’s highly likely that slush can find its way into hard-to-reach areas of your bike and cause rust. If you can’t avoid it on the road, then take the time to clean your bike and lubricate the chain and metal parts once you get home.

Another good investment to avoid slush from getting on the bike (or in your face) while riding, is to invest in front and back full fenders. If you want to use your e-bike still to commute each day to work, fenders will help with a more comfortable ride.

Dress Appropriately

Staying warm in the cold weather is vital if you expect to ride your e-bike regularly. Windproof clothing, specifically jackets and windbreaker pants, will help keep you warm as you cut through the wind.

You should probably layer up a bit, especially if you’re heading out for an early morning ride.

Other accessories you should keep handy are gloves with a windshield outer layer as well as anti-glare sunglasses or goggles (for improved vision and protection from debris).

It’s also recommended that cyclists get a pair of waterproof shoes to keep their feet dry. These shoes can cost from $15-$100, depending on your taste and budget. However, they’re definitely worth the investment, since it would suck to get your feet wet when wearing regular shoes.

Of course, be sure to wear a helmet to protect your head during your ride. A full hood or face mask that covers your ears and face can also be worn under your helmet to keep your head warm.

Also, while you’re on your ride, rock some bright colors with reflective strips so that others can see you, especially at night time.

There’s no reason why you can’t still have a great (and safe) ride even in the winter months. Just be sure to keep all of these tips in mind as you’re out and about.

Also, leave a comment below on what other safety and maintenance tips you may have for fellow riders for the winter ahead! 

The post How To Prepare Your Electric Bike For Winter appeared first on eRide Guides.

You see people riding electric scooters, bikes, and mopeds all the time on their commute to work or while running errands around town.

With all of these modes of electric transportation out there, some people are still confused about the differences between them all, specifically when it comes down to riding an e-bike and a moped.

What are the real differences between an electric bike and a moped? 

Which one is more expensive?

Which one takes more energy to ride?

What are the pros and cons of each?

We’ll answer all of those questions and more in this piece, so keep reading!

Photo Courtesy: [BikeMatters/YouTube]

What Is A Moped?

Mopeds have been around much longer than electric bikes. Though the term “moped” was used until around the 1950s, motorized bikes have been around since the early 1900s.

A moped is a lightweight open vehicle typically powered by an engine instead of electricity (though there are a few that are electric). Experimental mopeds in the early days were just engines attached to regular bikes. However, most of today’s mopeds don’t have any pedals at all.

In fact, mopeds typically don’t have a platform for your feet. Riding a moped is much like riding a motorcycle that has a little less power (mopeds typically only have a maximum speed of about 35 miles per hour).

Since mopeds are considered motorized vehicles, cyclists have to receive a special license as well as pay for registration and potentially insurance to ride a moped.

A moped is actually seen as a motorcycle in different states if the engine is over 50 cubic centimeters (running beyond 35 miles per hour). Because of this, users may also have to pay for insurance just like they would for a vehicle.

As they are regulated by state and federal laws, you will want to research the laws in place for mopeds in your state.

With a decent speed out on the road, mopeds also typically use gas (though some have switched over to battery to reduce the carbon footprint of users).

How Do Electric Bikes Differ From Mopeds?

Electric bikes differ significantly from mopeds in how they run and the regulations behind them.

For one, riders have to put in more work to ride an e-bike than they would with a moped. While electric bikes have motors, they do actually require some pedaling (reference our previous post, “Do You Have to Pedal an Electric Bike?“), which can be a great workout. When cyclists get a little tired of pedaling, they can rely on the motor a bit more to do the heavy lifting.

Most e-bikes also don’t typically go as fast as mopeds (usually about 20 miles an hour for a standard bike, maybe 30 mph for a more high-end model). Because of that, cyclists don’t need e-bikes to have a license, insurance, or registration to ride their e-bikes on the road.

Another significant difference is that many mopeds require gas to run. Electric bikes have always run off of a battery, requiring cyclists to physically charge their e-bikes for trips. This is seen as more environmentally friendly than mopeds, which has prompted different users to make the switch.

Photo Courtesy: [Cyrusher]

Are Mopeds Safer Than Electric Bikes?

In looking at key differences between mopeds and e-bikes, the next obvious question is which one is “safer?”

To be honest, there is no sure answer.

When it comes to safety features, many mopeds have shock absorbers and automatic braking systems that can add another level of safety for motorists on the road.

However, in terms of accidents, a 2019 study showed that an estimated 108,229 moped-related accidents occurred within adults, leading to hospitalization or death.

Electric bikes, though deemed by experts as safe as traditional bikes, also have their share of issues. There have been accidents due to cyclists speeding and underestimating the time they have to brake and avoid crashes.

Also, when the lithium batteries have not been properly cared for or charged, the batteries are susceptible to catching fire.

The fact of the matter is that there are always risks in riding a moped, electric bike, or any other mode of electric transportation. There are risks in driving just a regular car or riding a traditional bike.

However, the majority of these issues have been due to cyclists getting too comfortable in riding their electric vehicle of choice.

To diminish those risks on either a moped or an e-bike, you should be sure to ride safely and defensively. Obey all traffic laws and signs at all times, including the speed limit, no matter how experienced you are.

Wear a helmet to protect yourself in case of an accident better, even if your state doesn’t require one.

Also, be aware of the weather forecast that may impact your ride on either a moped or an e-bike.

What Are The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Each?

So should you buy a moped or an e-bike for your transportation needs? Honestly, it all comes down to your personal preference, but here are some things to consider about each so that you can make the best decision for you.

Mopeds typically require gas, and e-bikes don’t. Unless you buy an expensive electrical moped, most mopeds require you to pump gas at the gas station.

The average moped holds 1 gallon of gas at one time, which can last for up to 100 miles. That’s certainly less than a car. However, e-bikes only need to be charged, typically through a wall outlet.

With each charge, you can expect your bike’s battery to last between 35 to 100 miles (reference our previous post, “The Best Long-Range e-Bikes“). Depending on the battery, it can cost 5-8 cents for each charge, which is still less than gassing up at a station for a moped.

Mopeds require less energy to ride. While e-bikes are powered by a motor, they require some work on the cyclist’s part to get moving. Meanwhile, with a moped, all a motorist has to do is turn on the engine and ride without doing any type of pedaling.

Some motorists may prefer this over having to physically pedal on their commute into work or while traveling to other places. However, some cyclists may prefer to pedal to their destinations to burn off some calories.

E-bikes allow you to travel further out. An e-bike is considered to be a bicycle in most states. That means that you can legally ride them on different sidewalks or bike trails in your neighborhood or in a park, places that are off-limits to mopeds.

You can even buy a specialized e-mountain bike for harder trails in the woods or on dirt roads. Mopeds don’t have that advantage, unfortunately, because they are designed for city streets.

Photo Courtesy: [Future Lab]

Mopeds aren’t moving as fast as cars, but you will certainly go a bit faster as they travel at least 35 miles per hour.

Mopeds cost more overall.  A standard electric bike typically costs about $1,500, though it may be more depending on the model and brand. However, a new moped is much pricier.

Due to the power and speed of mopeds, as well as great features like shock absorbers, you can expect to pay anywhere from $2,000-$5,000 easily. You also have to factor in the price of getting a license and other paperwork to ride the moped on the road legally.

E-bikes have more tech options for riders. With e-bikes, riders can download different apps that get you details about your bike, like how much charge your battery has left and where you parked your bike.

In this fast-paced world that we live in, it’s convenient to have information about your various rides at your fingertips. Mopeds typically don’t offer that.

Mopeds can cost more to park or store. Mopeds are basically like small vehicles. When you’re out and about, you need to find a place to safely park them either on the street or within a parking garage.

Depending on where you live, that can be expensive. You may even have to pay for parking where you live. With e-bikes, you have more options for storage.

If you live in a metropolitan area, many places offer bike lockers, stalls, or racks where you can safely leave your bike (most times, without having to pay money).

Some of these electric bikes are even foldable, so you can easily store them in your car or inside your house when you’re not using them.

Whether you decide to go with a moped or an electric bike, they both are excellent modes of transportation. Hopefully, this article helped you in making the best decision for you in purchasing one of these!

Please feel free to share this piece and drop a comment below with your thoughts.

You can also check out more about electric bikes on eRideGuides.com, including Six of the Best Electric Bikes for Commuting to Work or School.

The post What’s The Difference Between an Electric Bike and a Moped? appeared first on eRide Guides.

That’s why we’ve put together a list of top-tier additions that are sure to make your e-bike even better.

Here you’ll find a handy guide to some of the best electric bike accessories on the market, including: 

• Helmets
• Phone Holders
• Mirrors
• Cargo Carriers and Bags
• Lights
• Speakers
• Alarm Systems
• GPS Trackers

From important safety gear to fun add-ons, we’ll give you the low-down on the best brands and designs for your e-bike accessory needs. 

Whether you’re planning on using your new e-bike for your daily commute, camping, or hardcore trail riding, you’ll discover must-have accessories for every kind of rider.

Picking The Perfect Helmet

Before you hop on that brand new e-bike and set out to conquer the streets, it’s important to make sure you’re equipped with a great helmet.

By far the most important electric bike accessory you’ll buy, having the right helmet can help protect you from both accidental spills and distracted drivers.

Which type of helmet you should choose depends a great deal on how fast you plan to travel. If you’re just starting out and plan to keep things below 20 mph, then a standard bicycle safety helmet should do the trick.

We listed out some fashionable and affordable helmets in our “Electric Bike Safety Gear for Fashionable Riders” piece, but we’ll expand upon that further here.

Photo Courtesy: [Amazon]

Not only does it have a rear light for added nighttime visibility, but it’s also equipped with a Multi-Directional Impact Protection System, which offers greater support and protection in case of an impact.

Hold The Phone

If you’d like to keep an eye on your phone while riding, then there are plenty of great accessories that have your back.

Whether you’re expecting an important call, using your GPS navigation system, or tracking your ride on a fitness app, securing your phone to your e-bike should be a snap.

Among the trustiest and most universal phone accessories is Roam’s Co-Pilot Bike Phone Mount. It can securely grip any handlebar up to 1.25 inches in diameter and works with any phone up to 3.5 inches wide.

Best of all, it comes with a lifetime guarantee, so you can get a refund or exchange in case anything goes wrong.

Photo Courtesy: [Amazon]

Underneath, you’ll find a handy waterproof zipper bag where you can store your keys, sunscreen, and other gadgets. For right around $30, it’s a great value for such a handy accessory.

Never Look Over You Shoulder Again

If your electric bike didn’t come with rearview mirrors, then they’re a great option to look into. Fortunately, there are plenty of them on the market in all different shapes and sizes.

German company Busch + Müller makes several great options, including the Cycle Star E model. It not only offers shatterproof protection and a large mirror face, but it can also be mounted either with brackets or handlebar style.

Photo Courtesy: [Hafny]

Hafny is another great company that offers plenty of high-quality e-bike mirror options. They’ve got both bar end and handlebar mounting mirrors that offer special perks like anti-glare protection, stainless steel construction, and 360-degree rotation.

While a great set of rear mirrors may seem a little pricey, opting for a quality pair is an investment that will last you years.

Saddle Up

There’s nothing worse than feeling like you have to chose the car over your bike simply because you don’t have enough storage space. The easiest way to kick such problems to the curb is to accessorize your electric bike with a few well-placed cargo add-ons.

Buying saddlebags can be a bit trickier if you have a rear-mounted battery rack, but rest assured that there are several great bags that take that into consideration.

If you’re interested in hauling big loads on your e-bike rides, make sure to check out our list of “The Best Electric Cargo Bikes For Every Type of Rider” where we break down the best electric cargo bikes.

Photo Courtesy: [Bikesmart]

BV also offers a great double bag pannier with shelf straps and adjustable bungee hooks to help ensure a secure hold. Each of the two bags features large roomy compartments for books, laptops, or gear, as well as smaller zip pockets on the front.

Photo Courtesy: [Ibera USA]

Finding The Right Lights

If you plan on riding at night (and seriously, who isn’t?), then it’s important to have the right lights to make sure you can see and be seen. Fortunately, there are plenty of lights out there that can get the job done without breaking the bank.

Vont’s LED Scope Light is made from military-grade, weather-resistant materials and features a super-bright adjustable beam. Great for city streets and low-key trails, it’s a killer value for less than $20.

Photo Courtesy: [Amazon]

More concerned about safety features? Then Garmin’s Varia RTL510 Radar Tail Light may just be the light for you. This little tail light is equipped with its own radar unit that can detect when a car is approaching you from behind from up to 153 feet.

It will also guarantee that the car in question sees you, with 220-degree illumination that can be seen from up to a mile away.

When you pair it with a Garmin head unit, watch, or pair of eyeglasses, it will give you a solid indicator of how far behind you a car is and how fast it’s approaching, so you never have to take your eyes off the road.

Pedal Into Your Favorite Tunes

Choosing to ride your electric bike no longer has to mean forgoing the audio perks offered by most cars.

These days, you can get Bluetooth enabled audio devices that will pair straight to your phone, allowing you to listen to the radio, your favorite music, or even incoming phone calls.

If you’re looking for a rich, 360-degree sound that can travel anywhere, check out the Boom 2 from Ultimate Ears. Designed to last, this tough little speaker can handle mud, snow, water, or anything else you throw at it.

Photo Courtesy: [Ultimate Ears]

It’s also capable of playing incoming calls so that you can continue enjoying a hands-free ride.

If you’re looking for something smaller and a little less pricey, then Bose’s SoundLink Micro is a great choice.

This little guy measures in at 1.40 x 3.90 x 3.90 inches and weighs less than a pound, making it an effortless accessory to take on along on any journey.

Photo Courtesy: [Amazon]

Its built-in mic also takes phone calls like a boss and for such a small speaker, it boasts an impressively crisp sound.

Keep Your Bike Secure

Let’s face it, an electric bike is not necessarily a cheap investment and it’s definitely one that’s worth protecting.

Though one of the cheapest electric bike accessories on the list, an alarm system is also one of the most valuable in the long-run.

Secure your peace of mind with a remote control security system like the Mengshen Bicycle Alarm. Just attach the alarm to whatever part of your bike you prefer with the included straps or double-sided tape.

Photo Courtesy: [Amazon]

Should a thief make the mistake of attempting to steal your bike, they’ll be in for a very unpleasant surprise.

Upon sensing unsanctioned shakes or vibrations, the alarm will blare out a 113 dB warning that will send the prospective thief running for the hills. It can be adjusted to 7 different levels of sensitivity and can be easily armed and disarmed with the remote from up to 20m away.

Tracking Time

If you want to get even stealthier with your security or just want to keep track of your kids when they take out your bike, then a GPS tracking system is a great way to go. Among the hottest upcoming trackers is the See.Sense Air, a Kickstarter funded product which is set to be released in October 2020.

This lightweight device is designed to attach securely to the underside of your seat and only needs a recharge every 3 months or so. When you download the accompanying iOS or Android app, the Air kicks into action, monitoring both how close you are to your bike and where it’s located.

Photo Courtesy: [See.Sense]

Another popular favorite is the Tracki GPS tracker, which comes with a magnet, velcro attachment, and belt clip.

Slip it into your cargo bin or attach it under your seat and you’ll get alerts and GPS monitoring that will keep you up to date on your bike’s location.

The only downsides to the Tracki are that it requires a monthly subscription of $9.99- $19.99 per month and needs to be recharged at least once a month.

But, considering how much money it could save you if your bike was ever stolen, it’s still not a bad investment to consider.

Got any questions or comments?

Feel free to get in touch!

And be sure to check out our other articles, like “6 of the Best Electric Bikes for Commuting to Work or School“ and “How to Ride an Electric Bike Safely“, for more in-depth info on electric bike accessories and care!

The post The 8 Best Electric Bike Accessories To Up Your E-Bike Game appeared first on eRide Guides.

What makes this topic confusing is that most vehicle laws require a license as a means to regulate them, but e-bikes don’t have a test or bar of entry.

So, are e-bikes legal?

If so, do you need something other than a license to use them?

Electric bikes are legal, but their legality varies depending on the state, Class, and speed of your mode of transportation. Electric bikes are typically allowed where bicycles are unless they exceed speeds of 21 mph (34 km/h).

If you’re looking to get an e-bike, it’s essential to know what laws and insurance apply to your specific e-bike. We’ll look at the laws in your state, what the Class system is, what coverage you’ll need, and how to legally ride wherever you roam.

History of E-Bike Laws

In the United States, electric bikes have had steady growth since the ’90s. In 2001 congress lobbied and passed the first and only bill that defines e-bikes in federal law. Law 107-319 exempts e-bikes with operating pedals and motors from restrictions like strict licensing permits associated with motorized vehicles.

However, there is a difference between federal and state law in how e-bikes are classified.

Federal vs. State

Federal

Federal law defines the limits of low-speed electric bikes and compares these e-bikes to bicycles. Manufacturers don’t have to meet federal equipment requirements based on the Consumer Product Safety Act. However, there is no mention of exemption from other states, federal, and local traffic laws, or exclusion from the definition of motor vehicles.

The law applies to the manufacturer’s product and sale and avoids motor vehicle safety precautions like turn signals, brake lights, and braking specifications. The law’s only goal was to give businesses a legal framework so they could sell motor vehicles without harsh restrictions.

The law also grants commission authority to add safety requirements if they so choose. Overall, the legislation on the federal level is out-of-date.

State

Most states still have confusing regulations and requirements. Either the bikes are classified as mopeds or other motor vehicles, or they have the equipment, registration, or licensing conditions that cause problems for the average rider. For a more in-depth look at how each state views laws and licensing, continue reading.

Do You Need A Special Licence?

There are no special licenses for e-bikes, but each state has different rules and regulations for which permits you may or may not need. Most states do not require a license at all, or the user may require an already issued license (A, B, C, or M.J.). For more information, keep reading to determine which states require licensing before driving off on your new e-bike.

Why Do Motorcycles and Mopeds Need A Licence?

Both a motorcycle and moped need to have licenses to operate them, which requires the driver to take a series of tests to prove they are capable of operating the vehicle. All states require a license plate for a motorcycle, while only some states suggest a plate for mopeds.

Class A, B, and C are associated with cars, busses, mopeds, or trucks, whereas D and E are for specialty vehicles and taxis. M.J. is a specialty license only for motorcycles. There is currently no specific license for e-bikes.

Although an e-bike license doesn’t exist, some states require you to have an exclusive license to operate them regardless of how fast your e-bike is. For example, in Alabama, e-bikes are treated as motorcycles and therefore require a class M.J. license to work them. Other states, like Idaho, require a class D (operator) and liability insurance before operating an e-bike.

Do You Need Insurance?

Insurance for e-bikes does exist, but it isn’t necessary to purchase in the United States except for Idaho to operate a Class 3 (III) e-bike. The policy cost depends on your coverage, but we recommend liability coverage to cover third party damages like property or medical expenses.

However, there are many things insurance won’t cover, like a stolen battery, manufacturer malfunctions, or theft of the entire bike.

Homeowners and renters insurance will not cover electric bicycles. Auto Insurance also won’t cover an e-bike (only other motorized vehicles like mopeds or motorcycles) because you don’t require a license to operate it. You will need to seek out third-party insurance coverage.

Liabilities Associated with E-Bikes

A car that’s at fault for an accident will likely have its insurance covering the cost of repair or medical expenses. Unless you have access to coverage in your state, you could be prosecuted under the law, be financially liable for neglect or reckless endangerment via a lawsuit. It’s in your best interest to purchase insurance or pay close attention to your state laws.

Get your bike registered, wear eye protection, and wear a helmet (even if you’re not supposed to in your state) to avoid any possible legal recourse. Keep in mind that your health insurance will usually cover medical bills, but the costs of an expensive e-bike may be lost.

The US Laws and the Lack of Regulation

At the federal level, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission regulates e-bikes for product safety for manufacturing at the first sale. Without clear guidelines, many states adopted outdated rules governing e-bikes that treat them as an extension to human-powered bikes or motorcycles.

Some have no regulation what-so-ever, so individual states tend to suggest a 20 mph (32 km/h) max speed. This loose approach has led to multiple injuries that were easily avoidable. From 2000 to 2017, 245 million injuries occurred from electric scooters or bicycles.

What States Are Electric Bikes Legal?

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Act has made low-speed electric bicycles legal in all states except for New York. Other states have specific rules for what constitutes as an e-bike, and what license is necessary for operation. The below table examines how each U.S. states views the electric bike, its max speed and power, where helmets are mandatory, and the minimum age.

The Rapid Need for Legalization of the 3-Class System

Since 2014, the national bicycle advocacy group PeopleForBikes helped over 30 states pass standardized regulations for e-bikes with the use of the 3-Class System. This model legislation defines three common classes of e-bikes based on wattage, speed, and operation.

Class 1 and Class 2 are usually allowed where pedal bikes are allowed, but Class 3 bikes are typically reserved for road use only. In Europe, a cyclist must place a highly visible sticker on the frame to indicate an e-bike’s Class.

In 2015, California was the first state to adopt the 3-Class System, but since then, 26 states now define e-bikes in a Three Class structure. The graphic below outlines where states have proper legislations, which are acceptable, and which are problematic and need work.

Photo Courtesy: Kat Dent

Legislated states use the 3-Class System. Acceptable states have no age limit, no licensing registration, and e-bikes are treated as bicycles. Finally, problematic states treat e-bikes as motor vehicles and have confusing laws and practices that aren’t found in state law.

The 3-Class System

Here is a breakdown on which e-bikes classify for Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 under the legislation.

• Class 1: Assists pedaling but not your throttle, these e-bikes are passive and are allowed to function on bike paths. Pedal-assist only (absolutely no throttle), and have a maximum assisted speed of 20 mph (32.19 km/h).
• Class 2: Known as low-speed throttle-assisted e-bikes. These e-bikes have motors that proper the cyclist without pedaling. The rider cannot exceed more than 20 mph (32.19 km/h) like Class 1, accept Class 2 e-bikes must be throttle-assisted.
• Class 3: Known as speed pedal-assisted electric bikes and assist the rider if they’re pedaling. Cannot have a throttle. Class 3 e-bikes can have a maximum assisted speed of 28 mph (45 km/h). However, the U.S. only allows bikes on the road that have a maximum of 20 mph (32.19 km/h).

All e-bikes, no matter the Class, limit the motor’s power to 1 horsepower (750W).

Can I Legally Buy/Build and Ride an E-Bike Faster Than 20 MPH?

Once your e-bike exceeds speeds of 20 mph (32.19 km/h), it falls into a Class 3 speed pedal-assisted electric bike, which requires more restrictions in each state (licensing, helmets, and age requirements). The definition for electric bikes spans 20-30mph with a 1-2 horsepower range. Once it exceeds these specifications, the bike becomes a moped or motorcycle.

The following chart describes the ranges, max speeds, average cost, and charge time. In many states, anything above 750W and 28 mph (45 km/h) require a license to operate or is considered illegal or under a different specification.

High Power/Speed Ebike Categories

For anyone who wants to exceed the legal limit, high-speed e-bikes fall into three categories:

1. Off-Road: Sold as “off-road use only,” they are only permissible on private land or off-road trails. They are technically not legal to drive on the road or sidewalk.
2. DIY Kits: Any e-bike built at home with a DIY kit that exceeds the 750W/20 mph definition can be bought, built and ridden. Some newer systems have PAS options, but they are mostly throttle activated. You must use the kit to stay within state law, or else it could fall under off-road e-bikes.
3. Speed Pedelec: Pedal activated bikes can max out at 28 mph (45 km/h) but only when pedaling to exceed that amount. Otherwise, a Speed Pedelec can only reach 20 mph (32.19 km/h) with the motor alone. If the user stops pedaling, it won’t retain its speed and fall back into legal territory.

It’s possible to rig an e-bike to go faster than 28 mph (45 km/h) with DIY kits, but the rider risks a fine or confiscation of property. If you wish to go above 28 mph (45 km/h), invest in a motorcycle or a moped to avoid a legal dispute.

What is the Minimum Age for E-Bike Operation?

The vast majority of states don’t have a recommended age requirement to operate an e-bike because they are classified as bicycles instead of motorized vehicles. Due to how fast an e-bike starts and maintains high speeds, practice discretion when teaching your child to use an e-bike – especially on a busy road.

States like Tennessee, New Hampshire, and North Dakota have a minimum age requirement of 14, but often a child can ride an e-bike under adult supervision. Children can also ride an e-bike in all cases as long as the rider is operating the bike on private property.

Oklahoma, Nevada, and Oregan have a minimum age requirement of 16. Since 16-year-olds start to learn how to drive or have their license at this point, it’s assumed that a 16-year-old is responsible enough to operate an e-bike without adult supervision. Every child is different, so express discretion if you’re worried about them operating the vehicle illegally.

Ohio is the only state in the U.S. that requires a user to be 18 (a legal adult).

Almost all states do not make an exception for classes 1, 2, or 3, which all function differently and have different max speeds. Also, note that some states recommend anyone under the legal age of operation should wear a helmet. Others will make operation legal before the recommended age if the user wears protective headgear.

Due to the complicated state laws, it’s essential to know how your child should navigate their e-bike safely and lawfully.

Do the Laws Require a Helmet?

The 13 states with the 3-tiered classification system do have helmet requirements.

Connecticut has the strictest requirements out of all states and declares that operators and passengers of all classes must wear headgear at all times.

Tennessee, Ohio, and California require that all operators and passengers, no matter the age, must wear helmets at all times. California even suggested protective eye-gear.

Utah and Arkansas require passengers and operators of class 3 or under the age of 16 to wear helmets. Michigan and Colorado also require protective headgear on anyone over the age of 16, but some sections of each state require a license.

Finally, states like Wyoming, Illinois, Idaho, Washington, and Arizona don’t require helmets at all. However, it’s in your best interest to wear one anyway.

Similar to how wearing a helmet on a bicycle is considered a by-law instead of an actual law, helmets should be treated as a rule rather than an exception. Flying off a high powered vehicle at 20 mph (32.19 km/h) can and will cut skin and damage bones.

Where Can You Ride an E-Bike?

Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are allowed on sidewalks, similar to how traditional bikes are allowed to exist with pedestrians.

However, it’s recommended to travel on the road to avoid a potential collision with other people who may not have time to react to your motorized vehicle.

An example of this law is practiced by Tennessee and California, which only disallows class 3 electric bikes from operating on bicycle paths. Class 1 and 2 are only rideable on bike paths and may not travel on sidewalks, which makes e-bikes safer for pedestrians.

Of the 33 states, some states such as Washington, Minnesota, Utah, Oklahoma, Georgia, and Arizona allow e-bikes to travel on greenways and bicycle paths.

However, these states are quickly implementing laws and regulations around pedestrian facilities.

Georgia law states that electric-assisted bikes can operate on bicycle paths specifically. However, other states like Nebraska, Iowa, Florida, and Delaware make no distinction between human-powered bicycles and e-bikes.

They can operate wherever a traditional bike can (even if the motor exceeds 25 mph (40.23 km/h) – be careful!)

Are you an e-bike enthusiast?

Are you interested in legislating e-bikes to maintain proper speeds in all states? Visit PeopleForBikes for more information, and share our article to get the word out.

Before you go, leave a comment on what you think about the 3-Class System, or read one of our other articles about how to determine if an e-bike is waterproof.

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