Class 2 Electric Bike Laws

Both class 1 and class 2 e bikes are permitted on bicycle or multi use paths.

Class 2 electric bike laws.

For a class 3 electric bike all users must wear a helmet in california. Class 2 ebikes or low speed throttle assisted electric bicycle are equipped with motors that can exclusively propel the bicycle but that cannot provide assistance when the bike reaches 20 mph. Class 2 is throttle assisted with a maximum speed of 20 mph. Federal classification of ebike law hr 727.

And class 3 is throttle powered. Class 2 electric bikes that are equipped with a throttle and that can function even without pedaling will. 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. Multi use paths but may use bike lanes and protected bike lanes on public roadways.

Any bike that has a throttle to allow for full electric operation on demand is automatically classified as a class 2 ebike. These e bikes are legal on any paved surface that a regular bike is allowed to operate. For more information on new hampshire s electric bike laws click here. At the federal level a 2002 law enacted by congress hb 727 amended the consumer product safety commission definition of e bikes.

The drive systems on this class of electric bicycles can be activated by a throttle such as a button or grip twist located on the handlebars or another. 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. Class 1 is pedal assisted with no throttle. E bike users in class 2 and below can be any age and have access to pathways meant for cyclists.

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. Class 3 e bikes are only allowed on the roadway unless otherwise indicated by the local authority.