U.S. eBike Laws and Regulations

With the ever moving target of local and national regulations regarding eBikes this can be an incredibly confusing topic.  Our goal is to help keep our eBike community updated with new info as well as bring clarity around the topic.  

With many fly by night manufacturers entering the eBike space to make a quick buck, it's important that as dealers and consumers we support manufacturers who are working to grow the the eBike space in a safe and responsible way.  Doing so will ensure that more and more laws are passed in favor of access rather than against.  DIY, high powered eBike along with cheap unstable batteries pose a real threat to legitimizing all of us trying to live an eBike lifestyle!  

To this end, Fly Rides is a huge supporter of People For Bikes work in helping to legitimize eBikes through their Class allocation for eBikes which has now passed in 26 states.  To encourage wide adoption with local, state and federal laws it is highly recommended you only purchase an eBike that falls into a class 1, 2 or 3.  We'll review the difference between the classes below.  

Please be mindful in considering the above when purchasing an eBike and not only will you benefit from a safer and more reliable eBike but will also help in making sure we're not eroding access for eBikes.  

Here are the 3 classes of eBikes:  

How do we define an electric bike?   Shall mean a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals, a saddle or seat for the rider, and an electric motor of less than 750 watts that meets the requirements of one of the following three classes: 

Class 1 electric bicycle:  Shall mean an electric bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour.

Class 2 electric bicycle: Shall mean an electric bicycle equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle, and that is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour.

Class 3 electric bicycle:  Shall mean an electric bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 28 miles per hour