Electric Bikes and License Requirements
Before purchasing an electric bike, one major question many buyers have is whether or not a license is required to ride! While traditional bicycles do not require any licensing, electric bike laws vary from state to state. It is vital to understand your local laws and regulations before going out on your first ride. In this article, we will try to answer the important question- do you need a license to drive an electric bike?
What is an Electric Bike?
Electric bikes come in various different makes and models, some will look like traditional bicycles and some will be fat tire electric bikes which may look more like mopeds or motorcycles. In a memorandum from the Deputy Director of the National Parks System, electric bikes were defined as “a two- or three-wheeled cycle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts that provides propulsion assistance.”
States across the country must follow this definition, but may make their own legislative decisions about licensing.
E-Bike Classes
Electric bikes are further defined and placed into a system based on their form of motor assistance, and their top speed when using the motor. In the United States, 39 states currently use a class system to ensure the regulation of electric bikes and their respective legality.
This organizational system is used in states across the country to allow e-bikes legally in certain areas or bike paths. The class system ensures an understanding between manufacturers, buyers and legislature allowing for all parties to enjoy e-bikes safely and within local regulations.
There are three classes in this system, which we will explore below.
Class 1
An electric bike in class 1 has a motor that engages when the rider begins pedaling. If the bike reaches a speed of 20 mph while pedaling, the motor will stop assisting. The rider can, of course, continue pedaling to achieve a higher speed but the motor will no longer assist past 20 mph.
Class 2
An electric bike in class 2 has a motor that can be engaged with a pedal assist or a throttle. Whether the pedals are used, or the throttle is used, the motor will stop assisting the rider once the bike reaches 20 mph. The important difference from class 1 to class 2 here is the use of a throttle which does not require any pedal assistance.
Class 3
Similar to class 2, an electric bike in class 3 has both a throttle and pedal assist but is also capable of reaching a speed of 28 miles per hour with pedal assist.
All of these bikes can reach speeds over 20 miles an hour or even 28 miles an hour if the rider pedals them faster, but the motor will only assist according to its class. It is important when shopping for an electric bike to pay attention to the wattage of the motor, top speed and the various pedal assist or throttle modes of your chosen model.
Electric Bike Licensing Across the States
There are currently 11 states that require a license to operate an electric bike.
- Alaska - Electric bikes are defined as “motor-driven cycles” and riders must have a license to operate the bike. Electric bikes, however, do not require registration or insurance.
- Hawaii - Electric bikes are defined as “low speed electric bicycles” and may not exceed 20 mph. Riders must also be 18 years of age or older and pay a $30 registration fee.
- Massachusetts - Electric bikes are defined as “motorized bicycles” and riders must have a license and register the bike. They do not have to be insured. Helmets are required when riding and riders must be 16 years of age or older.
- New Jersey - Electric bikes that fall within the class 3 definition are defined as “motorized bicycles” and have an age restriction of 15 years or older. In addition, riders must have a license, registration and insurance for their e-bike.
- Rhode Island - Electric bikes are defined as “electric motorized bicycles” if they reach speeds over 25 mph. Electric bikes must be registered.
Conclusion
Although there are plenty of states across the United States that do not require a license, it is important to note that many states have laws regarding age limits, helmet use and where electric bikes can be ridden. It is important when considering purchasing an electric bike to research local laws and regulations to ensure a safe ride for yourself and others around you!
