Class 2 Electric Bike Laws

At the federal level a 2002 law enacted by congress hb 727 amended the consumer product safety commission definition of e bikes.

Class 2 electric bike laws.

Three classes of electric bikes now exist in the state with laws as to where each type may operate. From a legal perspective class 2 ebikes are defined as bicycles and subject to the same rules as bicycles. 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. Choosing between class 1 2 and 3 e bikes could be a little difficult if you are not exactly sure of what the difference between each class is.

Multi use paths but may use bike lanes and protected bike lanes on public roadways. 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. While class 1 and class 2 electric assisted bicycles are not explicitly prohibited from riding on sidewalks it is unlawful to ride a class 3 electric assisted bicycle on a sidewalk unless there is no alternative. These e bikes are legal on any paved surface that a regular bike is allowed to operate.

Ebikes categorized as class 2 have either a thumb or twist throttle a top assist speed of 20 mph and an electric motor rated at 750w or less for nominal output. Both class 1 and class 2 e bikes are permitted on bicycle or multi use paths. Class 3 e bikes are only allowed on the roadway unless otherwise indicated by the local authority. Any bike that has a throttle to allow for full electric operation on demand is automatically classified as a class 2 ebike.

Federal classification of ebike law hr 727. 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. Laws and policies can change at any time rendering the above information outdated and non applicable. Class 2 some of the most popular womens ebikes are class 2 models.

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 1 ebikes are low speed pedal assisted. Luckily for you here at aventon we are striving to become your go to e bike experts to help you along the way with making the best decision when choosing the type of e bike that would best fit you. 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.

For more information on new hampshire s electric bike laws click here.