eBike Laws 101|Things you should know

[@LucasH567]

I am really loving these educational/info videos on the ebike industry. You guys are a wealth of knowledge. Thank for taking the time to make these videos and share the info.

[@Propelbikes]

Thanks a bunch Lucas! I’m glad you enjoy them and thank you for your comment.

[@5DNRG]

I've been riding my class 3 Aventon in city trails here in Denver area with zero issues. I'm also hyper careful anywhere near pedestrians disengaging all PAS and manually pedal past them as I take no chances with 65 lbs of ebike in my control. BTW, I rarely use the throttle as I still like some exercise!😉

[@alibeydoun524]

Thank you, another great video from Chris and Propel! Really appreciate you helping to bring legitimacy to the e-bike world given its significant fragmentation at the moment and more-is-more mindset. I am optimistic we will have good and fair laws in a few years that work for almost everyone.

[@Propelbikes]

Much appreciated Ali! I really appreciate the support!

[@yippie6862]

I've been on a lot of trails and never saw anyone checking bikes to see if they are legal or not. I would assume as long as you're being responsible no one is going to stop you. Might be different in a city.

[@injuredtabletennisplayer1474]

I would be shocked if a regulating officer would be aware of the nuances of each model to know the top speed of each ebike. I’m sure every ebike is only 20 miles/hour (wink wink)

[@StephanieHughesDesign]

Here in LA County most trails are class 1 and 2 legal for ebikes. However, it is regular occurrence where infringers are obviously riding class 3 illegally. They know it is illegal yet they simply don't care. Probably drivers who break the law on the road which is a common problem in LA. Regular to see "ebike" recklessly riding 40 miles an hour blowing off stop signs. They don't pedal. Riding on sidewalks. As a road bike cyclist I am starting to lose my patience. Non motorized bikes are class 1 and 2. Class 3 and above IS a motor vehicle.

[@BillBadMule123]

I Own a RadRover Step Thru 1 E Bike and only ride on off road mountain bike trails . I often get called a cheater ? I am pushing 70 years old though people tell me I look to be in my 40s . I only ride at an average speed of 10 mph to enjoy a leisurely nature trail ride in the mountains of Eastern Tennessee USA

[@aurora571000]

At our age we are just leveling the playing field not cheating

[@michaelsprinzeles4022]

I think given the current federal laws and the 3 class system catching on nationwide terming a class 1 e-bike like a bicycle seems natural. I'd like to see all 3 classes viewed as bicycles but do understand the desire for more discussions on bikes that can propel themselves by the flick of a wrist or press of a thumb. I'm admittedly biased for throttles because I like having a throttle (but only for when I make sudden stops and don't have a chance to downshift into a gear I can overcome inertia in easily).

[@HarryLovesRuth]

I'm the pro-throttle commenter on here, mostly because I think that it is an accessibility issue. There are a lot of people out there with physical disabilities that would like to cycle for fun, fitness, or transportation, but they need the option of not pedaling in order to make it work for them. Also, from a cycling-as-transportation standpoint, speed is more of a concern than method of propulsion. If you are moving at under 20 mph, sharing a road with automobiles is dangerous no matter what kind of vehicle you are on or in. (Hell, there was a road rage incident here last week between two car drivers where one shot up the other car for moving too slow on a semi-residential street.)

[@xmateinc]

throttled bikes ride where, surge forward alot, and I find most people use th throttle 90 percent of the time. as lon as it doenst go faster then 20mph i think their fine on the trails. Ihave pedal assist only, and have been a commuter my whole life so my bike handling skills are pretty good, and thats why I like pedal assist only. Throttled feels more like a moped, where pedal assist feels more like a bike.

[@aurora571000]

I think it might be easier to post speed limits than for the 3-class system. How can an observer know which class bike I have? They can tell if I’m going a speed that is not appropriate to my surroundings

[@wascallywabbit7102]

In Tennessee, Knoxville/Knox County too, all bikes, pedal only and electric/pedal are considered unlicensed motor vehicles. What rules apply to Pedal only bikes apply to electric/pedal bikes too, and vice-versa. These two are one and the same. The greater Knoxville area is one of the most bike/ebike friendly city/area in the nation. Perhaps the most friendly Note to the flat-lander bikers who come here to ride the trails and roads: bring a set of serious climbing legs with, perhaps a spare set, too.😉 The greater Knoxville area has massively long and insanely steep inclines, both going and coming. Feel the burn.

[@Back2SquareOne]

Cleary eBikes are technically a motorized vehicle, given that it has a motor that propels it. HOWEVER, legally I believe they should not be considered motor vehicles because they do NOT have to be registered, or licensed with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), at least in California. Neither do you need a license to operate one. EBikes cannot exceed 750 watts in California. I am not sure but I believe over 750 watts they would have to be treated like a moped or other "motorized vehicle".

[@rrich52806]

Charge registration fees. Bring more government money in

[@Mr2Reviews]

I think the fastest way to get mountain bikers to get onboard of allowing ebikes is to let them ride your ebike if you have one for a test drive and then they'll get hooked.

[@thomasmedeiros5722]

There are people who ride mountain bikes and people who are mountain bikers. The second set of riders want the challenge of being able to pedal themselves over rocks, roots,ruts,sand,mud, big rocks,fallen trees,over narrow planks called skinnies and do it with out putting a foot down. If they stall in a rock garden they go back and and try to ride it clean. To them mountain bike riding is the physical challenge. So letting them ride your e bike is like letting a marathon runner ride you e bike the 26 miles to make it easier. Mountain bikers are like marathon runners. They like the physical challenge. The pedal assist mountain bikes are helpful on long fire road climbs for riders who don’t have the leg or lung capacity to make the climb. However it doesn’t provide the bike handling skills for challenging trails that mountain bikers like to ride. Just my opinion as an old mountain biker.

[@misterwizz5690]

what basic equipment should a bike/e-bike have as standard, for example; front and rear lights and reflectors, bell, brake(s).....etc?

[@transcondriver]

I don't understand why there's all these classes and steps, throttle v nonthrottle... Just post speed limits and be done with it. And IC bikes, same thing, but go ahead and limit the displacement (35cc/50cc) and use the same speed limit. No need to make everything so convoluted.

[@xmateinc]

the 2 different ebikes are actually quite different Most people that use pedal assit only ebikes still ride them like regular bicycle's, where most people that buy throttled ebikes use them like mopeds. As long as they cant go past 20 mph im fine wth them, the people riding around on "ebikes" that do 40 to 60 mph should be fined. There is no need fo those kinds of speeds on sidewalks and bike paths.

[@delhibill]

Good information and nice presentation, as always.

[@snip_king428]

Many newer ebikes are class 3, so that means, you can only ride on the dangerous streets.....hmmmm

[@SparkCycleworks]

Another great video! Thank you for doing this. Interest in electric mopeds has been growing as well and adds another layer of confusion into all of this. Maybe we could talk about it and tell you what we’ve learned during the development of our Bandit moped?

[@Propelbikes]

Thanks! At the moment we are focused on strictly eBikes, but maybe in the future.

[@SparkCycleworks]

@@Propelbikes no problem. Keep making great videos. We love your stuff!

[@wesflack992]

Great discussion! A big issue right now is that people are buying or building thousands of ebikes over 750w which means they cannot be classified as an electric bicycle in USA, and the bikes often also do not have the safety equipment/VIN needed to classify as a moped/scooter/motorcycle, so they are legally just like ICE dirtbikes (for off road use only). I think the pedals are a real distraction in these discussions. People see pedals and assume it is a bicycle, but legally the vehicle may not be usable on roads or bikepaths.

[@Propelbikes]

This is a very valid point and concern. When we started out we had some experiments which were outside of the lines and we later considered the concerns beyond just the safety, but the fate of the industry as a whole and narrowed our focus dramatically. I mean the law in NYC which had been the thorn in many eBikers side came from a mini motorcycle, which wasn't even electric. These unclassified eBikes can cause a lot of trouble.

[@spiritwolf7000]

Would you cover the legality of EScooters? It seems some places it's not legal on either the road or sidewalk which is quite the Grey area and limbo I suppose since not everywhere has bike lanes and even then some places even prohibit that.

[@jbandt]

What I'm wondering is how bikes like the sur-ron and segway and other 1000 watt or more bikes are categorized. Some of these things could definitely be motorcycles as speeds get up to 60-70 mph or more, but yet they aren't registered vehicles. I think they are sold as off road only ebikes more like dirt bike motorcycles, but there is plenty of youtube content with them on the street. They can even come with pedals keeping them mostly bike lane legal.

[@xmateinc]

you can bet the goverment is gonna end up regulating those "ebikes". People are gonna drop alot of money into a bike they can only ride on private property.

[@jeromecabral192]

Here in Kansas they don't have laws for electric bikes

[@aurora571000]

Those high-power bikes are the ones that should be regulated, they give normal e-bikes a bad name

[@SSLBGodVegito5]

Ok my name is Anthony n I love tha surron I rode 1 n 2017 once n wen I tell u I want 1 so mf bad I'm 35 been into bikes since mongoose n xgames models it's different mechanically beautiful awesome quick n fast that takeoff reawakened the little kid n myself I'm from Detroit Michigan n if I could get any pointers on obtaining 1 n tips I'd appreciate it

[@robertarnobit5357]

Good video 👍 good info. I just ask the PEV people to think about safety always, be polite and be courteous. The road is for everyone

[@AndreaMenzies]

Good information on e bike safety.

[@whiskeystraw]

Calling a bike a vehicle in WA state will force it to be taxes as an eletric car. There is a new by the mike tax now for eletric cars.

[@joshmatt4625]

Hey is my Ariel rider grizzly stock legal in NYC??

[@kldstl]

Hey Chris 👋. Thanks for the video. Such an important topic for the mass adoption of e bikes. Btw, do you know if incentives and subsidies applies for e bikes. I think that will really drive sales of ebikes.

[@MisterSal9895]

5:46 What's really good with those Arrow ebikes? They are like the Toyota Camry of NYC, mostly used for deliveries. I spoke to people who own them and they said they love them. I would like to see a proper review of those arrow ebikes here on youtube.

[@Propelbikes]

Good question. Maybe I can do a review of one eventually. I'll add it to my video ideas list.

[@MisterSal9895]

@@Propelbikes Yes sir please do if you can.

[@SeanSmith66]

Excellent Vid as always... thanks!

[@Propelbikes]

Much appreciated Sean! I hope you're doing well. You still in Austin? My brother lives there and it would be great to connect there at some point.

[@SeanSmith66]

​@@Propelbikes Hey Chris! I am here... it's home town for me. Hit me up next time you are in these parts! I'd love to meet up. I'll send you an email with my contact info.

[@CatboyConnor-zl6mp]

What are the laws to ride an e bike

[@littlebylittle8992]

I was ready to buy a e-bike from China and asked if they have CPSC Standards Compliance Certificate (as any bike should have according to Gov reg.). They told me we ship hundreds of e-bikes to the US and never provided any CPSC / 16 CFR Part 1512 documents. Would be glad to hear a second opinion and buy it.

[@patrickmartel3169]

Hi Chris, curious on the make and model of your helmet ...

[@TheGodzilla2201]

Do u need a License for a an adult electric tricycle bike in Alaska?

[@andrewfrodo2086]

Thanks for another great video. Helping the YT fam.

[@ms.carlettawilson1522]

Why is add motor not selling their bikes in New York City? They say law 39 what does that mean?

[@andymartinez1426]

So many ebike companies breaking the rules pretty soon they will change the rules

[@diegoestabridis2478]

Lighning fast shipping. Excellent product very pleased

[@ex0stasis72]

Try pulling up to a fast food drive thru and get denied for not using a “motor vehicle” and then reply, “but this is a motor vehicle.” And then point to the motor.

[@emiel1976ep]

The USA is strange with the laws around electric bikes. They had to keep it simple. Take the EU rules. There are 2 groups and no throttle. Group 2, helmet and number plate or something that shows that it is more than 250w. You can limit the acces for group 2 and let group 1 tide where you are allowed to cycle. Way easier to follow and to check.

[@AnAmericanMusician]

The EU sounds awful.

[@WindFireAllThatKindOfThing]

States and the Feds need to get their act together and just simplify whether something is an eBicycle or a Motorized Vehicle based on 3 simple criteria: Wattage, Speed Cut Off, and Mass. Because those are the 3 key variables involved in the physics of an impact. Not difficult. 1000w, 25mph, and about 100 lbs is way easier to memorize and make clear sense in Joe Cyclist's mind rather than the pointless hair splitting between 1 through 3, and 4 for Motorized vehicles. Then the rules become simply Bike vs Not A Bike, and treat it as Just A Bike, not a DMV Money Maker.

[@HarryLovesRuth]

I know you were probably already in the editing phase, but I sort of feel like the topic of this video is because I picked a fight on your last video's comment section. Sorry about that. :-)

[@tfc850]

I think Ebike classes should be eliminated for determining what is allowed on trails. Trails should post maximum allowed speed like we do on public roads. In my area the posted highway speed is 70 mph. If I exceed that a trooper will happily write me a ticket.

[@aurora571000]

Maybe the bikes that go extra fast should need a license

[@jackweta]

32km/hr speed limit i agree with when on cycle paths open road i dont care

[@campocat]

The E-bikes in NYC go 45 MPH and faster without pedaling the 28 MPH is a lie.... Not only that there are E-skateboards doing 45MPH E-wheels doing 45MPH and E-shooters doing 45MPH. Look at the emergency room cases

[@jjrr5805]

Once the government requires a license to use one of these I will be done with ebikes not everyone can get a license

[@toddjohnson1969]

Thank you for the info.

[@michaelsprinzeles4022]

To anyone that asks me if "you need to wear a helmet?" I answer ONLY IF YOU HAVE A BRAIN WORTH PROTECTING!

[@leojonkers3181]

Nobody in my country wear a helmet till 20 miles an hour. Nobody! I live in the Netherlands where you nearly born on a bicycle. If you own a speedelec (28 miles an hour) you must where a helmet and not been allowed driving on bicycle roads. Not nice in city's between cars. You must have a mirror, you must pay street tax, assurance and have an assurance plate on your "bicycle". So, I hope you understand I do not ride a speed bike. And not wear a helmet!

[@leojonkers3181]

@@jessestylex I even do not wear a helmet when I walk. Enough understanding for you?

[@Xtreme.N]

Pls tell us about long island i have Chinese sport e bike lol

[@kenmaruska5818]

There simply is no reason why states and local municipalities can't treat the CPSC definition just like any other bike for traffic / usage. This brainwashing that they needed clarification via the 3-class system was paid for by EU lobby money. That is just a fact and it's why resentment is building. I hope the lawmakers are paying attention.

[@60beats44]

Informative video, but why the frequent 'kind of' references when you could be making clear cut references.

[@mogeking56]

Dude everybody is moving out of New York soon that place will be under water 💦 maybe 🤔 you should do something base on small water craft laws

[@kings7man]

I would not get on a e bike or any bike without hi viz and a helmet it is the same to me as riding in a car without a seatbelt

[@Sshooter444]

Is there an advocacy group we can join to fight over-regulation? Is "PeopIe for Bikes" pro E-bike? I don't want a European style regime here.

[@vinroc]

Safety laws exist for our safety.

[@ordinaryhuman5645]

Pretty much all of the advocacy groups I've seen have been pro-regulation, because they prefer clear rules (e.g. Class 1/2/3 categories) to ambiguous non-rules that may eventually lead to more oppressive rules that what they're proposing today. Whether it's over or under regulation is in the eye of the beholder. Banning under 16 folks from using Class C (28mph) ebikes seems weird to me, but the WI Bike Fed were in favor of it. It seems weird that some people would be okay with those same kids having sex and doing drugs and getting pumped with hormones to treat mental health problems, but going over 28mph on an ebike is too much apparently. E.g. wisconsinbikefed.org/legislative/governor-evers-signs-e-bike-legislation/

[@xmateinc]

yea lets let people skirt the laws by letting them get 60 mph "ebikes" and use them on the road. I mean why have any laws.

[@ordinaryhuman5645]

@@xmateinc Now you might be on to something there. Perhaps we should let people do as they wish, and if they mess up they can be responsible for the consequences.

[@aurora571000]

@@ordinaryhuman5645All those things should be illegal for 16 years old

[@xmateinc]

I find that people that buy throttled bikes like rad rovers, use the throttle most of the time, because pedallin those bikes even with the motor is terrible, heavy bikes with terrible gear ratios.

[@vikki92411]

Thank you.

[@kenmaruska5818]

Most states typically accept the federal product definitions and just regulate use. That is not what many states have been doing with ebikes. The 3 class system promoted by People for Bikes with lobby money promoted legislation under the pretense that the classes were needed for "use" regulation. Totally false as the language in the federal definition for a compliant "low speed electric bicycle" is point blank - it's the same as "bike" and not a motor vehicle. This is not magic vague language...states should regulate use just as stated that they are bikes. States and People for Bikes promoted that they were fixing issues and nothing but take a very simple one definition for an ebike as a bike and inject a far worse system in the claimed name of "safety and clarity."

[@HoofHearted_Eh]

Of course eBikes are Motor Vehicles! The definition of a motor is a machine powered by electricity or electric combustion that supplies motion or action. What's the difference between a motorcycle and an ebike running on let's say, the speed of 40 mph? (Assuming both riders are wearing the same safety gears) I'd say None! Law makers must not limit the potential that eBikes can impact our daily lives. Require registration, require helmets and other safety gears, create laws on proper disposal but do not limit the potential of the machine. It can be another alternative for a motorcycle or a car. It's quiet, it has a smaller profile, it's cheaper, it's green, and the pros definitely out weighs the cons.

[@rrich52806]

All bikes sold in USA are class 1, 2, or 3. California is a liberal state and restrict EBikes

[@neomancr]

Claiming the solid blue light for ebikes. We need all the protection we can get especially with "bike punishers" we're discussing having the front headlight have 2 warm white (looks red especially when contrasted with) cool blue whites on the bottom) which looks bluish contrasted with the top light. White balance whether blue or red are still white, and a pulsing light more often referred to as as the frequency of 24hz appears solid but will strobe when you move, 60hz is the same as most phone screens. That's 60 pulses a second, so alternating 30hz red and 30hz blue would appear to be white unless it's in motion and works very well when you need extra visibility when you ride among cars. I flash both at once when I honk my horn to blast magenta so people can tell immediately who and why I'm beeping which is pretty much always something that would otherwise cause an accident. The ability for white balance to veer from blue to white and how a warm white looks red while a cool white looks blue is probably the coolest loophole ever. I've had 250miles on my bike and there's no just cause for a police officer to stop me since a bike doesn't have a motor, or can blast 1 hp. Your phone has several "motors" in it, it has speakers, an accelerometer, a haptic feedback motor, and a lot of flashing colors. Here's the main thing that sadly if you were born in America you don't understand. When driving a motor vehicle you are committing a crime unless you are proven not guilty. That mixed with guns is precisely why cars are the number 1 killer of people and drivers and only get more dangerous over time with 3nd overs at their worse currently (people running over their own kids on their on drive ways). Motor vehicles are banned just like drones just got banned so operating one is inherently illegal which gives police just cause to stop you, from there you signed away all your civil rights. In the US the passenger licensed or not is just as guilty of any crime found and charge to the car and the person (also something unique to.the US, cars and humans both need penal registration codes and are both liable to charges, and the passenger even if he is a taxi fare or kidnapped can be prosecuted. The laws of driving in America are designed to flip the understand of our laws backward which started with a 10 year campaign aimed at school children in the 50s onward. Thats why when a driver sees a biker do something he isn't allowed to do he gets angry, bikers don't even need to carry licenses or IDs. Even if you ride with a helmet the most they'll do as ask if you have a drivers license and if you say no, they'll just send you on your way since you never signed the motor vehicle codes. I've been cop hunting, on my 250th miles just to see how much I can get away with by making sure I don't break any actual laws, but break all traffic laws I. E. Run red lights, use blue lights, strobe red and blue lights, approach and officer ask him if I should have a helmet all the while and all he says is "its whatever the rules are". The police don't know just cause for stopping a bike and so anything they do after stopping you they might as well be engaging in a fight with your horse.

[@hardipsehmi4249]

Do you need a helmet on an ebile

[@michaelhager9889]

So, a bike with a motor is not a motorized vehicle. Their goes the government bending the definition again. It’s simple, does a bike have a motor on it or not.

[@floydb9100]

0:37 fire DT!!

[@markkohr6078]

Really good - Really helpful in the community and world.

[@vanjaobradovic4303]

Nice bike very satisfied

[@TheThirdRutherford]

LOL riding with masks on. Science!

[@rodgersayles0707]

There's laws...and enforcement of laws. I am more concerned with when cities put effort into enforcement. Very hard to enforce so go big, get as much bike you can afford.

[@rebeccaockerman2422]

Jasion

[@MrKeyboardCommando]

The USA has laws⁉️ You do surprise me‼️

[@shannontrainer5857]

Every state have separate laws. In my state, you'll need a motorcycle license to ride an ebike.

[@MrKeyboardCommando]

@@shannontrainer5857 I didn't realise each state had its own laws. I had assumed everybody was subject to the same laws. Thank you for the information. I will readily admit I find the politics, legislation and law enforcement of the USA very confusing.

[@onareichertmd8026]

Woow woow 😍💋 💝💖❤️