The three classes of electric bikes (e-bikes) were developed around 2014 by the national bicycle advocacy group PeopleForBikes and the bicycle industry trade association BPSA. That’s right, before then, e-bikes were supposed to meet moped standards, with a gov’t safety certification.
It was hoped that e-bikes could fill a void that mopeds couldn’t. E-bikes are to make traditional cycling easier, more convenient, and accessible, not faster. That is why the max speed of 28mph was chosen (under that of mopeds). They did not want a motor vehicle that needed expensive, DOT-approved components to be safe. Riding an e-bike outside the three-class system, without an FMVSS certification, is unsafe. This is particularly true for pedestrians sharing lanes, trails, and paths. If your e-bike is not within the three-class system and does not have this certification, it is dangerous to you and those around you….
The three classes of e-bikes are:
Class 1: Pedal assist only, with a top speed of 20 mph
Class 2: Pedal assist with a throttle, also with a top speed of 20 mph
Class 3: Pedal assist only, with a top speed of 28 mph, but may also have a throttle capped at 20 mph
Mopeds are 50cc, up to two horsepower (roughly 1500 watts), and no more than 30mph. The driver cannot switch gears. You must be 16 years or older. Mopeds must be licensed and registered. Mopeds are restricted to roads with speed limits of 35 or less. In most places, even where traditional motorcycle riders don’t have to wear helmets, helmets are generally required. Mopeds must have a federal safety certification tag. Must have a Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards certificate. This means DOT approved, lights, horn, brakes, turn signals and suspension. E-bikes do not have to meet any of these restrictions.
An out-of-class e-bike has none of the safeguards required of a moped. This was by design, to keep e-bikes affordable yet still safe. Still, there are those riding, selling, importing, and manufacturing unsafe e-bikes. These are a threat to the rest of us. Because of them, more and more places are banning e-bikes.
I have spent time with anti-e-bike cyclists, local, and even some state officials. None have a problem with the restrictions on e-bikes listed below. None were aware that such a system actually existed and applied to e-bikes. I should add, though, that all with whom I have spoken did not like the idea of Class III e-bikes. Think of it as a concession.
We NEED to ban the importation of any e-bike or kit that does not meet the three-class system. If it is too easily hacked, it needs to be banned as well.
E-bikes can be up to 1 hp (750 watts) and no more than 28mph. In exchange, e-bikes can have multiple gears. There are no age limits, though many states either require or plan to require 14 years old (I believe 15 should be the minimum, and with an at-risk driver’s permit). No license or registration is required. E-bikes are restricted only from limited access roads. Helmets are not required. No federal certification is required. No FMVSS certification is required. No e-bike meets DOT requirements for brakes, lights, or turn signals.
Gang, we have been given a great deal of latitude. Let’s not let illegal bikes ruin it for the rest of us. Call them out. Stand behind reasonable restrictions where you live. If we don’t, soon we will not be able to ride anywhere. That or the certifications already being seen will drive up the cost to where many seniors and young families will not be able to afford an e-bike. For you e-bike haters, there is a difference. For you e-bike scofflaws, it may be time to unload your illegal bike before it becomes a serious liability.
