Laws and Regulations for E-Bikes
Make sure to check out our helpful electric bike review filled with tons of useful information for the rider.
Contents
Local Laws and Policies
Speed Restrictions
Let’s face it, you’re excited about your new electric bike and want to hit the road. Although you may be thrilled to ride it at the maximum speed, you must also consider your local laws governing speed limits. The last thing you want is to receive a speeding ticket or even worse, go to jail for not knowing the rules. It is important that you educate yourself on any speed laws that you may need to abide by.
Licensing Requirements
A key regulation you need to be on the lookout for are licensing requirements. If your bike is capable of going a certain speed, the requirement may exist that you must obtain a license before you can operate the bike on the streets. Don’t be discouraged by this because it is actually a good thing for your safety. By obtaining a license, you will go through training that will teach you how to properly handle a motorized bike and your confidence will increase when riding it because you will definitely learn how to handle it better. Trust me on this, I have a motorcycle license and what I learned about handling it is priceless.
Street Riding
Another point to consider is infrastructure. Where can you ride your bike? In my city there are dedicated lanes that are strictly for the use of cyclists and other bikes. However, depending on the speed, an e-bike may be required to ride on the regular road alongside other motor vehicles. It is important to understand that you may need to ride with regular vehicles and if it’s something completely new to you, you may want to try it first and then make the decision of purchasing an e-bike for which you may be restricted to ride on the regular road. If you’re not comfortable riding on the road, you may spend your hard earned money for something you may not be comfortable doing and ultimately give up in time.
Additional Information
For additional information concerning the laws that may be applicable to your home state, please click the link below.