E-Bike Classes, Laws, and Route Types
Intro
E-bikes are like regular bikes—only they have a motor, battery, dashboards, and a few sensors. The result? They can go faster than a standard motor-less bike, and therefore, a little coaching and training can be helpful. Safety first is a good motto, after all.
To help insure bike path and pedestrian safety, the vast majority of states have (or are currently adopting) a 3-class e-bike system that defines at what speed you can ride. Adopting common standards is helpful in reducing consumer confusion about e-bikes, and helps increase ridership. Let’s dive into the different class identifications now.
E-bike classes
Class 1 e-bike
The motor provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling (referred to as Pedal Assist - PAS) and that assistance stops when the bicycle reaches a speed of 20 miles per hour (32 kilometers per hour).
Class 2 E-bike
The motor provides assistance in two ways – with a throttle where no pedaling is required, or when the rider is pedaling. Pedal assist ceases when the bicycle reaches a speed of 20 miles per hour (32 kph), and throttle speed is governed to cease also at 20 mph.
Class 3 e-bike
The motor provides pedal assistance up to 28 miles per hour (40 kph). Class 3 used with its common definition has no mention of throttle – it is PAS only, but the definition has evolved and often is considered to include a throttle.
*Unofficial* Class 4 e-bike
This is not an officially recognized class, but is commonly referred to for e-bikes that have motors at the 1000 watt level or greater, and also have pedals. These bikes have become more common and in use by first responders, hunters, ranchers, and others in off-road environments. A 1000 watt motor without pedals would be a moped or motorcycle, requiring licensing and registration.
State laws
In most states, Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are allowed the same route access as regular road bikes and mountain bikes, while class 3 e-bikes are typically only allowed on roadways and in designated bike lanes. Most municipalities follow the state laws. Just like regular bicycles, e-bikes are not allowed on many sidewalks or pedestrian pathways, although local jurisdictions may have different rules.
Most e-bikes sold today have both a pedal assist mode and a throttle – not one or the other, but both. Many e-bikes can have their motor speed (wattage output) easily reprogrammed via the bike display to limit the top-end speed (referred to as governing), so speed limit compliance is easily accomplished. Not only can the wattage be programmed down to a Class 1 level of 20 mph, when capable of much higher, but even lower settings are possible (seniors might consider 10 or 15 mph).
On the opposite end, for off-road, private property, and law enforcement use, these Class 4 e-bikes (1000 watts and beyond) can be programmed to go at speeds well beyond 28 mph. They can also have their top speed easily lowered when complying with local regulations. If you remove your battery or turn off the motor, you are at zero watts, of course, and it is just a bike with a little more weight from the battery and motor (we call it class zero e-bike!).
Another option, when concerned about local compliance, is to disconnect the throttle cable and only use PAS. This is frequently done when entering and riding in National Parks, where they may restrict the use the throttle. The simplest is assume personal responsibility - restrict your use of the throttle on paths, keep under the speed limit, and enjoy your ride.
Speed
Like regular bikes, most e-bikes have mechanical gears. This is important to note because unless you’re riding a single speed e-bike, you can take advantage of not just your motor but also your various gears when navigating the terrain.
Most bikes nowadays have seven gears. The lower mechanical gears are good for going uphill while the higher gears are good for going downhill. Bikes naturally go faster downhill, and most e-bikes (just like regular bikes) allow the rider to manually shift into a higher gear, resulting in downhill speeds beyond what the motor speed is programmed to. Ever seen an e-biker going 40 mph? It was probably a steeper downhill terrain, they were shifted into a high gear, and they were braking to keep their speed down. Just because the e-bike is a Class 3 with a 28mph top-speed, it can still go downhill much faster. There is no automatic braking to keep an e-bike at (or under) a set speed.
But most people don’t worry about the “speed” topic for bikes—it’s usually more a priority for other vehicle types, like ATVs or side-by-sides. A bike is more about the open air experience, recreation, and/or exercise. Wrecking on bikes at 20 mph – not pretty, so speed on a bike may be your enemy. We love speed at times, but safety and common sense are important too. By the way, regarding common sense—we recommend everyone always wear a helmet, regardless of your experience level. Pot holes and rugged terrain can be unfriendly to say the least. E-bikes with fat tires can also help with pot holes and rugged terrain.
But we’re rambling. Back to the point!
Choosing the right e-bike class for you
Selecting the right e-bike class for you starts with answering the following questions. After you establish the answers to these questions, you can move on to the fun stuff: aesthetics. We’re talking looks, colors, sizes, and various accessories. Until then, pop quiz!
Where are you primarily going to ride?
For example, on paved roads or on trails. The answer to this question is going to determine the best e-bike fit for you. A dozen or so categories exist, from lightweight cruisers on city roads, to powerful off-road and rugged fat-tire bikes, foldable bikes for portability, dual motor e-bikes for great traction, along with many more that we offer.
How far are you going to be riding?
The answer here determines the required battery and motor capacity. The most expensive component on an e-bike is the battery, and longer mileage rides means a need for more expensive, larger capacity batteries, a spare battery you carry, or the willingness to ride the bike without assistance for a ways (in Class 0).
How frequently are you going to ride?
Daily, every weekend, twice monthly, or more infrequently? This can help determine your budget—you probably don’t want an expensive bike if you only ride it twice a year, and only go ten miles. On the other hand, someone riding more regularly might want to invest in elevated comfort, such as a nicer seat or stellar suspension.
Route types for e-bike riding
Below are a list of route types. Depending on the route, you’ll need to check into local state laws to make sure you’re allowed to ride there with your specific e-bike class.
Paved bike path: An easy, ideal solution for all bikers.
Paved street: Also a great choice for riding your e-bike. Look for a wide, designated bike lane on a paved street or even a street with a narrow, painted lane works too. The wider the lane and the less trafficked the street, the better.
Unpaved street: An unpaved street is okay, especially with fat e-bike tires and front/rear suspension—which help make the ride more comfortable. Watch your speed on unfamiliar routes, and we suggest becoming comfortable and familiar with your bike before beginning longer and more challenging rides.
Walking paths: Most cities allow mixed use along walking paths—including joggers, walkers, and bikers. But that said, some cities or towns actually restrict bicycle access on walking paths. Make sure you check with local authorities.
County streets: County roads provide both paved and unpaved options, plus they’re often scenic and low in traffic.
State and U.S. highways: Mixing bikes with high speed vehicle traffic is a risk. If you do decide to ride alongside state or U.S. highways, please be careful and aware.
State parks: Most state parks have both paths and roads, so check with park management when you first enter. You can probably pick up a printed map there too, which often include any rules or regulations within the park. And if you need to transport your bike to get to a state park, there are many good bike carrier options today, or foldable e-bike designs that can fit easily into the back of your car.
National parks: National parks now consider e-bikes as regular bikes, allowing Class 1 use alongside traditional bikes.
Off-road on BLM land: Check with the area office to see if their rules are different than the national policy.
Off-road on Forest Service land: Again, check the latest rules and regulations.
