Looking to purchase ebike but are they legal?
- Thread starter TIF
- Start date
ebikemom
Well-Known Member
I think seeing real people on real ebikes can help get laws to change, and that police aren't zealous to find problems where none exist (like pulling over cyclists to see if their bike is an ebike--I've never heard of this happening, except in CA where I heard that a ranger or two in state parks were overzealous). I think if you ride reasonably in a "bicycle" type style and aren't trying to zip around like a motorcycle, nobody will even notice that you are on an ebike. And, as folks learn that that's what you are riding, you'll find lots of support.
That said, I'm not generally one to recommend breaking state laws!
Your state legislative rep may have some info for you on any pending or upcoming legislation on ebikes in New York state.
That said, I'm not generally one to recommend breaking state laws!
Your state legislative rep may have some info for you on any pending or upcoming legislation on ebikes in New York state.
6zfshdb
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- Northeast Pennsylvania
People for Bikes maintains this website:
http://peopleforbikes.org/our-work/..._8thCytBJugu9I0UWuo4FMzZkNXmzkmxoC4VYQAvD_BwE
It's an excellent place to research ebike laws.
http://peopleforbikes.org/our-work/..._8thCytBJugu9I0UWuo4FMzZkNXmzkmxoC4VYQAvD_BwE
It's an excellent place to research ebike laws.
Ebiker01
Well-Known Member
I ride in Nyc , if you use the PAS, meaning pedal assist NOT the throttle you’ll be allright.. using throttle is a risk for now , but upstate maybe the officers are lenient then here in the city.
City bike and Uber(JUMP) , Lime already have e bikes sharing in the city and in SI and in the BX. PAS only.
City bike and Uber(JUMP) , Lime already have e bikes sharing in the city and in SI and in the BX. PAS only.
6zfshdb
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- Northeast Pennsylvania
The idea of riding an ebike illegally disturbs me as well. I frequently travel with my bike and I'm never 100% sure it is legal in every place I ride. The laws vary by town, city & state and are constantly changing. The federal government also has their own set of ebike laws which further complicates the issue. Even signs posted in parks and trailheads can be confusing. Many say "No Motor Vehicles". Is an ebike considered to be a motor vehicle? In some cases yes and others, no.
Personally, I try and keep up on the ever changing laws and always ride responsibly. Unless a sign says "No Electric Bicycles", (yes, I've seen them) I'll usually just ride and take a chance. So far, I've never been cited or told I can't ride here.
I do find it encouraging that, with the exception of some cities that are cracking down on throttled ebikes, I haven't heard of large numbers of ebikers being cited for violations.
John from Connecticut
Well-Known Member
Thank you for your reply. I am looking to bike local roads in eastern Dutchess County, Rail Trails, and bike paths at a state park. Many of the country roads in my area have low traffic volumes. Many have hills that have made me cut my rides short which is why I am interested in an ebike for assistance.
John from Connecticut
Well-Known Member
Hello TIF,
From the sounds of things you'll be riding a nearly identical style of ebiking I've been enjoying for nearly a year and a half. I've ridden 4200 miles in CT, heavy into Rails to Trails
and very quiet safe roads, the worst thing I've experienced has been a flat tire. : )
One thing I practice, especially on the rails to trails is what I call 'excessive courtesy' . When approaching walkers, other cyclists etc. I never know who I'm passing and
whether they might sit on some Town Zoning Board, voting on cycling in general on Rails to Trails. I never speed. In a year and a half I've had one ill
informed person tell me my emtb was 'illegal' on the Rails to Trails I was on. He was wrong and I stated the law to back my point, that was the end of
that conversation. I enjoy eBiking so much that I do all I can advocate for eBikers.
I will say this, I'm not a huge fan of eBikes with throttles. One concern when viewed by the uninformed, when the eBike throttle is engaged and no pedal movement, it sure looks like a 'motor powered' bike aka a scooter, which for that point in time it is.
My two cents, decide on an eBike of your liking, buy it and enjoy. Don't get bogged down in minutia. If you purchase locally your bike should be a great resource if there
are any hard and fast rules that may apply ( which I doubt) You're going to have a great time !!
6zfshdb
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- Northeast Pennsylvania
[QUOTE="John from Connecticut, post: 182480, member: 15862"
I will say this, I'm not a huge fan of eBikes with throttles. One concern when viewed by the uninformed, when the eBike throttle is engaged and no pedal movement, it sure looks like a 'motor powered' bike aka a scooter, which for that point in time it is.[/QUOTE]
I wasn't a throttle fan either when I bought my first ebike. For those of us with joint problems or other health issues, a throttle can be a big safety feature. If for some reason I'm unable to pedal, I can always use the throttle to get me home or back to my vehicle.
Your point that the throttle advertises the fact that you're riding a "motor bike" is well taken. For that reason, I rarely use it except as an aid when pedaling. I find it particularly useful to get started on an uphill grade.
Just because your bike has a throttle doesn't mean you have to use it. A throttle does however turn a class I ebike into a class II. If this distinction makes a legal difference where you ride, it may have a bearing on whether to buy a throttled ebike or not. For me, the increased safety factor is worth the risk of being cited.
I will say this, I'm not a huge fan of eBikes with throttles. One concern when viewed by the uninformed, when the eBike throttle is engaged and no pedal movement, it sure looks like a 'motor powered' bike aka a scooter, which for that point in time it is.[/QUOTE]
I wasn't a throttle fan either when I bought my first ebike. For those of us with joint problems or other health issues, a throttle can be a big safety feature. If for some reason I'm unable to pedal, I can always use the throttle to get me home or back to my vehicle.
Your point that the throttle advertises the fact that you're riding a "motor bike" is well taken. For that reason, I rarely use it except as an aid when pedaling. I find it particularly useful to get started on an uphill grade.
Just because your bike has a throttle doesn't mean you have to use it. A throttle does however turn a class I ebike into a class II. If this distinction makes a legal difference where you ride, it may have a bearing on whether to buy a throttled ebike or not. For me, the increased safety factor is worth the risk of being cited.
John from Connecticut
Well-Known Member
I wasn't a throttle fan either when I bought my first ebike. For those of us with joint problems or other health issues, a throttle can be a big safety feature. If for some reason I'm unable to pedal, I can always use the throttle to get me home or back to my vehicle.
Your point that the throttle advertises the fact that you're riding a "motor bike" is well taken. For that reason, I rarely use it except as an aid when pedaling. I find it particularly useful to get started on an uphill grade.
Just because your bike has a throttle doesn't mean you have to use it. A throttle does however turn a class I ebike into a class II. If this distinction makes a legal difference where you ride, it may have a bearing on whether to buy a throttled ebike or not. For me, the increased safety factor is worth the risk of being cited.[/QUOTE]
Hello 6zfshdb,
You've brought up some excellent points, several I hadn't considered. I agree with your perspective.
Thanks.
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