Wikipedia... A Great Up to Date Resource for Ebike Laws

[Admin]

One of the best places to learn about ebike laws by state is Wikipedia. In my experience it stays fairly up to date and provides great sources. Check it out here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_bicycle_laws

Generally speaking, the US lumps anything with a 750 watt or less motor and 20 mph or less top speed into the "bicycle" category which does not require a license or insurance and may be ridden in bike lanes.

 

[James Kohls]

The Minnesota section on Wikipedia is probably not worded the best.

Wikipedia says "The motor must disengage during braking and have a maximum speed of 20 miles per hour (whether assisted by human power or not)"

The Office of the Revisor of Statutes wording makes it fairly clear that speed pedalecs (what this website calls Class 3), capable of more than 20mph, are not categorized as an Electric-assisted bicycle.

Subd. 27.Electric-assisted bicycle.
(3) has an electric motor that (i) has a power output of not more than 1,000 watts, (ii) is incapable of propelling the vehicle at a speed of more than 20 miles per hour, (iii) is incapable of further increasing the speed of the device when human power alone is used to propel the vehicle at a speed of more than 20 miles per hour, and (iv) disengages or ceases to function when the vehicle's brakes are applied.

In fact nowhere within 169.011 is there a category of vehicle that 21-28mph speed pedalecs fit.

 

[whiteturbo]

Oh Dear, i didn't realise this was an American forum. As i'm sure you would like to reach out worlds wide, Any chance of maybe UK E-Bike Laws

 

[Cornishman]

The Wikipedia link posted gives a lot of detail regarding the law in the UK and the EU.

 

[pip001]

Why does the UK not allow this ?? Up to 20 mph is reasonable for an assisted bicycle . We have a clear divide between Europe and US here ;-)

 

[Ann M.]

@whiteturbo, there's a great ebike forum that shares members here and it's based in the UK. Check out their info on UK bike laws and look for some great videos and info by EddieJ too; he posts at both sites but rides in the UK and Europe.