Keep Safety, Legalities in Mind When Using an Electric Bike

They are not quite average bicycles and they certainly are not motorcycles, but the question of where they fall in regard to legal definition is making quite a ruckus on the worldwide scene. As more people turn to electric bikes or mopeds for short-distance transportation, lawmakers as scrambling to spell out the rules of the road for these machines.

Electric bikes are energy-saving vehicles that can operate on either electric power or human propulsion for pedaling. When using electric power, these machines can travel at speeds of more than 20 miles per hour, which does create somewhat of a quandary for lawmakers.

The rules of the road for electric bikes vary from country to country and even city to city. Most countries, however, do allow for their use and even encourage it to an extent. The complications come in thanks to the myriad of laws at different jurisdictional levels and the fact that the terms used to describe them can vary rather greatly.

In the United States, the federal government has simplified matters somewhat by creating a law that defines what an electric bicycle is and what laws should apply to them. This type of conveyance is now legally described as a machine that operates with pedals that are fully functioning and relies on motor power output that is 750 watts or less. The top speeds for the definition must cap out at 20 mph. When this is the case, electric bikes, according to federal legislation, should be treated as bicycles and not be subjected to the laws governing motorized vehicles. Despite the federal legislation, however, some states and even counties and cities do have their own spin on the laws, which can complicate things for riders.

On the international scene, the laws surrounding electric bikes and their definition vary rather greatly. China, Canada, Italy, the United Kingdom, New Zealand and others all have their own take on exactly when an electric bike ceases to be a “bicycle” and becomes a motorized vehicle. They also have their own manufacturer and safety standards.

So, what can riders around the world do to make sure they stay on the right side of the law as they enjoy a little assistance with their pedal power? The best bet is to do these things before buying, and especially riding, an electric bike on the roads:

• Look into federal laws – Make sure the national rules of the road are understood before putting an electric bicycle into use.
• Check on the local level – Since some states, counties and cities have their own laws regarding operation of electric bikes, check with local law enforcement for any rules that must be followed.
• Keep safety in mind – Do pay attention to safety laws, as well. In many areas, helmet laws are enforced just as they are for motorcycles or bicycles.

Electric bikes can speed up the pedal process and make short commutes more environmentally friendly. They can create a headache in regard to the laws, however. Before riding, get ahead of the game and check into the rules of the road.