E-Bikes
RELATED TOPICS: Safety and Mobility for Older Adults, Bike Share, Connected Multimodal Networks
Electric bicycles, or e-bikes, have become increasingly popular as they have made biking easier and more comfortable, expanding the range of trips and riders. E-bikes have been incorporated into bike-sharing systems across the country, providing an additional transportation option for many communities.
E-bikes include a small electric motor that can be activated by pedaling or through a handlebar-mounted throttle or switch. They generally resemble standard bicycles, and traditional bicycles can often be converted into e-bikes. Most e-bikes have a top speed of 20 to 28 miles per hour, which has been an important factor in their classification and regulation. While regulations vary by state and municipality, at the Federal level, e-bikes are considered to have a maximum speed of 20 miles per hour when powered exclusively by motor.
As of 2020, 26 States had adopted legislation regulating e-bikes using a three-tier classification system, while 18 States had defined e-bikes in some manner. In other States, e-bike regulations have sometimes been unclear, with classifications overlapping with mopeds or scooters. Some municipalities have established their own regulations governing e-bike use, particularly on trails, paths, and sidewalks. The Department of the Interior announced that e-bikes may be permitted on public lands, where traditional bicycles are allowed, as determined by local land managers and existing State and local regulations.
Resources
Electric Bicycles Resources
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
Shares information on electric bicycles (e-bikes), including literature review summaries, fact sheets, research, and case studies.
State Electric Bicycle Laws - a Legislative Primer
National Conference of State Legislatures
Offers in-depth discussion of the legal regulations that pertain to e-bikes.
New E-Bike Incentive Design Toolkit
PeopleForBikes
Includes sample e-bike legislation, overview of existing programs, and best practices. Offers a foundation for bike advocates, retailers, and policymakers to design and implement e-bike incentive programs.
E-Bikes: Charging Toward Compact Cycling Cities
Institute for Transportation & Development Policy
Defines e-bikes and assesses their usage patterns, benefits, and challenges.
PeopleForBikes
PeopleForBikes
Shares up-to-date information on federal and local e-bike policies as well as resources for e-bike retailers and people interested in electric mountain bikes.
More Resources >
Examples
Case Studies on Micromobility in the United States
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
Offers a compilation of case studies focused on micromobility programs.
Case Study: E-Bike Libraries Advance Mobility Options
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
Showcases an e-bike lending library program.
New Electric Mountain Bike Policy Database
PeopleForBikes
Offers a searchable database of e-bike policies across the US.
The Electric Assist: Leveraging E-bikes and E-scooters for More Livable Communities
Institute for Transportation & Development Policy
Discusses the role of e-bikes and e-scooters in making communities more livable.
Michigan: New Policy Opens Thousands of Miles of Trails to E-Bikes
Bridge Michigan
Reports on Michigan’s new policy expanding e-bike access to trails.
