Now that we know the laws on bicycles, here are the laws on electric bicycles:
– rules on the roadway are the same as bicycles
– the rights and duty of a bicyclist are the same for an electric bicyclist
– you may not operate an electric bicycle unless the electric motor disengages or ceases to function either:
1) when you stop pedaling; or
2) when the brakes are applied
– you may not operate a Class 3 electric bicycle, unless you are at least 15 years of age
Here are the definitions of an electric bicycle: a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of fewer than 750 watts, and with a top assisted speed of 28 mph or less.
Electric bicycles are classified into Class 1, 2 or 3:
Class 1: equipped with a motor that assists the rider only when the rider is pedaling and with a top assisted speed of 20 mph or less.
Class 2: equipped with a motor that may be used to propel the bicycle without the pedaling of the rider and with a top assisted speed of 20 mph or less.
Class 3: equipped with a motor that assists the rider only when the rider is pedaling and with a top assisted speed of more than 20 mph but less than 28 mph.
