The answer depends on the state that you’re in. There is a wikipedia article “electric bike laws” or “electric bicycle laws” that provide detailed information on a state by state basis.
I have an XB-600 and felt a little scammed. You see, while it is legally an “electric bicycle” as per federal regulation, each state can still decide how or if it can be driven legally in each state.
Currently there is no law on the books in NY State, where I’m from, but there is a bill that has already passed the state legistlature and is currently hung up in the Transportation Committee. The bill only mandates that you have to be over 16 and you need to wear a DOT-certified helmet. Until that bill becomes law, however, it’s illegal by default in NYS. I carry a copy of that bill when I’m riding so I can try to talk myself out of a ticket, should I get pulled over.
I’ve been commuting with it to and from work despite this, but I’m staying on 30mph streets much of the time.
However you ride it, don’t ride it on the sidewalk, despite it’s “bicycle” status. That is sure to attract the attention of the boys in blue.
Ride Safe,
-Mark
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no,dont you ?
The answer depends on the state that you’re in. There is a wikipedia article “electric bike laws” or “electric bicycle laws” that provide detailed information on a state by state basis.
I have an XB-600 and felt a little scammed. You see, while it is legally an “electric bicycle” as per federal regulation, each state can still decide how or if it can be driven legally in each state.
Currently there is no law on the books in NY State, where I’m from, but there is a bill that has already passed the state legistlature and is currently hung up in the Transportation Committee. The bill only mandates that you have to be over 16 and you need to wear a DOT-certified helmet. Until that bill becomes law, however, it’s illegal by default in NYS. I carry a copy of that bill when I’m riding so I can try to talk myself out of a ticket, should I get pulled over.
I’ve been commuting with it to and from work despite this, but I’m staying on 30mph streets much of the time.
However you ride it, don’t ride it on the sidewalk, despite it’s “bicycle” status. That is sure to attract the attention of the boys in blue.
Ride Safe,
-Mark