Electric Mountain Bike Laws
The federal electric bike laws.
Electric mountain bike laws. Generally any natural surface trail that is designated as open to both motorized and non motorized uses is also open to emtbs. Electric bicycle e bike laws are subject to who owns the land you plan to ride on. Montana state electric bike laws definition legal operation. One of the issues that confuses a lot of people is the definition of a powered bike that is given in federal laws.
If electric mountain bikes were to gain expanded off road trail access the electric mountain bike market would would see a corresponding increase in sales which would benefit ebike manufacturers. Federal state local and private laws vary. The state of montana mt defines electric bicycles as a bicycle with two operational pedals with a motor attached that does not exceed more than 500w. Definition of electric bike.
Class ii is for bikes that provide electric power whether or not the rider is pedaling but stops providing power when the speed reaches 20 mph. New laws specifically exclude electric pedal assisted bicycles as motorized vehicles and bicycles are permitted on all state land but not necessarily on indian reservations nor restrictive municipalities such as in park city code 10 1 4 5 where electric bicycles are generally not allowed on bike paths 2 if the motor is not more than 750 watts and the assistance shuts off at 20 mph utah. The new law also more clearly defines where e bikes can and cannot be used on bikeways trails and streets. Click below to learn more about electric mountain bikes.
Helmets are required for bike riders. Emtbs may not be allowed on trails managed for non motorized activities. Best electric mountain bike. New e bike law in washington state takes effect on june 7 2018.
Class i is for pedal assist with maximum of 20 mph electric assist. Trail riding in utah. The state of utah does not have licensing and registration requirements for electric bikes 20 miles per hour and under. The power source may not propel device unassisted at a speed exceeding 30mph on a level surface.
One of the biggest roadblocks to this expanded trail access for ebikes is the criticism coming from current trail users. Pennsylvania s e bike law for trails on federal state county and local trails e mountain bike emtb access varies significantly. Class iii is for bikes that continue providing electrical power up to 28 mph. Mountain bikers and trail going equestrians.
Yet this description is something that matters more to the retailer than to the buyer as it defines that they can be treated as consumer products when being sold. 8 reasons to ride an ebike in the mountains. In early 2018 the washington state legislature passed sb 6434 establishing a legal framework consistent with national standards and giving the electric bike e bike industry greater certainty in the washington market. Also laws differ in each state making it difficult to supply one simple answer as to where you can ride your electric mountain bike.
The state of colorado co statute has three classes of electric bicycle.