In the US, class 1 and 2 ebikes have assist up to 20mph (class 2 is allowed a throttle, whole class 1 is only peddle assist). Class 3 can go up to 28mph (no throttle allowed), but is usually not allowed on bike paths.
IMHO, there is too much legal fragmentation and a discrepancy between the federal classification and the treatment of e-bikes as regular bikes. I also prefer the slower speed limits and simplified classification most EU member states adopted (15mph, 250W continuous motor power)
In the US, class 1 and 2 ebikes have assist up to 20mph (class 2 is allowed a throttle, whole class 1 is only peddle assist). Class 3 can go up to 28mph (no throttle allowed), but is usually not allowed on bike paths.
Yeah, in general, that’s true. Unfortunately, that’s not the whole truth, as usual. I found these sites helpful:
https://www.velotricbike.com/blogs/story-landing/electric-bike-laws-by-state
https://www.peopleforbikes.org/electric-bikes/state-laws
IMHO, there is too much legal fragmentation and a discrepancy between the federal classification and the treatment of e-bikes as regular bikes. I also prefer the slower speed limits and simplified classification most EU member states adopted (15mph, 250W continuous motor power)