Electric Bikes are Street Legal

In a word -- Only bicycle laws apply to production electric bicycles.

The new US law regards electric bicycles with fully functional pedals, no more than 750 watts of motor output and a 20 mph top speed as bicyclesî.

The US Senate has passed SR 1156, clearing the way for a legal definition of an electric bicycle in the USA, former President Bush signed this law. The new law assigns the governance of electric bicycles to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and will define a bicycle that has pedals, (and is capable of being propelled by those pedals) an electric motor of no more than 750 watts, and a top speed (on motor only) of 20 mph as a "bicycle." As a bicycle, therefore, you do not need any license, registration, or insurance.

You will, however, see a lot of phony or barely functional pedals on scooters attempting to squeak into this category.

Now, it is still possible that an overzealous police officer may still try to write you a ticket if you have not obeyed the traffic laws. When riding a bike, it is always important to obey traffic laws. But you do not have to show a driver’s license, registration, or any other verification.

The electric bike is one of the few unregulated vehicles of any type. So, it is truly a vehicle of FREEDOM: No license, no registration, no insurance, no GAS! Just a ton of pure fun.

Other Legislation and Related Issues:

In 2001, the U. S. Congress passed Public Law 107-319 which exempts electric bicycles under 750 watts/20 mph from the definition of a motor vehicle only…."for purposes of motor vehicle safety standards.” This means that the manufacturers of these bicycles don't have to meet federal equipment requirements, and are instead governed by the manufacturing requirements of the Consumer Product Safety Act. There is no mention of exemption from other federal, state, and local traffic laws, or exemption from the definition of a motor vehicle for other purposes.

Various states have passed their own laws. California law states that no driver's license, license plate, nor insurance is required. You must be 16 years or older and wear a standard bicycle helmet. Electric bikes are subject to all the rules of the road. Additional laws governing the operation of electric bicycles may be extended by state or local governments. It is therefore legally a bicycle, so you can use it wherever and however you can use a bike. Washington law is similar.

Federal law overrides all States’ laws. That is also true with bicycle law. States cannot constitutionally pass legislation that reduce or eliminate Federal law -- they can only pass legislation that enacts additional (tighter) restrictions on its people. Therefore, no State can enact legislation that allows wattages or speeds greater than the Federal Government’s limit of 750 Watts and a top electric-powered speed of 20MPH. States can only legislate LOWER wattages and top-speeds (which, to our knowledge has not been done by any state). An e-bike can go over 20 MPH, but not by means of the motor. No matter what state you bike in, bicycle speeds on public roads above 20MPH cannot legally be motor-assisted. And as a practical matter, police don't notice bikes going too fast, nor have we ever heard of them writing speeding tickets for an electric bike.

If you live in a state that lacks basic electric bike legislation, consider this. Although it is possible that riding your electric bike may be illegal, so is jay-walking. Generally speaking, 1) police don't know the exact rules, 2) police expect electric bike and scooter riders to wear a bicycle helmet, 3) most electric bikes look to the casual observer like ordinary bikes, and 4) if you get ticketed, just go to court and plead your case; judges almost always let you off. And start putting pressure on your state legislature to enact an electric bicycle law similar to California's. Again as a practical matter, we have never heard of anyone getting ticketed for just riding an electric bike.

Are there special insurance requirements?
No insurance is required to ride an e-bike. However, if you want to insure it against theft, check your current homeowner's insurance policy. An electric bicycle may be covered. Check with your agent.

Is an electric bicycle considered a zero emission vehicle?
Yes. While some communities only define ZEV's as car replacements, others are looking for alternative ways to reduce sources of mobile pollution. Electric bikes have qualified for electric vehicle credits in some communities. Check with your local environmental management group for clarification. Every time you take a short trip on your electric bicycle rather than a car, you delete a cold start that would have added a significant amount of pollution.

What are the laws regarding mopeds?
Most motor vehicles must be registered with the California Department of Motor Vehicles. Motorized bicycles (mopeds) are exempt from registration (sec. 4020), but must display a special plate issued by the department (sec. 5030).

Question: If I have a DUI and a suspended or revoked license, can I legally ride an electric bicycle?

Answer: Yes!

Question: If I am an alien working in the United States, can I ride an electric bicycle legally?

Answer Yes!

Question: If I am under 16, can I ride an electric bicycle legally?

Answer Yes!

So an electric bike can give you back your mobility, freedom, and ability to make a living! Another tremendous use for the electric bike is for those with disabilities. I recently had a total hip replacement, and after two weeks I was able to power around on my Lashout bike. Then I gradually started pedaling more and more, modulating the amount I was pedaling to match my increasing level of fitness. I grew a new and deeper appreciation for electric bikes, because it helped lift my spirits everyday, greatly assisting my rehabilitation, as it transported me to where I wanted to go.

Another wonderful thing about electric bikes is that they may be ridden practically anywhere; street, bike path, trail, even the sidewalk in some places(with discretion). You can ride to a crowded event and pull right up to your destination, lock up your bike and you are there!

Spotlight on Dr. Malcolm R. Currie
Founder and CEO, Currie Technologies

I must recognize the Currie bike as breaking the ground for the development of future electric bikes. I often get asked who developed the electric bike. There were many pioneers, but Dr. Currie, a pioneer in aerospace, gave them a huge boost with the invention of the US Pro Drive system – still in use in a variation by the Rayos. By making an inexpensive bike, Currie made electric bikes widely available, and laid the groundwork for the evolution into better vehicles, i.e. the Lashout, Tidalforce, the Ebike, and now the Hebb Electroglide. Unfortunately, Currie’s company has been sold and produces inferior bicycles mostly for Walmart and Costco which are unfortunately, a hollow shell of their fine former designs.

Here is a bio of Dr. Malcolm Currie.

Dr. Malcolm R. Currie is a widely recognized technical leader in industry and government. As an industrialist and a business leader, he was the former Chairman and CEO of Hughes Aircraft and Delco Electronics, where he led major developments in defense electronics, satellite communications, and automotive electronics. As Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, Dr. Currie initiated and spearheaded many of the systems–stealth aircraft, cruise missiles, turbine-powered M-1 tanks, satellite navigation, night vision instruments –which were all a key to U.S. in the Gulf War. He has numerous published papers and patents in microwave electronics, laser systems, space propulsion and management. For his leadership, Dr. Currie has received many national and international honors.

Shifting his focus and brilliance in a grander vision toward Earth-friendly pursuits, Dr. Currie committed to the advancement of electric vehicles and alternative energy. He formed the group that designed the solar-powered SunRaycer for GM, followed by the design of the electric power train for the GM Impact and EV1. He is also involved with development of advanced batteries and is beginning the development of a unique mini-turbo generator to eliminate range limitations of hybrid electric vehicles.

He invented the™unitary propulsion system, which helped expand the traditional bicycle market by making affordable high performance electric bicycles available to everyone for zero emission recreation, transportation, and enjoyable exercise. Many people wish to have freedom from fossil fuels breaking the oil habit in a practical manner. Many thanks to Dr. Malcolm Currie!