Now you don't have to sweat when riding a bike to work. Buy a new electric bike (E-bike) and ride Electric to work without a sweat, then pedal your way home. Electric pedal bikes come in a variety of options including one product that adds a motor to your front wheel to become motorized. In fact there are so many different options of motorized pedal Bicycles, that in California, the rules and definitions for each type has been expanded to 3 different classes of E-bikes.
Riding an E-bike has many of the same advantages as an electric car without the huge price tag. If you are one of the lucky ones who lives within 10 mile of your work, an E bike deserves a look, as most E-bikes will get 20 plus miles on an overnight charge. Here are some additional advantages.
At InandOutTrafficSchool.com we want you to be well informed of the laws before purchasing or riding an E-bike and so below is a breakdown of the various E bikes and their rules. Remember were not talking about an electric motorcycle, they have their own set of rules and licensing.
Assembly Bill 1096: Electric Bicycles This law has expanded the definition of electrical bicycles, as bicycles with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts. It further defines into 3 distinct classes. Although you still don't need a driver's license, registration or license plate to ride an E-Bike, remember, you always need to follow current traffic laws.
Class 1 e-bike, or low-speed pedal-assisted electric bicycle, is equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and that stops providing assistance when the bicycle reaches 20 mph.
Class 2 e-bike, or low-speed throttle-assisted electric bicycle, is equipped with a motor that can exclusively propel the bicycle and that cannot provide assistance when the bike reaches 20 mph.
Class 3 e-bike, or speed pedal-assisted electric bicycle, is equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and stops providing assistance when the bicycle reaches 28 mph. Operators of Class 3 e-bikes must be 16 or older and wear a helmet. Class 3 e-bikes are prohibited from paths, lanes and trails unless specifically authorized by a local ordinance.
If you are thinking like "Tim the Toolman" and decide you want to "Beef up" the performance of any of these electric bicycles, you might think twice, because the new law also prevents modification without a classification label change as well.
Whatever mode of transportation you choose InandOutTrafficSchool.com will be there to help you understand the rules of the road, and stay safe out there.
