New Electric Bicycle Law in the USA

A new US law states that electric bicycles with fully functioning pedals, no more than 750 watts of motor power output, and a top speed of 20 mph on motor power only, are to be treated as "bicycles", and are not subject to motorized vehicle laws.

The US Senate has recently passed bill SR1156 which defines a clear legal definition of what an electric bicycle is in the USA.

This is now a new law (H.R. 727), which has been signed by the president, and gives the Consumer Product Safety Commission the responsibility for governing the safety of new production model electric bicycles, and will define a bicycle that has pedals capable of propeling the bicycle, an electric motor of no more than 750 watts, and a top speed with motor power only of 20 mph as a "bicycle".

Electric bicycles that fall under this category are not required to be registered or licenced, and no drivers license is required to drive them. They are subject to all the rules of the road, and additional laws governing the operation and safety of electric bicycles may extended by state or local governments. This new law offers the freedom of being able to use an electric bicycle on public roads and bike trails to people in every state.

VDOT 

"Electric power-assisted bicycle" means a vehicle that travels on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground and is equipped with (i) pedals that allow propulsion by human power and (ii) an electric motor with an input of no more than 1,000 watts that reduces the pedal effort required of the rider. Operators must be at least 14 years old or be under the supervision of someone at least 18 years old. An electric power-assisted bicycle shall be considered a vehicle when operated on a highway.

Mopeds

Virginia Code section 46.2-100 defines a moped as a vehicle that:

 

• travels on three wheels or less,

   

• has a seat that is at least 24 inches high

• and

• has a gasoline, electric, or hybrid motor that displaces less than 50 cubic centimeters.

Operation of mopeds on highways and public vehicular areas by persons under age 16 is prohibited by Virginia law.

Moped riders must carry some form of identification that includes name, address, and date of birth.

Although you do not need a driver's license to operate a moped, you may not operate a moped if you have been declared a habitual offender or your license is suspended or revoked for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Moped drivers are required to abide by the same traffic laws and regulations as automobile drivers. Detailed information on Virginia's traffic laws and regulations is available in the Driver's Manual. In addition, certain local governments may impose restrictions on moped operation.

All DUI laws apply to mopeds operated on public highways.

No moped shall be driven on any highway or public vehicular area faster than 35 miles per hour. If you operate a moped faster than 35 miles per hour, Virginia law deems this to be operating a motorcycle.