3 types of e-Bikes on the market: Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3
Class 1: pedal-assist only, with no throttle, and have a maximum motor-assisted speed of 20 mph.
Class 2: have a throttle and a maximum speed of 20 mph.
Class 3: pedal-assist only, with no throttle, and have a maximum motor-assisted speed of 28 mph.
In certain municipal areas, e-Bikes are not allowed on specific trails, however, the trails are not marked that way. On mountain passes in Colorado, Class 3 e-Bikes are not permitted on National Forest Land currently.
Most communities have designated trails that do not allow e-Bikes or any motorized traffic. Check your cities rules be searching online for “e-Bike restricted trails in <YourCity, State>”.
Follow these safety tips while you’re e-Biking:
Wear a helmet and ensure that it fits properly:
Some states require e-bike riders to wear helmets, depending on the age and the class of e-bike you’re using. Traumatic Brian Injuries have increased exponentially since e-Bikes became mainstream.
Make sure that your helmets fits properly, or it won’t protect you if you fall. Buckle the chin strap and tighten it until it’s snug, but you can still move your mouth.
You should be able to fit one or two fingers between your chin and the strap.
Other safety gear:
Bell for handlebars – to ring or warn others that you are approaching.
Reflective vest or strips – to enhance visibility.
Flashing light for back of your helmet – use in the daytime and low light.
Most e-Bikes have a headlight and taillight. If not, you should install them. Test your lights before you ride to ensure that they are charged and working properly.
Cycling gloves – to improve your grip on the handlebars
Mirror on your helmet or handlebar – to see behind you
Sunglasses/Eyewear – to protect your eyes and sun
Clothing that isn’t too loose or flowing; light colored tops are more visible than dark.
Stay visible on the road
A reflective vest or reflective tape to your bike helmet and pedals to make them more visible.
Observe traffic laws and rules:
Know your area’s e-bike and traffic laws before riding.
Follow the rules regarding where you can ride and the direction that you should ride.
Know your e-bike class.
E-bike rules often depend on the class of the e-bike that you are riding. It’s important to know what class of e-bike you’re riding (Class 1, Class 2, Class 3 – see above). Most cities have restricted trails where all e-Bikes are not allowed. Some only exclude Class 3 e-Bikes. Please check that out before riding.
e-Bike Riding tips:
If you need to ride in the road, be sure to use your mirror to keep on eye on others approaching from behind.
If you are riding on gravel trails/roads, slow down when you go downhill. It’s easy to hit a rock that jars your front wheel. Just because you can go 30 MPH does mean you should. Stay in control going downhill and lead by example with your friends.
Use Hand/arm signals for upcoming turns – don’t assume that other riders know where you are going. When you approach an upcoming left or right turn, point your hand/arm in the direction that you are planning to ride.
Bend your elbows – some people ride an e-Bike with locked elbows to give them more control of the steering. Keeping your elbows bent/loose will reduce strain on your shoulders. You’ll be better prepared to handle things that come up on a ride like debris on the trail, puddles, holes in the bike path, railroad tracks, etc.
Keep one ear open while riding – if you listen to music or podcasts while you ride, remove the speaker from one ear so that you can hear what’s going on around you. This allows you to be considerate of others and be prepared for things that you cannot see.
On-Trail Safety Tips (A.S.K.):
Announce yourself to others when approaching from behind: ring a bell or say “On your Left”
Signal upcoming turns – left arm for left turns, right arm for right turns.
Kindness Matters – we all share the same paths – 15 MPH Speed Limit
