Hobbies And Interests
General Law for Most States
Bicycles must follow the same rules of the road that other types of vehicles must follow. The rider must follow the direction of traffic. Interstate highways and other routers marked "Only Vehicles" only do not allow the operation of bicycles, mopeds or electric bicycles.
Electric Bicycles versus Mopeds
Some states, such as Connecticut, do not require a license for a person to operate a moped. Other states, such as Pennsylvania, require electric bicycles over 750 watts to be registered and insured according to the rules for mopeds. (Pennsylvania law does not require moped inspections.) The laws governing mopeds vary from state to state.
Top Speed for Electric Bicycle Designation
Federal law considers a vehicle an electric bicycle if it can go no faster than 20 miles per hour when carrying a rider weighing at least 170 pounds. The operator of an electric bicycle that falls underneath the federal requirements does not need a license for the vehicle.
Canadian Electric Bicycle Laws
Canadian law makes a distinction between electric bicycles and mopeds. Canadian law classifies electric bicycles as a pedal assist vehicle rather than a limited speed motorcycle. (The latter term just means "moped.") Ontario law prohibits the operation of pedal assisted bicycles on the road, unless they meet the province's definition for limited speed motorcycles.
European Union Laws
Electric bicycles require no license within many European Union countries. An electric bicycle cannot excess a speed of 25 kilometers per hour or have a power rating higher than 200 watts. Electric bicycles that exceed these requirements require a motorcycle license.