Ruby's Davenport

Moped/E-Bike What’s The Difference?

The three classes of electric bikes (e-bikes) were developed around 2014 by the national bicycle advocacy group PeopleForBikes and the bicycle industry trade association BPSA. That’s right, before then e-bikes were supposed to meet moped standards, with a gov’t safety certification.

It was hoped that e-bikes could fill a void which mopeds couldn’t. E-bikes are to make traditional cycling easier, more convenient and accessible, not faster. That is why the max speed of 28mph was chosen (under that of mopeds). They did not want a motor vehicle that needed expensive, DOT approved components to be safe.  Riding an e-bike outside the three class system, without an FMVSS certification, is unsafe. This is particularly true for pedestrians sharing lanes, trails and paths. If your e-bike is not within the three class system and does not have this certification, it is dangerous to you and those around you….

Mopeds are 50cc, up to two horsepower (roughly 1500 watts) and no more than 30mph. The driver cannot switch gears. You must be 16 years or older. Mopes must be licensed and registered. Mopeds are restricted to roads with speed limits of 35 or less. In most places, even where traditional motorcycle riders don’t have to wear helmets, helmets are generally required. Mopeds must have a federal safety certification tag. Must have a Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards certificate. This means DOT approved, lights, horn, brakes, turn signals and suspension. E-bikes do not have to meet any of these restrictions.

An out of class e-bike has none of the safe guards required of a moped. This was by design, to keep e-bikes affordable yet still safe.. still, there are those riding, selling, importing and mfg unsafe e-bikes. These are a threat to the rest of us. Because of them, more and more places are banning e-bikes.

I have spent time with anti-e-bike cyclists, local and even some state officials. None have a problem with the restrictions on e-bikes listed below. None were aware such a system actually existed and applied to e-bikes. I should add though that all with whom I have spoken did not like the idea of Class III e-bikes. Think of it as a concession.

We NEED to ban the importation of any e-bike or kit that does not meet the three class system. If it is too easily hacked, it needs to be banned as well.

E-bikes can be  up to 1 hp (750 watts) and no more than  28mph.  In exchange, e-bikes can have multiple gears. There are no age limits though many states either require or plan to require 14 years old (I believe 15 should be the minimum and with an at risk driver’s permit). No license or registration is required.  E-bikes are restricted only from limited access roads. Helmets are not required. No federal certification is required. No FMVSS certification is required. No e-bike meets DOT requirements for brakes, lights or turn signals.

Gang, we have been given a great deal of latitude. Let’s not let illegal bikes ruin it for the rest of us. Call them out. Stand behind reasonable restrictions where you live. If we don’t, soon we will not be able to ride anywhere. That or the certifications already being seen will drive up the cost to where many seniors and young families will not be able to afford an e-bike. For you e-bike haters, there is a difference. For you e-bike scofflaws, it may be time to unload your illegal bike before it becomes a serious liability.