
Electric bikes with throttles are a controversial topic. While some people believe that they are illegal, this is not the case. In fact, the throttle can be used without pedalling up to 4 mph in the UK, and as long as the pedals are moving, the throttle can be used to reach a maximum speed of 15.5 mph. In New York, throttle-activated electric bikes are banned, but pedal-assist electric bikes with a maximum speed of 20 mph are legal. Local jurisdictions may also prohibit the use of electric bicycles on bikeways and bike paths, but this requires a public notice, public hearing, and posted signage.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Electric bikes with throttle illegal in New York City | Yes |
Electric bikes with throttle illegal in New York State | No |
Electric bikes with throttle illegal in the UK | No, but the throttle can only be used without pedalling up to 4 mph |
Electric bikes with throttle illegal in general | No, but local jurisdictions may prohibit their use on bikeways and bike paths |
What You'll Learn
- Electric bikes with throttles are illegal in New York City, but legal in Tompkins County
- Class II electric bikes are allowed on roadways, bike lanes, bike paths and paved trails
- Electric bikes are prohibited on sidewalks and most natural surface trails
- Twist and go is an outdated concept in the UK
- Electric bikes with throttles are legal in the UK, but only up to 4 mph without pedalling
Electric bikes with throttles are illegal in New York City, but legal in Tompkins County
Tompkins County supports electric bike use, even providing grant money to fund electric bike share/rental projects. Several bills were sponsored to legalize electric bicycles for use on NYS roads, and several passed overwhelmingly at the committee level, but none of these initiatives were able to be heard and then passed in the New York State Senate, until 2015.
In the UK, the rules were changed at the start of 2016 so that the throttle can only be used without pedalling up to 4 mph. However, as long as the pedals are moving, you can use the throttle to take you right up to the maximum speed of 15.5 mph.
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Class II electric bikes are allowed on roadways, bike lanes, bike paths and paved trails
Electric bikes with throttles are illegal in New York City, where they are enforced with fines and vehicle confiscation. However, Mayor Bill de Blasio has changed the city's policy to legalize pedal-assist electric bikes that have a maximum speed limited to 20 mph.
In the UK, the rules were changed at the start of 2016 so that the throttle can only be used without pedalling up to 4 mph. However, as long as the pedals are moving, you can use the throttle to take you right up to the maximum speed of 15.5 mph.
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Electric bikes are prohibited on sidewalks and most natural surface trails
Electric bikes are allowed on roadways, bike lanes, bike paths, and paved trails. Local jurisdictions may prohibit the use of electric bikes on bikeways and bike paths, but this first requires a public notice, public hearing, and posted signage.
In New York City, throttle-activated electric bikes are banned and enforced with fines and vehicle confiscation. However, pedal-assist electric bikes with a maximum speed of 20 mph are legal.
In the UK, the rules were changed in 2016 to allow the throttle to be used without pedalling up to 4 mph. With the pedals moving, the throttle can be used up to a maximum speed of 15.5 mph.
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Twist and go is an outdated concept in the UK
In the UK, electric bikes are allowed on most roads, bike lanes, bike paths, and paved trails. Electric bikes are prohibited from sidewalks and most natural surface trails. Local jurisdictions may prohibit the use of electric bikes on bikeways and bike paths, but this first requires a public notice, public hearing, and posted signage.
In New York City, throttle-activated electric bikes are banned and enforced with fines and vehicle confiscation. However, Mayor Bill de Blasio has changed the city's policy to legalize pedal-assist electric bikes with a maximum speed of 20 mph.
It's important to note that the rules and regulations regarding electric bikes can vary by location, so it's always a good idea to check the specific laws in your area.
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Electric bikes with throttles are legal in the UK, but only up to 4 mph without pedalling
There is a lot of confusion about the rules relating to the throttle, with many people thinking that the throttle has been outlawed. This is not the case. In fact, if your bike predates the change in legislation, the throttle is still legal with no pedalling required.
In New York City, throttle-activated electric bikes are banned and enforced with fines and vehicle confiscation. However, Mayor Bill de Blasio has changed the city's policy to legalize pedal-assist electric bikes that have a maximum speed limited to 20 mph.
Class II electric bicycles are equipped with a throttle-actuated motor that ceases to provide assistance when the electric bicycle reaches 20 mph, with an electric motor of 750 watts or less. Riders of these electric bicycles do not require a license and are afforded all the rights and privileges related to all bicycle riders.
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Frequently asked questions
No, electric bikes with throttles are not illegal in the UK. However, since 2016, the throttle can only be used without pedalling up to 4 mph. If the pedals are moving, the throttle can be used up to a maximum speed of 15.5 mph.
New York City enforces a bike ban with fines and vehicle confiscation for throttle-activated electric bikes. However, Mayor Bill de Blasio has changed the city's policy to legalize pedal-assist electric bikes with a maximum speed of 20 mph.
Yes, there are different classes of electric bikes. For example, Class II electric bicycles are equipped with a throttle-actuated motor that ceases to provide assistance when the electric bicycle reaches 20 mph. Riders of these electric bicycles do not require a license and are allowed in most places traditional bicycles are allowed.
Yes, there are age restrictions for riding electric bikes. For example, in New York, the minimum user age for Class 3 e-bikes is 16 years old.