Given the growing use of e-bikes, the CBBC Board of Directors has established guidelines for their use on club rides. Our club wants to be as inclusive as possible for riders of varying abilities, while maintaining safety. The Board’s concern is having bicycles with power that might pose unanticipated hazards while riding with a group of traditional cyclists who may not expect or be alerted to the sudden acceleration of certain e-bikes.
In the U.S., federal law defines what counts as an e-bike, but States decide how you can ride it, where you can ride it, and whether you need safety equipment or must meet age limits. Maine and New Hampshire currently have no restrictions on e-bike classes when operated on roadways, except that riders in all classes must be 16 years or older. None of these statutes address or contrast the inherent circumstances encountered when riding in a group.
There are three classes of e-bikes:
- Class 1: pedal assist only – up to 20 mph (you only get assist when you are pedaling)
- Class 2: pedal assist with throttle – up to 20 mph (motor can be used without pedals turning)
- Class 3: pedal assist only – up to 28 mph (you only get assist when you are pedaling)
CBBC has establishedguidelines for road rides to allow only Class 1 and 3 pedal assist e-bikes, suitable for riding on the road.
These guidelines are subject to change depending on any new legal regulations, or the club’s experiences with e-bikes.