Ebike usage: rules and regulations

In most of the US, electric bikes are considered bicycles and can be used in the same way as a pedal-only bicycle.

Riders should be aware of ebike rules and regulations in their area before riding. Click on a heading below to learn more about ebike regulations.

Local Regulations

Riders should confirm the following details with local law enforcement to learn about their local rules and regulations for ebikes:

• Ebike peak power limit
• Top speed
• Throttle usage
• Minimum age requirements
• Helmet requirements
• Roads and trails ebikes are permitted on

For locations in North America where throttle use is permitted, all 2019 and earlier models have an on/off throttle button that disables the twist grip throttle to prevent accidental usage. The pedal assist system is still fully functional when the throttle is disabled. 

On models released in 2020 and later, the throttle is active when the bike is on.

 Do not use the throttle unless you are on the bike. Always keep one hand on the brake lever and be prepared to squeeze the lever to disengage the throttle if needed, or turn off the bike to prevent accidentally engaging the throttle.

Click HERE to read more about US ebike laws and regulations, and HERE to read about global ebike laws.

Check out our Ebike Laws Around the World blog post on The Scenic Route for more information.

Ebike Classifications

Rad Power Bikes ebikes are Class 2 since they use a 48V battery and a motor capable of up to 750W* of output, allowing the bike to travel at high speeds (up to 20 mph) with or without pedaling.

In the US, ebikes typically fall into one of three classes: Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3. Read more about bike classes HERE.

Class	Motor Wattage Allowance	Top Speed	Pedal Assist Allowed	Throttle Allowed
1	750W	20 mph	Yes	No
2	750W	20 mph	Yes	Yes
3	750W	28 mph	Yes	Yes (up to 20 mph)

* Canadian models, and the RadMission sold in the United States and Canada, have a 500W motor.

Taking an Ebike on an Airplane

Rad Power Bikes ebikes are not permitted on airplanes with the battery. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations prohibit the large lithium-ion batteries on ebikes from being transported on passenger aircraft. The 672 watt hour (Wh) battery our models use exceeds the maximum Wh allowable by the FAA.

You may be able to ship your ebike using FedEx, UPS, DHL, or another freight company, or contact your airline for other shipping options.

Rad Power Bikes is unable to provide any documentation or assistance with the ebike shipping process. 

The information provided on his site does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only.  Information on this website may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. Riders must ride safely and respect the laws governing electric bike use where they ride. Always know the rules of the road, operate the bike within local and all applicable laws, and ride responsibly and with respect for other people, cyclists, vehicles, etc.