E-bikes vary widely in terms of shape and size, but the different types closely align with those of regular bicycles. See sections 66-3-(701 – 707): that the New Mexico mandatory side path law was repealed in 1997. Electric Bikes. In other words, the manufacturing and first sale of an e-bike is regulated by the federal government, but its operation on streets and bikeways lies within a state’s control. Assuming the continued robust growth of the e-bike industry, state legislatures will likely continue to grapple with defining e-bikes, clarifying operation, safety and equipment standards and further distinguishing from motorized vehicles such as mopeds and scooters. E-bikes are emissions-free, low impact and operate silently.

Twenty-six states (Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming) have created a three-tiered e-bike classification system intended to differentiate between models with varying speed capabilities. Follow these tips to stay safe while bicycling in ABQ. For further information on e-bike laws, research, news and industry updates visit People for Bikes. In the United States, motorized bicycle laws and requirements vary from state-to-state.

Also note that bicycles are permitted on I-10, I-25 and I-40 in rural areas of New Mexico (outside Albuquerque and Las Cruces). Plan Your Trip.

The law defined a low-speed electric bicycle as “A two- or three-wheeled vehicle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts (1 h.p. We’re making room for our 2019 e-bike models and we now offer high-quality shipping at affordable rates! State legislation has focused on three dynamics: The District of Columbia (D.C.) and 43 states in some manner define an electric bicycle: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming. At the federal level, a 2002 law enacted by Congress, HB 727, amended the Consumer Product Safety Commission definition of e-bikes. Illinois’ law allows local authorities to regulate the operation of bicycles, low-speed electric bicycles, low-speed gas bicycles and also require registration and licensing of the same, as well as requiring a registration fee. Revising older state laws that classify e-bikes as mopeds and scooters and may include burdensome licensure, registration or equipment requirements. As mopeds, e-bikes are subject to the licensing and insurance requirements that apply to motor vehicles. In 2011, the University of Tennessee-Knoxville launched the country’s first electric bicycle sharing system, with two bike-share stations on their campus.

Overall, at least six states—Alabama, Alaska, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Mexico and  North Dakota—require a license to operate an e-bike, typically because they still fall under the designation of another motorized vehicle classification with licensure and registration requirements and have not had a distinct e-bike law created. Wear a helmet; you only have one brain protect it. These often apply to riders under a certain age.

Trying to figure out the motorized bicycle laws where you live can be confusing and frustrating. Be seen; wear bright colors and reflective vests. Drive your Bike as you would drive a Car. In West Virginia, the law provides for “class one” and “class three” e-bikes, but not the “class two” classification e-bike that can be propelled solely by a motor up to 20 MPH. An e-bike that meets the federal definition of an electric bicycle and is subject to product safety standards for bicycles. New Mexico Electric Bikes on SALE now and going fast!

E-bikes also provide a new transportation and recreation option for people with disabilities and those with physical limitations. At least 25 states and D.C. have some sort of helmet requirement for e-bike riders and passengers. You'll also have to use this law with it. Announce yourself to pedestrians before you pass them. Of which, at least eight, including Arizona, Idaho, Illinois, Oklahoma, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming, have enacted specific e-bike laws without such requirements.

Mission Statement: We are passionate about introducing people to the enhanced quality of life that electric bikes can provide. State traffic laws and vehicle codes remain the sole domain of states and state legislatures. For example, Idaho’s law specifically states mopeds and motorcycles are not e-bikes and explicitly exempts e-bike operators from licensure, registration and titling requirements. As mopeds, e-bikes are not subject to all of the same rules of the road as bicycles. Ride in the right most lane serving your destination. You can call it a moped if you meet the requirements of a moped. See sections 66-3-(701 – 707): http://www.tax.newmexico.gov/SiteCollectionDocuments/Tax-Library/Statutes-and-Department-Directives/Recent-Regulation-Changes/Motor_Vehicle_Code.pdfNote that the New Mexico mandatory side path law was repealed in 1997. The minimum user age is 15 years of age. In New Jersey’s case, the definition only includes the first two tiers of classification. Scan over your shoulder for vehicles often. In Louisiana and Pennsylvania, riders under 12 must wear a helmet. With respect to speed, the research is mixed and somewhat inconclusive thus far with regards to the typical speed of e-bikes and how much that differs from traditional bicycles. Prior to this clarification by the MVD, electric bicycles were often treated as mopeds, which require a standard drivers license, but no registration. In Delaware, Iowa and Nebraska, electric bicycles are defined within the existing definition of a bicycle, therefore there is not a distinction when it comes to operation on trails. E-Bikes of Southern New Mexico. In Mississippi, there is no clear designation for an electric bicycle, but an attorney general opinion indicates that an electric bicycle would be considered a bicycle. Don’t pass on the right, unless you are in a bike lane. These devices must still register with the state Motor Vehicle Commission and riders must also be at least 15, have a valid license, insurance and wear a helmet.

An investment in an electric bicycle is appealing to those who are looking to replace short trips typically made by car, therefore the investment can be justified if the buyer factors in the reduced cost of car maintenance and fuel. Low-speed e-bikes are as safe and sturdy as traditional bicycles and move at speeds similar to conventional bikes. However, this is something that is going to start rapidly changing as states start adapting laws to meet the needs of the people. All these states have different laws regarding the operation of electric bicycles. Of the 43 states and D.C. that define e-bikes, some state laws, such as in Arizona, Minnesota, Utah and Washington, specifically allow e-bike operation on facilities such as bicycle paths or greenways, with the caveat that many carve out exceptions for localities to enact stricter operation regulations on such bike and pedestrian facilities. In California, Delaware and New Mexico, riders under 18 must wear a helmet. Richmond, Va., will be unveiling an electric bicycle sharing system soon. With the aid of private funds, Utah has unveiled a small electric bike-share system at their State Capitol complex. The bicycle’s low-speed electric motor provides a boost of power to climb hills, extend the range of trips where a bicycle can be used, allow current bicycle users to bike more often and farther, provide a new recreation option for people who want to bike and in general, extend the range of any ride. However, a study of the University of Tennessee-Knoxville’s e-bike sharing system did not find much difference in the average travel speeds and the average top speeds for e-bikes versus traditional bikes and stated in its finding that “With few exceptions, riders of e-bike behave very similarly to riders of bicycles.” A 2016 study examining the relative probability of an e-bike versus a conventional bike to be involved in a traffic conflict did note that there was a higher risk of conflict at an intersection for e-bikes, because of higher speeds approaching an intersection. Follow these tips to stay safe while bicycling in ABQ. While the Asian and European e-bike markets are more robust, industry advocates hope to continue to expand U.S. e-bike sales.. Look left, look right, look left again at all intersections. Seventy-two percent of those trips are currently made by cars and fewer than 2 percent by bicycle. Utah and Vermont are examples of states that have recently eliminated e-bike licensure and registration requirements. It does not provide a maximum speed when the bicycle is being propelled by a combination of human and motor power, which is how e-bikes are predominantly ridden. As part of a 2015 survey of Americans regarding their opinions about e-bikes, 72 percent of respondents stated their top concern was safety. Owners of non-electric bicycles in Hawaii must register their bikes as well, but the fee is $15. Hawaii’s law does not include restrictions on where e-bikes may operate. 7700 East First Place Be aware for potholes, cars entering roadway, kids, etc. A valid vehicle identification number (VIN). Dockless bike-sharing systems are also rapidly integrating e-bikes into their fleets; companies such as JUMP Bike and Motivate now offer dockless e-bikes in cities such as Austin, Denver and Sacramento.

For emergencies, call 911 immediately.For non-emergency police calls, call (505) 242-COPS.

Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), http://www.tax.newmexico.gov/SiteCollectionDocuments/Tax-Library/Statutes-and-Department-Directives/Recent-Regulation-Changes/Motor_Vehicle_Code.pdf. This primer deals specifically with low-speed electric bicycles as defined by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. States with a three-tiered classification system typically exempt an e-bike from registration, licensure and insurance requirements to differentiate between e-bikes and other motorized vehicles such as mopeds and scooters.

New Mexico clearly defines what a bicycle is. In West Virginia, riders under 15 must wear a helmet and, in New York, riders under 14 must wear a helmet. New Jersey’s two-tiered classification system exempts “low-speed e-bikes,” which have a maximum operating speed of 20 MPH, from registration, licensure and insurance requirements.

E-bikes have even been embraced by the nation’s rapidly expanding bike-share systems. There has been a steady stream of legislative action at statehouses regarding e-bikes since 2015. A bicycle equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle, and that is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour. Hawaii requires e-bikes to be registered and to pay a one-time fee of $30. 66-1-44.16 Definition of New Mexico law