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Links to Laws, Regulations and Sites of Interest for
Electric Bicycle and RV Owners (Click on a logo to go to the link)
REGULATIONS-In the United States electric bicycles are regulated by the
Consumer Product Safety Commission. In Canada, where they are referred to as
power-assisted bicycles, they are regulated by Transport Canada under the Motor
Vehicle Safety Act. Veloteq electric bicycles are compliant with both US and
Canadian federal regulations. The state and provincial electric bicycle
laws of both countries are in the process of being harmonized with their
respective federal
regulations. They must have regulated markings mandated by the CPSC in the
US and CMVSA in Canada indicating compliance with
those laws or vendors and users may be charged with violations.
At the present time virtually all state laws in the US are harmonized with the
new federal regulations. The only notable exception is the State of New
York where regulations are currently under view.
In Canada, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec regulations are harmonized with the
provisions of the Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Act.
US Laws & Regulations
Under US PL107-319 passed on December 4, 2002 jurisdiction over the requirements
for electric bicycles was moved from the US Department of Transportation to the
US Consumer Product Safety Commission. A copy of that law and the US CPSC
requirements for them can be read using the links below.
US CPSC Requirements for Bicycle
(click
here- requires Acrobat Reader)
Public Law 107-319 Requirements for Low Speed Electric Bicycles
49 CFR Part 1512
(click
here- requires Acrobat Reader).
The
United States Department of Transportation has defined an electric bicycle
as any bicycle or tricycle with a low-powered electric motor weighing under 100
pounds, with a top motor-powered speed not in excess of 20 miles per hour. [12],
under section 1202, under the definition of 'Electric Bicycle'. For
further clarification, the weight restriction applies only to the motor, not the
curb weight of the vehicle.
Description of US Federal Electric Bicycle Law with reference to Preemption
(supersedence) over State laws from Cornell School of Law. (click on logo
above)
Electric Bicycle Laws and Regulations in
California
Electric Bicycle Laws and Regulations in
Georgia
Electric Bicycle Laws and Regulations in
Florida
Electric Bicycle and Ebike Regulations in Massachusetts
As long as the electric bicycles conform with the specifications for
electric bicycles in U.S. Public Law 107-319 they may be operated in
Massachusetts anywhere a bicycle may be operated. The rider does not need a
license or learner's permit to operate one. Operators sixteen years of age or
younger must wear a helmet when riding a bicycle. (Courtesy of Massachusetts
RMV)
Electric Bicycle and Ebike Regulations in the State of
Vermont
LAW ENFORCEMENT BULLETIN #03-06
issued on April 8, 2003 emphatically states that "anyone riding a low
speed electric bicycle would be afforded the same rights and responsibilities of
any bicyclists."
Electric Bicycle Laws and Regulations in the
State of Oregon
Electric Bicycle Laws and Regulations in
Texas
Electric Bicycle Laws and Regulations in
the State of Washington
The State of Washington regulations for electric bicycles are harmonized with
those of Federal Law 107-319. The Washington State Patrol Compliance Unit
is charged with responsibility to insure that electric bicycles used or offered
for sale in the state are compliant with CPSC regulations and those of the State
of Washington.
Canada Laws & Regulations
Regulations Amending the Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations (Power-assisted
Bicycles). Compliance with the federal regulations is at the option of
each province. Efforts are being made at this time to harmonize the
regulation of electric (power assisted) bicycles among the Canadian provinces in
order to provide uniform standards in accordance with the Canada Motor Vehicle
Safety Act.
Power Assisted (Electric) Bicycles
Laws and Regulations
Motor Assisted (Electric) Bicycle Laws and Regulations in
British Columbia
Power Assisted (Electric Bicycle) Laws and
Regulations in
Manitoba
Power
Assisted (Electric) Bicycle Laws and Regulations in
Ontario
Bulletin: October 4, 2006
The Ontario Government has announced the start of a 3-year pilot program which
now permits the operation of electric bicycles on Ontario roads without the
requirements for and operator's license, registration, or insurance.
Ontario has taken the initiative after long consideration to determine if users
and vendors alike of electric bicycles will abide by the law to decide if the
pilot program will become permanent. For full details click on the logo
above.
Power Assisted (Electric) Bicycles in
Prince Edward Island
In the absence of further reference to the CMVSA is appears that electric
bicycles are defined as "Motor Assisted Pedal Bicycles" and as such come under
the same regulations as mopeds. Nominal registration fees are required.
Click the PEI logo for details.
Power Assisted (Electric) Bicycles
Regulations in Quebec (FR/EN)
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