Can Electric Bicycles Be Ridden on the Sidewalk?
Electric bikes commonly known as ebikes have become increasingly popular in recent years. These are regular bicycles with an electric motor to assist in pedaling. It is the most convenient and eco-friendly mode of transportation. Being a new mode of transportation a big question many people have: can you ride an electric bike on the sidewalk? It requires careful consideration and needs to explore various aspects. This article will explore all the factors including electric bike laws and regulations about riding electric bikes on the sidewalks.
1. Different Laws For Different Places
Laws and Road Regulations for riding an electric bike on sidewalks always vary from one region to another. In most of the regions of the world, it is prohibited to ride on the sidewalk. However, in the UK there are some shared areas for pedestrian and electric bikes. Similarly in the United States, every state has individual jurisdiction to allow electric bikes to ride on the sidewalk. States like California, Colorado, Idaho, Indiana, Michigan, New Jersey, etc, allowed the riders to ride an ebike on the sidewalk with certain limits and local regulations. Here are some more detailed views about riding electric bikes on the sidewalks.
1.1. Difference Between Electric Bicycle and Traditional Bicycle
There are a lot of similarities between modern electric bicycles and traditional bicycles. These two shared a common base of being two-wheeled and pedal-driven. However, an ebike incorporates a battery and motor to assist in pedaling. This makes electric bicycles achieve more speed with minimum effort compared to traditional bicycles. However, e-bikes are also subject to some restrictions like licensing, speed limits, and some restrictions on riding on the sidewalks.
1.2. Three Classes Of Electric Bikes
Electric bikes are classified into three main types or classes according to motor power and speed limit.
- Class 1: It is the simplest type of e-bike without any throttle having a speed limit of 20 mph (32 km/h) in pedal assist mode. Moreover, the motor power range is from 250w to 750w. Due to low power and limited top speed, class 1 electric bikes are allowed to ride on the sidewalk in most parts of the United States.
- Class 2: A class 2 electric bike is combined with throttle assist and padel assistance. It has a top speed of 20 mph (32 km/h) with 750w motor power. A class 2 e-bike has some restrictions on riding on the sidewalks.
- Class 3: This is a real commuter as most people preferred to choose class 3 electric bikes. It has a speed of 28 mph ( 45 km/h) with 750w motor power. You can get from one place to another place quickly. However, class 3 electric bikes are hardly permitted in most regions to ride on the sidewalk.
1.3. Type of Bicycle Lane and Sidewalk Riding
Riding your electric bike mostly depends upon the bicycle lanes available on the specific road. An increase in e-bikes and roads can confuse how different bike lanes work. The most common types of bicycle lanes are as follows.
- Dedicated Bicycle Lanes: This is a specific bicycle section for cyclists and electric bikes. Due to different symbols, marks and road paints you will see it prominent from the other lanes. It is usually positioned on the right side of the road wide enough to accommodate a single-file cycle.
- Sharrow Lanes: Sharrow “share” and “arrow” means bikes and cars share the lane. It is a picture of a bike with two triangle signs. There is no protection but all classes of electric bikes can ride on these roads.
- Buffered Bicycle Lanes: These lanes have a space between them and car traffic. Class 1, 2, and 3 e-bikes can usually ride in buffered bicycle lanes.
- Protected Bicycle Lanes: In a protected bike lane you will see a barrier of curbstone or plastic separator to separate from the traffic. The lane protects the riders from cars and other vehicles. It allows class 1 and 2 electric bikes but laws can vary for class 3 electric bikes.
- Sidewalks: In most regions, you can not use the sidewalks as these are meant for pedestrians. However, class 1 and 2 e-bikes are allowed with safety measures in most of the regions. While class 3 e-bikes are less acceptable in most regions due to high speed and torque.
1.4. Speed Limit, Power Limit, and Other Restrictions
Riding on the sidewalk tends to have some restrictions to follow. It can vary from region to region as local authorities make rules according to the needs. However, some of the common rules and regulations in most states of the US are as follows.
- Speed Limit: Electric bikes come with certain speed limits. It can be very crucial when it comes to riding on the sidewalk. Class 1 and 2 e-bikes have a speed limit of 20 mph ( 32 km/h) and are allowed on sidewalks in states like Colorado, Idaho, Indiana, Michigan, and New Jersey. Whereas, Class 3 electric bikes have a high speed of 28 mph ( 45 km/h) has some restrictions for riding on the sidewalks, and in some regions, it is prohibited.
- Power Limit: Power limitation is another deciding factor to ride on the sidewalk. Electric bikes can have 250w to 750w powered motors. The low motor power of electric bikes can widely be accepted to ride on the sidewalk. Generally, there is a limit of 750w with the confirmation of local law to ride electric bikes on the sidewalk.
- Other Restrictions: You will follow all the guidelines like wearing a helmet, having a license, and age limit. In most regions, riders should yield to alert pedestrians when riding electric bikes on the sidewalk.
2. Precaution and Common Issues
When you are riding an electric bike on the sidewalk you should follow some safety precautions.
- Pedestrian Safety: The safety of pedestrians should be the top priority. For this purpose, you can use reflectors, bells, and yield. During riding you can make eye contact with pedestrians for mutual understanding. Similarly, the use of hand signs when stopping or turning can acknowledge pedestrians.
- Awareness of Local Laws: Local laws can vary depending on the location. You should verify first by signs and reading local laws before riding on the sidewalk.
3. Fiido E-Bikes: Compliance and Recommendations
Fiido E-Bikes is a known electric bicycle manufacturer. Fiido electric bikes of any class comply with US rules and regulations. Depending upon specific Fiido models and local laws, some are suitable to ride on the sidewalks. It makes them a reliable choice for riders who want an eco-friendly and convenient mode of transportation. Here are some recommended models also available at Fiido electric bike shop that comply with the classes of electric bicycles defined by US laws:
Fiido D11 is a pedal-assist only, with a maximum speed of 20 mph the best choice for commuters and city dwellers.
Fiido L3 has throttle assistance with a maximum speed of 20 mph. It is ideal to cover long distances with less effort.
Fiido D3 Pro Mini is a compact electric bike that has a top speed of 16 mph. It is a foldable ebike to carry everywhere you want.
The Final Gear
Overall, knowing about the legality of riding electric bicycles on the sidewalk is a complex issue. It has various angles to look at, especially the local laws of specific locations. Moreover, the type of bike and restrictions also matter a lot in deciding to ride on the sidewalk. Fiido electric bikes offer a safe and legal option by introducing various e-bike models. Now riders can choose according to their needs to enhance their mobility within the set limitations of the law.
