Are Electric Bikes Allowed on Bike Paths?

It depends - Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are generally allowed on all city streets and bike paths, while Class 3 e-bikes are not. It’s important to review the laws and regulations of your desired riding area prior to heading out.

If you’re thinking of purchasing an electric bike, you definitely want to know where you can ride  it.  While an e-bike can take you almost anywhere, there are some laws and regulations that limit where you can ride certain types of e-bikes. It’s important to familiarize yourself with any limits that might affect your rides before you buy a bike. After all, it would be quite frustrating to buy a bike planning to cruise certain routes when you may not even be able to legally traverse those routes on an electric bike. 

One common question people have about such limits: Are electric bikes allowed on bike paths? 

The answer: It depends. 

Electric Bike Classes 

When it comes to where you  ride your e-bike, it largely depends on the bike’s class. When you’re shopping for one, you’ll likely see three different classes—Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3. They speak to how much motor assistance is available. 

Class 1 E-Bikes: 

With Class 1 e-bikes, you can go up to 20 mph with pedal assist. You can go faster than that with the power of your own legs, but the power-assist stops helping when you reach 20 mph. You must pedal to get the power boost. 

Class 1 e-bikes are allowed on all city streets and bike paths. 

Class 2 E-Bikes: 

Like Class 1 e-bikes, Class 2 e-bikes go up to 20 mph with pedal-assist, but they also feature a throttle that lets you cruise without pedaling at all (think an experience similar to that of a motor bike). 

Class 2 e-bikes are generally the most affordable, and are also allowed on most city streets and bike paths. 

Class 3 E-Bikes:  

Class 3 e-bikes provide pedal-assist, but at higher speeds—up to 28 mph and must have a speedometer. Class 3 e-bikes may or may not feature a throttle, but like Class 2 e-bikes, the throttle will only propel the bike up to 20 mph.  They’re allowed on most city streets but most bike paths and mountain bike trails prohibit the use of Class 3 e-bikes. 

At Volt, our City (including the City Low Step) and Comfort models are Class 2, e-bikes, meaning they have both pedal-assist to give you a boost while you pedal and a throttle for those times you just want to coast. 

The Volt XC, our rugged mountain bike, is a Class 1 e-bike, featuring three power-assist modes to help you tackle dirt, sand, gravel and more.

So, if bike trails are your thing, any of our Volt e-bikes is a great choice. They’ll take you to the bike path, on the bike path and back home again. 

Pedal assist means you can pedal when you want and coast when you don't. The City and Comfort bikes each have five levels of pedal assist——1-5. The lower the mode, the less of a boost you’ll get, and the higher the mode, the bigger the boost. Our XC has three levels of pedal assist—eco, trial and boost, plus a walk-assist mode. It’s your ride, your way with a bike built to take you on rides that are energizing and invigorating rather than exhausting.  

How far can you go on those bike trails? That will vary a bit based on the weather, the rider’s weight and a few other factors, but our powerful batteries can take you up to 50 miles before you need to reVolt the battery again. 

So hit the bike trail then stop at the bakery. Commute to work then hit the bike path on your way home. Head out to the mountains then go catch a movie. Our stylish, comfortable, affordable, and durable e-bikes are ready to take you where you want to go and allow you to enjoy all the little moments along the way. 

Are you ready to be moved?