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Title 15 — Commerce and TradeRelease 119-73not60

§2085 Low-speed Electric Bicycles

Title 15 › Chapter 47— CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY › § 2085

Last updated Apr 3, 2026|Official source

Summary

Treats low-speed electric bicycles as consumer products and requires they follow federal safety rules, specifically 16 CFR 1500.18(a)(12) and 16 CFR part 1512. Low-speed electric bicycle: a two- or three-wheeled vehicle with working pedals and an electric motor under 750 watts (1 h.p.) that will not go faster than 20 mph on flat pavement when only the motor is used and the rider weighs 170 pounds. The Consumer Product Safety Commission can make new or changed safety rules for these bikes. Federal rules override any state rules that are stricter.

Full Legal Text

Title 15, §2085

Commerce and Trade — Source: USLM XML via OLRC

(a)Notwithstanding any other provision of law, low-speed electric bicycles are consumer products within the meaning of section 2052(a)(1) 11 See References in Text note below. of this title and shall be subject to the Commission regulations published at section 1500.18(a)(12) and part 1512 of title 16, Code of Federal Regulations.
(b)For the purpose of this section, the term “low-speed electric bicycle” means a two- or three-wheeled vehicle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts (1 h.p.), whose maximum speed on a paved level surface, when powered solely by such a motor while ridden by an operator who weighs 170 pounds, is less than 20 mph.
(c)To further protect the safety of consumers who ride low-speed electric bicycles, the Commission may promulgate new or amended requirements applicable to such vehicles as necessary and appropriate.
(d)This section shall supersede any State law or requirement with respect to low-speed electric bicycles to the extent that such State law or requirement is more stringent than the Federal law or requirements referred to in subsection (a).

Legislative History

Notes & Related Subsidiaries

Editorial Notes

References in Text

section 2052(a)(1) of this title, referred to in subsec. (a), was redesignated section 2052(a)(5) of this title by Pub. L. 110–314, title II, § 235(b)(4), Aug. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 3074.

Reference

Citations & Metadata

Citation

15 U.S.C. § 2085

Title 15 — Commerce and Trade

Last Updated

Apr 3, 2026

Release point: 119-73not60