§2085 Low-speed Electric Bicycles

Summary

Federal law says low-speed electric bicycles are consumer products and must follow the Consumer Product Safety Commission rules at 16 CFR 1500.18(a)(12) and 16 CFR part 1512. A low-speed electric bicycle has two or three wheels, working pedals, an electric motor under 750 watts (1 h.p.), and a top motor-only speed under 20 mph on level pavement with a 170-pound rider. The Commission can make or change safety rules for these bikes when needed. If a state law is stricter than the federal rules named above, the federal rules override the stricter parts of that state law.