E-bikes are quickly becoming a popular mode of transportation and fun for many people. Whether you have one yourself or know someone who has one, you probably see that there are a lot of questions surrounding them. We have put together the following information to try and help to educate our trail users on what exactly e-bikes are, what they are capable of, and some of the expectations around them.

E-Bikes, or electric bikes, are bicycle’s equipped with an electric motor used to assist when you are pedaling. The motor gets its power from a rechargeable battery mounted on the bike. When powered by a battery and a motor, this combination gives riders an extra boost while they are pedaling. This process is called pedal-assist because the motor is only engaged when you push the pedals. Once engaged, the motor draws power from the battery and provides a gentle increase in speed and torque so you can ride faster, farther, and over more hills. To classify as an ebike, the motor has to help you rather than propel you on its own.

Currently, there are three different Class/Types of E-Bikes:

Class / Type 1

Pedal Assist

 This an electric bicycle on which you must pedal in order to use the motor. It’s Just like a conventional bike except that there’s a motor that senses that you’re pedaling and kicks in to aid the pedaling effort.

• Pedal-Assist only

• No Throttle

• Max assisted speed of 20mph

• Max motor power limited to 750W  

In summary, what are the biggest differences between classes?

Speed

The primary difference is speed. A Class 1 and Class 2 e-bike can be driven at 20 mph. A Class 3 e-bike can run up to 28 mph.

Law

Ebikes are classified into three groups to avoid accidents. So, there are different types of laws regarding these ebikes. The Class 1 and Class 2 ebikes have low speed. That's why they are considered not so dangerous. In most places, you can ride these bikes on trails and sidewalks.

But, if you are riding a class 3 e-bike (again, in some places,) then you can't ride on roadside paths or lanes. You have to ride on bike lanes or roads. Moreover, a Class 3 e-bike has age restrictions and you need to wear a helmet. However, Class 1 and Class 2 ebikes have mild restrictions. (You will begin to notice more signage around referencing the Classes/Types at trailheads, parks, etc. Please respect the land owner's wishes.)

Driving Mechanisms

The difference between Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes is their driving mechanisms. Class 1 is a pedal-assisted e-bike, whereas class 2 e-bike is a throttle-assisted e-bike. Class 3 bikes have throttles, but some states (like California) don't allow throttles on e-bikes.

The yield triangle etiquette still applies to ebikers, asking them to yield to hikers, runners, horses and uphill bike riders.

Current E-Bike Guidelines in Northern Utah as of MARCH 2023

OGDEN CITY

Ogden City Has just recently adopted an e-bike policy for multi-use trails. Electric personal mobility devices, electric bikes and electric scooters are allowed on multi-use trails under the following conditions:

• They have electric motors that are 750 watts or less and have a motor governor that limits electric assistance at or below 20 miles per hour.

• They are Class 1 rated

• They have braking mechanisms, a way to measure speed and lights.

• Systems have not been modified to increase speed or remove restictions.

Please contact Ogden City at 801-629-8214 for more information.