During an oil crisis no less. Free the Ebikes!
this post was submitted on 28 Sep 2026
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Electric Vehicles
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Here is the definition of the classes from the article:
Class 1 e-bikes use pedal assist up to 20 mph (32 km/h), Class 2 e-bikes can also use a throttle up to 20 mph (32 km/h), and Class 3 e-bikes can provide motor assistance up to 25 mph (40 km/h)
Class 3 does sound more like a motorcycle to me and not like a bike.
That's weird that New York does that. The CPSC definition for Class 3 goes up to 28, and is honestly not problematic for casual office commutes. Just stick to the breakdown lane, only take the sidewalk (obviously at reduced speed) if the former runs out, and always yield to foot traffic. It's not that hard.
That being said, I would not be opposed to Class 3 being an 18+ thing. Class 1 and 2 already match the school speed limit of 20, so class 3 could become the natural progression after graduating, unless otherwise barred in their area.
The problem is that suburban sprawl is so spread out that under-18s need the speed to get anywhere in a reasonable time
I think class three should remain available.
To ride a moped (legally defined, a moped is 50cc or less and no more than 30mph on a flat surface), all you need is a standard driver's license.
For a bike that goes below that, I don't see an issue with even an unlicensed person, provided they are driving safely.
I suppose the standard should be a certification or something similar to an ATV/Snowmobile certificate?
Can you build a "class 2" that is only governed to 20mph to get around this? I think these class 3s are the only way the USA will actually adopt the moped.
That’s already what class 2 e-bikes are.
- 1: 20 mph with assist
- 2: 20 mph with throttle
- 3: 28 mph with assist.
i misinterpreted the rule and thought it was throttle up to 28mph. It seems "Councilmember Crystal Hudson has introduced legislation that would prohibit shops from selling or renting Class 3 e-bikes." would be entirely pointless then, since you can convert them trivially.
That's basically a 50cc scooter.
I got an e bike for my long commute (~25 miles each way and some tough grade) and could only find class 3s with the range and power I was looking for. It's heavy as shit and I've only gotten it above 20 mph on some long downhills and never go above 8mph on sidewalks.
I get the need for regulation, but It'd suck if my commuter gets banned and I have to go back to car commuting full time. Couldn't we just get more dedicated bike trails/lanes? Or programs where I can trade in for a class 2 with good range and power that may come out?
Forcing people into cars is what they want.
Can you still get a motorcycle license and use the bike?