Federal Unified Classification & Core Standards (Federal Electric Bicycle Act of 2005 + 2025 Technical Updates)
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Update time : 2026-01-27
1. Vehicle Classification & Parameter Red Lines (Applicable Nationwide)
Classification | Motor Power Limit | Maximum Assisted Speed | Assistance Mode | Driver’s License/Insurance Requirement |
Class 1 (Low-Speed Assist) | ≤750W (1 horsepower) | ≤20 mph (32km/h) | Pedal-activated only | No license/insurance required |
Class 2 (Mid-Speed Assist) | ≤750W | ≤20 mph (32km/h) | Dual mode (pedal + throttle) | No license/insurance required |
Class 3 (High-Speed Assist) | ≤750W | ≤28 mph (45km/h) | Pedal-activated only | Age ≥16 in some states; no license required |
Non-Compliant Models | >750W or >28 mph | - | - | Regulated as motorcycles; requires license + plate + insurance |
2. Mandatory Safety & Certification Requirements
- Basic Certification: Must comply with CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) 16 CFR Part 1512; affixed with CPSC compliance mark.
- New Battery Regulations (Implemented 2025): All e-bike batteries must meet UL 2849 safety standards, with clearly marked capacity, voltage, and tamper-proof labels. Sale of low-quality batteries without overcharge protection is prohibited.
- Mechanical Safety: Frame strength must pass impact tests; minimum braking distance ≤7 meters (at 20 mph).
II. Special Regulations of Key States (Current as of 2026)
1. California (Largest U.S. Market)
- Core Requirements:
- Age Restriction: Riders of Class 3 models must be ≥16; riders under 16 are prohibited.
- Mandatory Helmet: Riders under 18 must wear helmets; violation results in a $50 fine.
- Riding Areas: Class 1/2 e-bikes are permitted on bike lanes; Class 3 is banned from sidewalks, and some highway bike lanes restrict Class 3 access.
- 2026 New Addition: Commercial delivery e-bikes require additional registration, must display reflective markers, and are prohibited from operating in residential areas from 10 PM to 6 AM.
2. New York State (Intensive New Regulations 2025-2026)
- Core Requirements:
- Speed Limit Tightening: All e-bikes are limited to 15 mph (24km/h) on urban streets and 10 mph (16km/h) in parks.
- Enterprise Accountability: Delivery platforms must register unique identification codes for riders, provide safety equipment and training; violating enterprises face a maximum fine of $10,000.
- Riding Qualification: Riders under 14 are prohibited from Class 2/3 models; riders aged 14-16 require parental supervision.
- Law Enforcement Enhancement: 45 additional traffic safety officers will be deployed in 2026 to focus on speeding and uncertified operation; violating vehicles may be impounded for 30 days.
3. Requirements of Other Key States
- Florida: Class 3 e-bikes are permitted on highways but must have front white lights and rear red lights; no mandatory helmet requirement.
- Texas: E-bikes are banned from sidewalks; Class 3 models must be equipped with rearview mirrors.
- Washington State: Battery capacity shall not exceed 1000Wh; unauthorized modification of motor power is prohibited, with fines ranging from \(200 to \)500.
III. Riding & Modification Bans
- Behavioral Norms:
- Drunk riding (BAC ≥ 0.08%) is prohibited, with fines of \(300-\)1,000; severe cases result in suspension of other vehicle driver's licenses.
- Passenger carrying is banned (except Class 3 models, where some states allow 1 passenger aged ≥16).
- Modification Bans:
- Removing speed limit devices or increasing motor power is prohibited; violators face vehicle confiscation and fines of \(500-\)2,000.
- Replacement with non-compliant batteries (without UL 2849 certification) is prohibited; both sellers and buyers are liable.
IV. 2026 Violation Penalty Standards
Violation Type | Fine Amount | Additional Penalty |
Selling Without CPSC/UL Certification | Individual: \(1,000 - \)5,000; Enterprise: \(10,000 - \)100,000 | Inventory confiscation |
Class 3 Speeding (>28 mph) | First offense: \(250; Second offense: \)500 | 15-day vehicle impoundment |
Riders Under 16 on Class 3 | $150 fine for parents/guardians | Mandatory safety training |
Unregistered Commercial Delivery E-bikes | Enterprise: \(5,000 - \)10,000 | Suspension of delivery qualification |
Unauthorized Motor/Speed Limit Modification | \(500 - \)2,000 | Mandatory vehicle scrapping |
V. Practical Compliance Verification Tips
- Certification Check: Request the seller to provide CPSC compliance certificate, UL 2849 battery certification report, and confirm the product is labeled with Class 1/2/3 classification.
- State-Specific Adaptation: Before purchasing, check the official website of the target state’s DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) to confirm whether the model is permitted in the intended riding areas (e.g., bike lanes, highways).
- Cross-Border Purchase Notes: Choose brands that have appointed an authorized representative within the U.S.; avoid "gray-market imported vehicles" (unable to pass state-level registration) without after-sales service.
- Battery Verification: Check if the battery is marked with UL 2849 certification, capacity, and tamper-proof seal; reject "three-no batteries" (no brand name, no certification, no specifications).
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