⚡️🚲 Announcing… the “E-BikePGH Guide”

This new educational resource is hot off the press!

You may have noticed, e-bikes are taking Pittsburgh by storm. Thanks to this new technology, our mountains are becoming molehills and riders can now commute further and faster with far less physical effort. What’s more, the added power and cargo-carrying capacity of e-bikes make them an economical, environmentally conscious, and fun alternative to individual car transportation.

However, e-bikes’ enhanced speed, potentially flammable lithium-ion batteries, and the changing legal landscape of a booming and sometimes underregulated e-mobility market; present many challenges for new riders to navigate.

We wrote the E-BikePGH Guide to help dispel confusion and empower readers with the knowledge to make informed, safe choices when purchasing, riding, and maintaining their e-bikes in order to have the safest and most rewarding experience possible. 

What You’ll Find Inside

  • What is and what is not a legal e-bike 
  • E-bike anatomy
  • Types of e-bikes
  • Tips on purchasing e-bikes
  • How to ride your e-bike safely and legally
  • How to care for your e-bike and battery
⚡️ Download the E-BikePGH Guide here ⚡️

What You Should Know About Riding an E-Bike in PA

According to PA Law, e-bikes are defined as:

“Pedalcycles with electric assist,” so long as the e-bike’s motor is under 750w, has a maximum speed of 20mph on a level surface when powered by the motor source only, weighs no more than 100 lbs. and has operable pedals.

E-bikes that conform to PA law fit into these 3 Classes: 

Class 1

A “Class 1 electric bicycle” is equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour.

Class 2

A “Class 2 electric bicycle” is equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle and ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour.

Class 3

A “Class 3 electric bicycle” is equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 28 miles per hour. It is also equipped with a speedometer.

Not Classified as an E-Bike

Devices without operable pedals (like scooters) or ones that can travel over 28 mph on motor power alone are not legally classified as e-bikes, but some may be regulated as electric mopeds, scooters, or motorcycles.

Rights and Responsibilities

Users of legal e-bikes in PA are not required to obtain a license or insurance but must be over 16 years of age. Users of legal e-bikes on the road in PA have the same rights and responsibilities as users of non-motorized bicycles. It’s easier to go fast on an e-bike, so be mindful of the 15 mph speed limit on bike trails, and don’t forget to use common courtesy around other users.

You should know the class of the e-bike you are purchasing or using. An unclassified e-bike is likely not street legal or not being sold by a reputable brand. Also, access to certain bike paths and trails may be limited to certain e-bike classes, so know before you go whether your e-bike can be legally used there. 

Caring for Your E-Bike and Battery

An e-bike has largely the same maintenance requirements as a traditional bicycle, but with a few special considerations:

E-Bike

  • Make sure your e-bike is properly assembled. Follow assembly instructions diligently or bring to a local bike shop for professional assistance.
  • Make sure your e-bike is properly adjusted and maintained. 
  • Because of e-bikes’ additional weight and power, care must be taken to ensure brakes are properly adjusted and brake pads are in good condition to optimize stopping power. 
  • E-bike motors can accelerate the wear on chains, so make sure to use e-bike-specific chains and check for wear regularly. 
  • Additional e-bike weight and speeds can accelerate tire wear, so make sure tires are properly inflated and in good condition. 

Motor

  • Read operator instructions thoroughly before use. 
  • Only use e-bike motors as directed in the instructions. 
  • Do not attempt to modify the motor or speed management system.
  • Bring your bike to a local dealer if there are any problems with the motor or if the controller display indicates any errors. 

Battery

Read all operator instructions thoroughly before using and charging the battery. The below are guidelines, but follow your operator’s manual first! 

  • Only use the battery and charger that is compatible with your e-bike. Contact the manufacturer or ask a local bike shop if you’re unsure.
  • Make sure your battery is properly attached and locked to your frame before riding so that it does not fall off and become damaged.
  • Do not use damaged, modified, or incompatible batteries. Ask your local bike shop if you need a replacement battery.
  • Do not use a battery that is cracked, leaking, bulging, or otherwise showing signs of damage. 
  • Do not charge batteries unattended or continue charging them after the charge is full.
  • Do not cover the battery or charger with anything while charging.
  • Ideally, charge batteries on a wire rack away from flammable material and near a working smoke detector and an ABC fire extinguisher. 
  • Do not block exits with an e-bike or battery.
  • Store and charge batteries at room temperature.
  • Store batteries between a 30% and 60% charge.

Get your E-BikePGH Guide!

For even more useful information, download our E-BikePGH Guide or pick it up from the BikePGH office or at one of our events! For additional questions about the E-BikePGH Guide or other educational materials contact: education@bikepgh.org!

Want to try out an e-bike? Visit a local bike shop or rent an e-bike from POGOH!

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