From buying the best fit to riding safely, here’s how to make the most of your e-powered gift

You may be giving or receiving the gift of an e-bike this holiday season–woo-hoo! E-bikes give riders the extra power needed to climb steep hills, cut through headwinds, carry more cargo, and traverse longer distances without the physical exertion of a traditional bicycle. But as the saying goes, with great power comes great responsibility. We want to make sure users of e-bikes have the safest and most enjoyable experience possible for themselves and other road and trail users. So if you’re giving or receiving the gift of an e-bike this holiday season, make sure to check out these tips and resources before or even after shopping for an e-bike. 

1. Buy age-appropriate

In Pennsylvania, it is illegal for riders under 16 to operate an e-bike. E-bikes are heavy and powerful and are not a safe choice for younger riders. 

2. Buy right

Not all “e-bikes” are created equal or are even legally considered e-bikes. Make sure the bike you purchase is legally considered an e-bike in the state of PA and is allowed on local roads or trails.

Note: legal e-bikes in PA must have less than 750 watts of power, be under one hundred pounds, have operable pedals, and not exceed 20 mph under motor power alone. Bikes that are sold as Class 1 e-bikes (bikes with assist up to 20 mph and without a throttle) are typically allowed on roads and most trail systems. If in doubt about an e-bike’s class, consult your local bike shop and go for a test ride!

3. Buy safe

E-bikes from reputable brands that are sold at bike shops are most likely to be road-legal and have batteries and electrical systems that are certified to UL 2849 standards. They are also most likely to be assembled properly and have functioning brakes. Pro tip: not all e-bikes come with integrated front and rear lights, but purchasing one that does will save you from having to provide and charge your own lights. 

4. Use as directed

Use your e-bike for the purposes it was designed for. Do not exceed the weight and passenger limits or use in conditions for which it wasn’t intended. Charge and store your e-bike and battery as directed.

Never charge with a damaged, refurbished, or incompatible battery or charger.

5. Ride Safe

Follow local laws and regulations as you would on a traditional bicycle, wear a helmet, and use front and rear lights when riding after dark (or all of the time.) Check out our Biking 101 Guide for all of our advice for riding safely in The ‘Burgh and the Pittsburgh Bike Map for the best routes to get around town. Even better, bring your e-bike to one of our Confident City Cycling classes held in the spring, summer, and fall to learn hands-on skills with fellow riders!

Additional E-Bike Resources

Have any more questions? BikePGH’s free E-BikePGH Guide was written 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. Stop by our Lawrenceville office for a free printed copy, or download the digital version below.

Also, be sure to check out The League of American Bicyclists and People for Bikes‘ E-Bike Smart resources for even more info and best practices for obtaining and operating an e-bike.

Have any questions or comments about using an e-bike in Pittsburgh? Comment below or email us at education@bikepgh.org!