Page 37 - Winter 2018 Journal
P. 37
CLASS 1-3 DEFINITIONS
American e-bike manufacturers created three categories for e-bikes, including eMTBs:
>20 MPH >20 MPH >28 MPH
PEDAL ASSIST THROTTLE ASSIST PEDAL ASSIST
CLASS 1 CLASS 2 CLASS 3
A “Class 1 electric bicycle,” or “low-speed A “Class 2 electric bicycle,” or “low-speed A “Class 3 electric bicycle,” or “speed
pedal-assisted electric bicycle,” is a throttle-assisted electric bicycle,” is a pedal-assisted electric bicycle,” is a bicycle
bicycle equipped with a motor that bicycle equipped with a motor that may equipped with a motor that provides
provides assistance only when the rider is be used exclusively to propel the bicycle, assistance only when the rider is pedaling,
pedaling, and that ceases to provide and that is not capable of providing and that ceases to provide assistance when
assistance when the bicycle reaches the assistance when the bicycle reaches the the bicycle reaches the speed of 28 miles per
speed of 20 miles per hour. speed of 20 miles per hour. hour, and is equipped with a speedometer.
Most eMTBs from major manufacturers are Class 1 electric bikes that require riders
to be pedaling for the motor to engage. Source: eMTB Land Manager Handbook, PeopleForBikes
Jason Regan climbs You Hoo road at Steamboat Resort. In sum-
mer 2017, the Steamboat Bike Park piloted an e-bike program that
allows riders to climb service roads and descend bike park trails
when accompanied by a guide. Larry Pierce/Steamboat Ski Resort
WINTER 2018 | NSAA JOURNAL | 35