PeopleForBikes, a national bicycle advocacy organization and the U.S. bicycle industry's trade association, launched a new legislative toolkit to support one of the bike industry's fastest-growing categories — electric bicycles. In 2023 alone, more than 500,000 e-bikes were sold in the U.S., a number that continues to exceed sales of electric cars and trucks. Electric bicycles (e-bikes) are quickly becoming a preferred mode of transportation for millions of Americans, and as more people choose to ride — improving their health, reducing car trips, and exploring the outdoors — it's essential for states and municipalities to adapt to the increasing popularity of e-bikes and ensure the safety of all road users.
As a leading trade association, PeopleForBikes represents responsible manufacturers producing safe, quality, and certified products. With millions of electric bicycles projected to be sold in the coming years, PeopleForBikes recognized the need for a comprehensive resource to support policymakers, advocates, and land managers in crafting effective, equitable, and proactive policies that enhance e-bike safety and access across the country. The toolkit compiles best practices, offers model legislation, and highlights the critical connection between bicycling infrastructure and rider education. The model legislation is based on policies already passed in states like California and New York and is intended to help other states create comprehensive and harmonized requirements for manufacturers to produce safe and reliable products.
ACCESS THE E-BIKE LEGISLATIVE TOOLKIT
"As e-bike adoption continues to rise, it's vital that communities are prepared to support riders with safe roads, clear regulations, and effective education programs," said Dr. Ash Lovell, PeopleForBikes' vice president of government relations. "Our toolkit provides a roadmap for policymakers at all levels to address these needs and create a safer, more accessible environment for bike riders nationwide."
Key Components of the E-Bike Legislative Toolkit
PeopleForBikes recommends that legislators consider nine key priorities when addressing the safety and regulatory aspects of electric bicycles:
- CREATE INFRASTRUCTURE: Prioritize funding and building connected bike networks to improve safety.
- ADOPT THE 3-CLASS SYSTEM: Clearly define e-bikes using the three-class model and federal definitions set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
- REGULATE OUT-OF-CLASS PRODUCTS + ANTI-TAMPERING: Address unsafe products exceeding power and speed limits set by law.
- ENABLE CLASS 1 EMTB ACCESS: Define where e-bikes can be ridden both on and off road, including speed limits on shared paths.
- CHAMPION BATTERY AND ELECTRICAL SAFETY: Ensure e-bikes meet applicable safety standards for electrical systems and lithium-ion batteries.
- FUND E-BIKE INCENTIVES: Create equitable incentive programs to make e-bikes more affordable.
- PROMOTE EDUCATION AND RIDER SAFETY: Implement effective rider education programs.
- OPPOSE REGISTRATION AND INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS: Avoid unnecessary registration and insurance for e-bikes, which don't significantly reduce road fatalities.
- PROVIDE LANDLORD GUIDANCE ON E-BIKES: Encourage landlords to allow safe storage of certified e-bikes.
ACCESS THE E-BIKE LEGISLATIVE TOOLKIT
If you have any questions about the toolkit or crafting state and local policies related to bicycles and electric bicycles, please reach out to PeopleForBikes Vice President of Government Relations Dr. Ash Lovell at ash@peopleforbikes.org.
About PeopleForBikes
PeopleForBikes is the U.S. bicycle industry's trade association and a national advocacy nonprofit representing more than 325 bicycle industry supplier members and nearly 1.4 million individuals. Through our three areas of influence — infrastructure, policy, and participation — we accelerate the construction of safe, fun, and connected places to bike; advance pro-bike and pro-bike-business legislation; and reduce barriers to access and welcome more people to the joys of riding a bike. Our goal: Become the best place to ride a bike in the world. Join us at PeopleForBikes.org.
