Most American states now use a three-class system for electric bikes. It decides where you can legally ride, whether a helmet is required and sometimes how old you have to be. It takes five minutes to understand and it can save you a fine.
This is a general guide, not legal advice. Rules vary by state, and often by city and by trail network within a state. Check yours before your first ride.
The three classes
Class 1 — pedal assist only, up to 20 mph
The motor helps only while you are pedalling, and it stops helping at 20 mph. No throttle. Class 1 is the most widely permitted: it is usually allowed anywhere a conventional bicycle is allowed, including most bike paths and many multi-use trails.
Class 2 — throttle allowed, up to 20 mph
Same 20 mph ceiling, but the motor can propel the bike without pedalling. Class 2 is permitted in most of the same places as Class 1, though some trail systems that allow Class 1 exclude throttles.
Class 3 — pedal assist up to 28 mph
The motor helps while pedalling up to 28 mph. Class 3 is the one with the most restrictions: many states require a helmet regardless of age, set a minimum rider age of 16, and exclude Class 3 from bike paths and shared-use trails while permitting it on roads and in bike lanes.
Do you need a licence, registration or insurance?
In most states, no. Electric bikes that fall within the three-class definitions are legally bicycles, not motor vehicles, so no driving licence, no registration plate and no compulsory insurance. A handful of states treat some categories differently, and a few require registration for higher-powered machines.
Two things reliably change that answer. First, modifying the bike: removing the speed limiter or reprogramming the controller can push it outside the class definitions entirely, at which point it may legally become a moped or motor vehicle, requiring registration and insurance you do not have. Second, where you ride: private land, campuses and some parks set their own rules regardless of state law.
Where each class is usually allowed
| Class 1 | Class 2 | Class 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roads and bike lanes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Separated bike paths | Usually | Usually | Often not |
| Shared-use and natural-surface trails | Often | Sometimes | Rarely |
| Helmet required | Varies by age | Varies by age | Often for all ages |
| Minimum age | Usually none | Usually none | Commonly 16 |
"Usually" and "often" are doing real work in that table. Your state is the authority, not us.
Which class is each Roots Rider bike?
Several of our models are switchable: you can select the riding mode in the display, which changes the class the bike operates as. That matters, because riding a bike set to Class 3 on a path that only permits Class 1 is a problem even if the bike is capable of behaving as Class 1.
- Rebel 2 and Rebel 2 Pro — switchable Class 1, 2 and 3, up to 28 mph in Class 3
- Cheetah 2 and Prowler — Class 3, up to 28 mph
- Cheetah 2 Pro — up to 33 mph, which is above the Class 3 ceiling in most states
- Cougar up to 34 mph and Cougar Pro up to 38 mph — both above the Class 3 ceiling
- Runabout 2 — Class 2 style step-through utility bike
On the models capable of exceeding 28 mph, that top speed is generally not legal on public roads in states using the three-class system. Those speeds are achievable on private land or where local law permits. Set the bike to a compliant mode for public riding, and treat the headline number as capability, not permission.
Frequently asked questions
Can I ride a Class 3 e-bike on a bike path?
Often not. Many jurisdictions allow Class 1 and 2 on separated bike paths but restrict Class 3 to roads and on-road bike lanes. Check the signage and the local authority.
Do I need a helmet?
On Class 3 many states require one for every rider regardless of age. On Class 1 and 2 it usually depends on age. Wear one anyway.
What happens if I remove the speed limiter?
The bike may no longer meet any class definition, which can reclassify it as a motor vehicle requiring registration, insurance and a licence. It also voids the manufacturer's warranty. Do not do it.
Are electric bikes allowed on the sidewalk?
Generally no, in the same way bicycles usually are not. A few places permit it; most do not.
Can I carry a passenger?
Sometimes, and the rules are their own subject — several states prohibit passengers on Class 3 entirely. See carrying a passenger, a child or the shopping.
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