What Are E-Bikes? Understanding the Rules and the Rise of E-Motos
Electric bikes are everywhere right now. More riders are discovering the convenience, accessibility, and fun that e-bikes provide. But with their rapid growth has also come confusion.
What exactly counts as an e-bike? And what is the difference between an e-bike and an e-moto?
Here is what riders need to know.
What Is an E-Bike?
An e-bike is a pedalcycle (bicycle) equipped with an electric motor that assists the rider through a pedal assist or a throttle assist system. Unlike motorcycles or mopeds, e-bikes are still considered bicycles under Pennsylvania law.
In Pennsylvania, an e-bike is legally defined as a “pedalcycle with electric assist” that:
- Has operable pedals
- Weighs less than 100lbs
- Uses an electric motor of 750 watts or less
- Cannot exceed 20 mph
Although Pennsylvania does not officially use a class system in state law, most manufacturers and riders still refer to the national three-class structure:
Class 1
Pedal-assist only, with assistance up to 20 mph.
Class 2
Throttle-assisted bikes capable of speeds up to 20 mph.
Class 3
Pedal-assist bikes capable of speeds up to 28 mph.
Even though Pennsylvania law does not formally separate e-bikes into these categories, 41 states do, and it is commonly used across the cycling industry and by trail managers nationwide.
Why E-Bikes Are Growing in Popularity
E-bikes have exploded in popularity for several reasons.
For commuters, they make longer rides and hills easier while reducing reliance on cars. Recreational riders enjoy being able to travel farther with less fatigue. Older riders and people recovering from injuries often find e-bikes help them stay active and continue enjoying cycling.
As technology improves and prices become more accessible, e-bikes are becoming a common sight on roads, bike paths, and trail systems throughout Pennsylvania and across the country.
The Rise of E-Motos
At the same time, another category of electric vehicle has been growing rapidly: e-motos.
An e-moto is very different from a legal e-bike and typically requires registration, licensing, or other legal compliance depending on the vehicle and where it is ridden.
These vehicles are often:
- Much more powerful than legal e-bikes, 1000 Watts and up
- Faster than e-bike speed limits
- Capable of 30–65+ mph
- Designed more like motorcycles or dirt bikes than bicycles
Popular models often blur the line between bicycle and motorcycle, especially when marketed using terms like “electric bike” despite performance levels that exceed legal e-bike definitions.
PA motorized Pedalcycle (see the PA Micro Mobility Information Sheet Below): This classification was originally set up for mopeds in the 1980’s with a top speed of 25 mph. In terms of speed, some Class 3 e-bikes that DO NOT exceed 25 mph could fall into this category. Regardless, mopeds and Class 3 e-bikes technically require a Class C Driver’s License and Registration; however, there is no mechanism within PennDOT to register Class 3 e-bikes as most e-bikes do not have a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
However due to this technicality, a motorized pedacycle is not an e-moto since its max speed is 25mph. BCGP would categorize the motorized pedacycle as class 3 if PA utilized the standard classification system .
Why the Distinction Matters
Many riders, and advocates are increasingly concerned that e-motos are being incorrectly labeled as e-bikes. It is resulting in erroneous attempts to regular e-bikes when they are currently regulated and are conflating e-bikes with e-motos.
The media is incorrectly depicting e-bikes as e-motos as the bikes in this video are bikes with larger wheels and frames that are indicative of e-motos. Furthermore, the local segment makes no distinction between e-bikes and e-motos.
The PA micromobility information sheet motorized pedalcycle is also commonly known as an e-moto.
We hope you found this information helpful. Stay tuned for ways we can work together towards safe micromobility options for all users.