NHKeith

Some trails are limited to class 1 ebikes. Has anyone been asked if their bike is class 1 or 3? Can anyone tell the difference if you keep under 20mph?

Steve B.

Doesn't a 1 not have a throttle ?, others do ?

NHKeith

Class 2 has a throttle, max 20mph. Class 3 doesn't have a throttle but has max of 28mph. You are not meant to take class 3 on a trail limited to class 1 but I am not sure what the difference is if you stay to 20mph and would anyone know the difference?

Inusuit

The rider would know the difference and should stick to trails/paths where his ebike is legal. I don't hate on ebikes because the partner I ride with the most is oxygen dependent and rides one. But I've been blown off MUPs by ebikes over the requested speed limit, often by helmetless riders with earbuds and clueless as to other courtesies such as announcing their pass.

kahn

I have searched my bike, Specialized Alum Creo and there is no CLASS identification on it at all. I understand that it is Class 3. I have rarely gotten it up to 28mph and only hit 45mph descending Washington Pass in the North Cascades.

I understand everyone is expected to know the law but I've only been on one path that has ONE sign that mentions Class 1 and Class 2 only. This is at the end of the path and only facing away from the start at that end. It is well hidden. I've since looked for other limitation signs and seen none. So, frankly, I have no idea if the other half dozen to dozen paths I ride are limited and if they can't post, I can't worry about the limits. As mentioned, I don't blow by anyone at 28mph nor generally more than 14-16mph. A real bikie friend is aghast the throttle bikes (Class 2) and weighty behemoths are permitted where Class 3 is not permitted.

So, put me in the scofflaw category. But I admit to running red lights if they won't change for bikes even with a bike sensor in the pavement.

I would imagine there might be places where there are patrols. I have not seen any in the Seattle area.

tds101 

Via Wired,...

What Are Ebike ‘Classes’ and What Do They Mean?

According to your state's laws, ebikes can be designated as Class 1, 2, or 3. That determines what you can ride and where.

kahn

The SPEEDOMETER requirement is one I did not know about or is that a local law. I do not believe the Specialized Creo's come with one but I believe are Class 3.

2old

AFAIK bike manufacturers were supposed to start identifying e-bikes as Class 1, 2 or 3 about five years ago when that system was adopted for CA, where I reside, and eventually adopted by many other states. However, although it may have been implemented by some manufacturers, I've never seen one.

veganbikes

The only time someone is going to notice is if you are being noticeable. Throttled "bikes" don't belong on trails unless they are for motorcycles but going at reasonable speeds on a trails is not a bad thing. I personally wouldn't want a class 3 bike for trails because downhill you could easily get there and uphill I would rather have the torque and easier time climbing I don't need to go fast over rough terrain.