Where Can You Ride an Ebike?
One of the first questions Jennifer and I asked when we got our ebikes was, “Where can you ride an ebike?” Here is everything we learned…
Are you curious about the latest outdoor and camping trend: ebiking? RVers everywhere are turning to these incredible bikes to work out and cover more ground than they might otherwise be able to.
A few years ago, Jennifer and I were fortunate to get our own eBikes called Rad Power Bikes. And boy do we love them! I even made a video about them on our YouTube Channel!
And recently, we've been testing out a foldable ebike from Lectric. We heard about them from many of our RVing friends and Lectric reached out and sent two of them to us – right to the campground where we were enjoying our Meetup on the Mississippi. Take a look…
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That is why I figured it is high time to write about these incredible bikes, and why you should consider getting one for your own RV lifestyle!
The following is my comprehensive guide covering what an ebike is, where exactly RVers can expect to ride an eBike and the benefits of owning an ebike.
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What Is an Ebike?
An ebike is another term for an electric bike. They look and feel like regular pedal bikes. But they have one major difference: a motor will assist your pedal power.
You still use your legs to pedal the bike and propel you forward. However, a motor that is attached to the pedals or the sides of the bike can help power your ride.
Most ebikes have different settings, allowing you to choose how much the motor will augment your ride. If you only need a little assistance, you can choose a lower setting. If you need more while you are building up your cardiovascular and muscle strength, then you can set it higher.
The motor will add power to the bicycle as you pedal. It still feels like you are pedaling a bike, but like you have turbo-charged legs when doing so.
Ebikes are only meant to help offset some of your pedaling power, not reach super speeds. That is why when you reach certain speeds, the motor will stop powering you.
The most efficient ebike are ones that combine the motor with the bike’s gear system.
3 Classes of Ebikes (& Where You Can Ride Accordingly)
Class 1
Class 1 ebikes have motors that offer only pedal assist. The motor is also limited and will stop assisting at 20 mph.
Class 1 ebikes can typically ride wherever bikes are allowed
Class 2
A Class 2 ebike has a throttle, much like the ones you find on a motorcycle. The motor’s primary function is to still assist in the pedal power. But you have the option of using a throttle for an extra boost of on-demand power.
Class 2 models also stop providing assistance when the bike reaches 20 mph. They are typically allowed wherever bikes are allowed.
Class 3
The big difference between Class 3 and the other two classes is the speed allowance. The motor will not cut off assistance in a Class 3 until the bike reaches a speed of 28 mph.
These bikes only offer pedal-assist power but can still help shave off a little travel distance time.
Class 3 ebikes are regulated more often, limiting where you can ride them. In those cases, you usually can't ride them on sidewalks, certain trails, etc.
Legal Limitations
There are certain legalities involved when operating an ebike. There are legal speed limits set on how fast an ebike can operate a bicycle alone. That is 20 mph.
However, when self-peddling, an ebike is allowed to travel at a faster speed than that. That is why a class C motor does not cut out until it reaches 28 mph.
Where Can You Ride an eBike?
Now that you know the legal speed limitations of riding an ebike, you might be wondering where you can ride it. States, national parks, and even your local RV park may each have their own rules regarding how and where you can ride an ebike.
State Rules and Regulations
Each state has its own laws regarding how and where an ebike may be ridden. When traveling, you must check each state’s requirements so that you do not get ticketed for breaking the law. Big thanks to People for Bikes for putting this resource together!
The following states require an operator's license or registration to operate an ebike:
- Alaska
- Hawaii (requires registration & fee)
- Massachusetts
- New Jersey (operator's license required for Class 3)
Note that laws are regularly changing regarding e-bikes. So, it's best to click on this link to check specific states or, better yet, check that state's official transportation websites.
National Parks
The National Park Service (NPS) published ebike regulations in November 2020 about the use of ebikes in national parks. In general, ebikes may be used wherever regular bikes are allowed to go unless stated otherwise.
The NPS also uses the same classifications of ebikes as noted above. They state that parks may limit certain class use to comply with state law. Or, to ensure the safety of park visitors.
HOWEVER! Before heading to a national park with your bike, do yourself a favor and check its website for any updates. Since ebikes are still an emerging trend, laws and rules are still changing quite frequently.
How Old to Ride an Ebike?
Minimum age requirements for riding bikes depend on the state and ebike class. Class 3 ebikes, for instance, usually have higher age requirements. Some states don't have an age requirement, while others set restrictions at various ages.
It's best to check state transportation websites for the most accurate information. However, searching by state by clicking here is the easiest method and is quite reliable.
Benefits of eBikes
There are two main benefits of using an ebike: better health and the ability to cover more ground.
Exercise
Studies show that riding an ebike most definitely has health benefits. It is true that it may not require as much exercise in certain conditions as a regular pedal bike. However, it still provides improved cardiovascular and blood sugar health.
An ebike can also be a great option for those who are not quite fit enough to start cycling on their own. The added motor assistance can help them start cycling and improve their health before they would otherwise be able to.
It is a fun way to improve your health if used consistently.
Cover More Ground
In addition to the health benefits of riding an ebike, you can also enjoy covering more ground. In other words, you can see more on an ebike than a regular bike.
Let’s say that at your current health, you can comfortably pedal for five miles on a regular pedal bike. Using an ebike will allow you to exert the same amount of energy but you can travel farther with the help of the motor. And in the case of our own Content Director, she can cover 17 miles very easily with her Lectric 2.0.
Instead of only being able to pedal for five total miles, you might be able to go 7.5 miles. The ebike’s motor can help you go just a little farther and cover more ground than a regular bike.
We recommend you go Lectric for your RV Lifestyle
You know we love our RAD Power bikes – and have featured them for years, but we recently tested out and LOVE our new Lectric foldable ebikes. Being able to fold them up allowed us to put them in our Wonder rear garage area for a recent RV Lifestyle Gathering. You can check out our experience with them right here on our YouTube Channel.
Our new Community has a Space for ebike enthusiasts…
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We love our e-bikes. We have a Big Sur by Aima. They have Fat tires which are great for dirt and sand, which is common in camps. They also have suspension for rough roads. Although we’ve not yet road over 60 miles we have been told they have the capacity to do so. And like many other E bikes these days they are step in style so no big bar to have to jump over. The only downside is that they are heavy, so it takes both of us to get onto the bike rack.
Just an update, Wisconsin treats Ebike as regular bikes
My Bride and I have been enjoying our RadRunner eBikes for 3 years now. They make exercise and getting out doors so much fun. We ride together at least 3 times weekly. Carolyn has accelerated her recovery from a total knee replacement with the help of her RadRunner.
Thanks for sharing, Tom! EBikes are great! – Team RV Lifestyle
We have been using the Fezzari e-mountain bike (type 1) for several years and it just over 40lbs. It is great for the hilly sections and trails off the pavement. It is highly capable MTB at significantly less cost than the high end brands.
We got Jasion bikes. They’re similar to HeyBikes. Foldable and about 1/2 the cost of Letric.
Great to ride around town and see the sights.
Something to think about is storage for travel. I bought a hitch for e-bikes on an RV. Cost almost as much as the bikes. the bikes are also heavy. About 60lbs. Storing them for travel takes about 20 mins.
We first bought out RAD minis just before Covid hit. They were the only thing to get us through the insanity. We actually were considering getting a toad for our camper but found out the Ebikes were a good alternative and a lot cheaper. I now have almost 5000 miles on my RAD and still runs like a champ. I am considering getting another ebike and I really like the Lectric bikes (my son in law just bought one) especially the new mountain bike that is coming out in January.
I have never rode an ebike yet. I would love to get one some day..
I want to ride my e-bike in the wide open spaces – plenty of room to maneuver.
I really want to learn to ride ebikes
My husband and I have Lectric ebikes! We love them. We have found that a lot of places we have stayed only have mountain bike trails. We are in our 60’s and are not up for that. We love our bikes though and enjoy riding them locally on bike lanes.
Thanks for sharing! Mike and Jen have Lectric ebikes, too, and they really are a game changer. Happy Trails! Team RV Lifestyle
Great info thanks
Cannot ride ebikes on any bike path here (Henderson, NV)
Thanks for the note, Frank – and sorry to here that about bike paths near you – Team RV Lifestyle
Lots of good suggestions – thank you for the information
Thanks, Janice, for the encouraging feedback! Team RV Lifestyle
We were ride the bike path all the Boise River from Eagle to Downtown Boise.
Thanks for sharing – bet it is beautiful! Team RV Lifestyle
My husband would like for me to get an e-bike because I can’t keep up with him but until I read this I didn’t see the advantage to how it would help us ride better
Glad the story helped – the pedal assist can really be a game changer. Happy Trails! Team RV Lifestyle
For someone about to get an E-BIKE this is very valuable information and great to re-read it even things I thought I knew were clarified. Thank you for the info!
Thanks for the feedback, Brett! We really appreciate it! Team RV Lifestyle
I do not have an ebike but would love to try one out!
I don’t have an e-bike yet. Honestly, I am saving so that I can purchase a quality bike. Costs are high, but worth the wait.
I have not tried an e-bike yet but they sound amazing. I’m about to go on a bike ride on my regular old bike and it’d be nice to not have to pedal as hard 😛
E-bikes are a game changer – especially in hilly areas- Team RV Lifestyle
Great info. Thanks.
We would like to add e-bikes to our travels. Thanks for the info.
You’re welcome – and thanks for your feedback! Team RV Lifestyle
Haven’t ridden one yet, but I can see how nice it would be for errands around town or covering ground off-road to get to places I might not.
It is a nice option to have! Team RV Lifestyle
I discovered the benefit of owning an e-bike when we visited Glacier and people were riding their e-bikes on the GTTSR. I had to purchase one!!!
They are a game changer, aren’t they?? Thanks for sharing- Team RV Lifestyle
I love my Aventon Aventure. I usually ride 25-30 miles, 3 times a week.
That sounds wonderful! E-bikes definitely add to the RV Lifestyle experience – Team RV Lifestyle
I ride my around the towns we travel to.
Love our e-bikes! We have a Jeep Quietkat ebike and a rad power bike. My favorite/ go-to place to take them is the Spruce Railroad Trail in Olympic National Park!
I bet that is a beautiful place to ride! Thanks for sharing – Team RV Lifestyle
My husband and I love the Lectric ebikes! We feel like kids again while riding!
Mike and Jen love theirs, too, and couldn’t agree more! Team RV Lifestyle
So my husband and I got scooters… Electric scooters. We’ve been enjoying them tremendously. However, last weekend I had an accident on it and tore my ACL. All along, we have planned on getting the bikes… I think maybe that’s happening sooner than later. Love in the RV life. We are newbies.
So sorry to hear about the accident and torn ACL! The bikes are a wonderful way to explore! Team RV Lifestyle
Ne
New Mexico does not require license or registration for ebikes.
Here’s a great reason to have an e-bike with your RV: The closest campground to Aspen, CO is “Difficult Campground,” a 5-star NFS campground five miles out of town. You could drive your rig into Aspen for the day and pay $20 or more to park it while you walk around town. Or you could ride the beautiful bike trail that connects the campground to Aspen. While in Aspen you could ride the road that leads to Maroon Bells, one of the most iconic mountain views in all of Colorado. Only bicycles are allowed on that road between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. every day, and it’s straight uphill. An e-bike makes the climb much easier.
Thanks for the article. We travel with two ebikes and add to the fun of camping and gives us more exercise . We now pick camp sites convenient to bike trails.