Do you need a license for an electric bike or not? Electric bikes have exploded in popularity in just a few short years, and more and more people are discovering that they're not just toys, or just for short commutes. E-bikes are great outdoor cyclists who can help you explore and travel around the neighborhood!! However, before starting to buy this new type of transportation, some people will ask the below "Can I drive e-bikes with my driving license?" or "What kind of license do electric bicycles need?"

Although it seems simple, these are the problems that everyone will be asking about when they meet e-bikes for the first time. Only by correctly understanding the relevant knowledge of e-bikes can you buy an electric bicycle with confidence. After all, an electric bicycle can cost thousands or even thousands of dollars, and no one wants to spend a random sum of money, but it is useless! So, let’s find this out together!

Check electric bikes in Alabama

In the United States, everyone knows that we are federal law, and each state has its regulations. For example, you can Google that our electric bicycles are consumer products governed by the Consumer Product Safety Act. This is very strict, and you will need to follow it for your safety and legal permission.

For example, in Alabama, an electric bike is defined as a “motor-driven cycle.” So thankfully, it doesn’t have to obey rules and regulations other than a bike. However, it's not that you don't have to follow anything! See below for details.

If you live in Alabama, you must follow local regulations, note that you need to register your e-bike, but no insurance is required. Wearing a helmet before riding an e-bike is a must, and your e-bike must strictly obey the state's maximum power requirements. Otherwise, you won't be able to hit the road at all, and buying an electric bike is likely to be a decoration! Some parents will say that now their children want to have an electric bicycle when they go to school, but in Alabama, children under the age of 14 are not allowed to drive any e-bikes, so your kids will have to wait till they are 14!

If you don't know whether a certain road or area is allowed to ride electric bicycles, don't take the risk, first search the local requirements on the Internet. If you can't find it, we suggest you don't ride there.

Do you need a license for an electric bike in Illinois?

Unlike the example in Alabama given, electric bikes are defined by the Illinois locals as "low-speed electric bicycles. This means the same road rules or regulations apply to e-bikes and regular pedaling bicycles. The electric bikes are not applied to registration, licensing, or insurance, but are subject to motor vehicle requirements or rules! It's not hard to find that local Regulations require a speedometer for Class 3 e-bikes, and electric bike sellers must state or claim their bikes’ classification, top speed, and motor power. If you look into the velowavebikes website, you will discover all the information required stated clearly on it, including watt, size, max speed, etc.

In addition, different categories of electric bicycles have relevant age-riding requirements. For example, you need to be over 16 years old to ride three types of electric bicycles!

Some readers may live in New York, so congratulations, as of November 23, 2020, all-electric bicycles (categories 1-3) are allowed in New York City. But New York State does not allow electric bikes to be registered.

If you want to go to work by any e-bike in New York, you need to be aware that the motor of your electric bike cannot exceed 750 watts, then any e-bike from velowavebikes will meet this requirement. As long as you wear a helmet, you can ride an electric bike on some areas or highways in New York State (30MPH speed limit sections), so you can enjoy your ride in the nearby hills, hiking, etc. Live life! However, it should be noted that you cannot ride on the sidewalk casually!

Do you need a license for an electric bike in other cities or states? In general, we give you a few examples to inform you of the laws and regulations of electric bicycles. No matter which city you live in, every city, town, or village can further instruct the riding area according to local laws or regulations, they can define your maximum speed limits, helmets or dress codes, and more, so be sure to check for updated regulations before enjoying your ride!