We recognize the increased use of e-bikes in our club. We welcome this technology and the fact it gives people the ability to enjoy bicycling and the outdoors. We are establishing an e-bike forum for any members to join. You can join this forum just like any other forum using your profile setting, and clicking YES to the e-bike forum, then saving your settings. First some definitions
Classes of e-bikes
The three classes are defined as follows:
Class 1: e-Bikes that are pedal-assist only, with no throttle, and have a maximum assisted speed of 20 mph.
Class 2: e-Bikes that also have a maximum speed of 20 mph, but are throttle-assisted.
Class 3: e-Bikes that are pedal-assist only, with no throttle, and a maximum assisted speed of 28 mph.
Note: All classes limit the motor’s power to 1 horsepower (750 Watts).
The state of Pennsylvania passed ruling on e-bikes in 2014 (On October 22, 2014 PA house bill 573 passed into law, which is Act 154) A vehicle weighing not more than 100 pounds with two or three wheels more than 11 inches in diameter, manufactured or assembled with an electric motor system, rated at not more than 750 watts, and equipped with operable pedals and capable of a speed not more than 20 miles per hour on a level surface when powered by the motor source only.
We want to emphasize the club rules on e-bike. Below is listed the definitions from our Insurance Company, The following definitions are the Harrisburg Bicycle Club and members need to adhere to
HBC insurance will ONLY cover e-bikes that are Class 1 (pedal assist, electric power, less then 750 watts) maximum speed on a paved level surface, when powered solely by such a motor while ridden by a operator who weighs 170 pounds, is less than 20 mph
Coverage does not apply to the following activities:
Activities involving mopeds or any other vehicle with a non-manual power source such as as a e-bike with a throttle or a speed over 20 mph. Therefore gas powered, Class 2 and Class 3 e-bikes are not allowed on HBC rides
We will continue to monitor the Federal and PA State laws on this rapidly changing topic.