I remember Oregon defined the bicycle/moped thing when I was a teenager. Nevermind. From the tables I've seen about half the states classify 20mph electrics with functional pedals as not requiring a license. Some lump them with mopeds. Only a few still leave it up to the locals to decide.
Here's a simple summary from electric-bikes.com:
Quote:
In 2001, the U. S. Congress passed Public Law 107-319 which exempts electric bicycles under 750 watts/20 mph from the definition of a motor vehicle only "For purposes of motor vehicle safety standards...", which means that the manufacturers of these bicycles don't have to meet federal equipment requirements, and are instead governed by the manufacturing requirements of the Consumer Product Safety Act. There is no mention of exemption from other federal, state, and local traffic laws, or exemption from the definition of a motor vehicle for other purposes.
Various states have passed their own laws. California law states that no driver's license, license plate, nor insurance is required. You must be 16 years or older and wear a standard bicycle helmet. Electric bikes are subject to all the rules of the road, and additional laws governing the operation and safety of electric bicycles may be extended by state or local governments. It's legally a bicycle, so you can use it wherever and however you can use a bike. Washington law is similar.
If you live in a state that lacks basic electric bike legislation, consider this. Although riding your electric bike may be illegal, so is jay-walking. Generally speaking, 1) police don't know the exact rules, 2) police expect electric bike and scooter riders to wear a bicycle helmet, 3) most electric bikes look to the casual observer like ordinary bikes, and 4) if you get ticketed, just go to court and plead your case; judges usually let you off with a warning. And start working your state legislature to enact an electric bicycle law similar to California's.
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I noticed Costco has the eZip. Putting the batteries in the frame minimizes the dork effect. $1350 though, for a 24V system, and too many "depending on rider weight" disclaimers with the 18mph top speed.
I think I've found a reasonable 36V/350W kit. I'll be picking up another bike this week so as to avoid butchering my mountain bike. Total with crappy bike should be under $600 with extended run batteries. I'll post progress later.