[roadcat]

I understand that the “pedal assist” is required by law, otherwise they would have to be registered as motor vehicles. If you don’t pedal, you don’t go.

Doesn't that depend on which state of the country you're operating it in? There are several classes of e-bikes. If button operated, they are limited by law to a low speed or denied use on public streets, depending on state laws. If pedal assisted, they are allowed a higher speed on public streets but still limited to a certain speed, depending on state laws.

[ProtectOurFreedom]

I,was unaware o those various state rules. Thanks.

[steve86]

The issue has to do with the throttle control, if any (either a lever or a motorcycle - type twist control), which technically is banned on the trails around Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

But if you pedal at the same time as using the throttle no one is the wiser.

In Washington, my state, there is as of now no specific e-bike statute that limits usage on either the streets or trails. But individual jurisdictions can limit a given trail to pedestrians only, no bikes at all