Originally Posted by
Zeuser
Simply put; an e-Bike is just a regular bicycle with an electric motor, controller and battery added on.
That's the usual rider's definition, and it's a good one.
Then there's the legal definition, which is different for different states.
California, for example, defines two different classes of e-bikes: those with a top speed of 20mph on flat ground, and those with a top speed of 30mph on flat ground.
The 20mph ones have few restrictions: You must be 16 or older to ride on a public street, and you must wear a helmet. That's a bout it.
The 30mph ones have more laws: 16 years and a helmet. Plus you must have at least a moped permit (written test at DMV), register your ebike with the state (one-time form and $18 fee, they send you a little license plate and an ID card), and the bike must have headlight, taillight, brakelight, side reflectors, a rear mirror, and a horn.
Other states have other laws, YMMV.