SimicRecluse

The law officially classifies e-bikes as:

• Class 1 e-bikes: Class 1 e-bikes are described as bikes with a motor not exceeding 750W and one that assists only when pedaling. The motor can only assist when pedaling. In addition, the motor stops running when bikes hit 20mph.
  
• Class 2 e-bikes: These are electric bikes with a throttle actuated motor. The motor assists and stops running when bikes hit 20mph. Additionally, the bike motor power is limited to 750W. Unlike class 1 e-bikes, you can start and ride your bike on the motor power. However, the limit for the motor power is the same at 750W.
  
• Class 3 e-bikes: Lastly, we have the class 3 e-bikes with a motor that provides assistance when the rider is pedaling. However, the motor stops assisting when the bike hits 28mph. Arizona classifications limit the power for class 3 e-bikes to 750W.
  

but it only says they aren't banned on sidewalks or roads, but its up to local jurisdictions


isn't this really vague? Other states specify class 1 and 2 on sidewalk only. Like, can I really use a class 3 e-bike on the sidewalk without it upsetting people or authorities? Or do I need to limit it 20mph to be fine? Also it still seems stupidly dangerous to be on the suburban roads at 28mph when people get up to 60mph when there's little traffic. It seems like i would need to switch between them regularly especially with the lack of bike lanes and it being harder to vault up curbs like on a road bike

Doc_Wui

Ebikes are banned on the sidewalk where I live. In some places, like the business districts of larger cities, no cyclist wants to be on the sidewalk. Too many pedestrians and it's rude.

In other areas, if there is no one on the sidewalk, who cares if an ebiker pokes along at 8 mph.I often detour up on the sidewalk so a car following doesn't have to .be held up by me while waiting for a spot to pass. It also keeps me from having to pass too close to parked cars and maybe get doored. In some spots, riding the sidewalk keeps me out of high speed traffic. Drivers would rather see me there, and so would I. I doubt cops care about the issue where I live.

It seems like common sense is all that is needed.

2old

In "the OC", I ride on the sidewalks wherever feasible although it's illegal AFAIK. We're supposed to use bike lanes or even allowed (by law) to use a full lane if there is no bike lane (Yeah, sure!).