bicycle/moped question (legal)?

Question by cls4690: bicycle/moped question (legal)?
In NJ, NY, MA, DC, and MD: if i put a front electric hub motor on my bicycle, do I have to register it as a MOPED or can I ride it as a bicycle (following the appropriate rules for cycling). The laws look like they talk about engine displacement, but if you have an electric motor that still requires you to pedal and the bike has a standard mountain bike frame, can I ride it as a bike?

Also, wouldn’t I be able to get away with riding it anyway since it’s still a bike and I still have to pedal? besides, what would i put as the make, model, and VIN?

Best answer:

Answer by duh
Check each state individually, but I think All ebikes are officially ILLEGAL in NY.

I think MA, DC, And MD, follow federal HR727;
20mph max, 2 or 3 wheels, working pedals, 750 watts continuous maximum. Then it is are a bicycle, no registration needed. This is what most states follow, but they sometimes add some limitations, like helmets, not allowed on sidewalks, lights, etc.

Don’t know about NJ,

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