Electric bicycles, commonly referred to as e-bikes, are an enjoyable and efficient way to travel from one place to another destination. People who prefer to stay away from public transportation during the epidemic can use e-bikes to get to work or run around town. Additionally, e-bikes can be an excellent exercise option for those with disabilities or elderly riders who consider traditional bicycles too difficult.
Yet, despite all the benefits they bring, E-bike accidents could cause serious injuries. One recent instance can be seen in “America’s Got Talent” judge Simon Cowell, who suffered multiple back fractures following a fall off his e-bike.
In the springtime spirit and with the recent news about the dangers of e-bikes, we thought it would be helpful to outline the information you should be aware of regarding Michigan laws governing e-bikes.
WHAT IS AN ELECTRIC BICYCLE (E-BIKE), GENERALLY SPEAKING?
Electric bikes, also known as ebikes, are similar in many aspects to conventional bicycles, such as pedals. The primary distinction is that electric bikes include motors that can be different in size and could be equipped with a throttle. Electric bikes that employ an electric motor to aid the rider when pedaling are often referred to by the term “pedelecs.” The motor is designed to complement human power rather than replace it completely. The other main elements of an electric bike are the battery and drivetrain.
Be aware that, aside from the pedals, it is difficult to distinguish an e-bike on its appearance. E-bikes can look similar to standard mountain bikes, while others appear like tiny dirt bikes, while some appear like mopeds or scooters.
THE ABCS OF MICHIGAN E-BIKE LAWS
DEFINING AN E-BIKE UNDER MICHIGAN LAW
According to Michigan law, the definition of an e-bike is a vehicle fitted with the following features:
A saddle or seat
Fully operational pedals allow human propulsion
A motor that is not more than 750 watts.
Furthermore, U.S. Federal law puts electric bicycles into the same class as traditional bicycles if they satisfy certain requirements:
- Max speed 20mph, making use of motor power only
- Motor power should not exceed 500 milliwatts (1 h.p.)
- E-bikes that combine motor and human power can move at higher speeds
MICHIGAN E-BIKE LAWS SPECIFY CLASSES OF ELECTRIC BICYCLES
The sections in the Michigan Vehicle Code were amended to incorporate new electric bike laws, which went into effect on January 28, 2018. Because of this law, Michigan became one of 26 states that have a three-tier classification system for electric bikes.
The three types are according to:
- Class 1 – The motor offers assistance only while the rider is pedaling. It ceases to assist once the bike reaches 20 miles per hour.
- Class 2: The motor is capable of propelling the bicycle on its own without the assistance of humans, but it is not able to assist with speeds of more than 20 mph.
- Classes 3: The motor offers assistance only while the biker (14 or over) is pedaling. The motor is removed at the point that the bicycle is 28 miles per hour. A Class 3 electric bike is also fitted with a speedometer.
Riders don’t require any special registration, permits, or insurance to ride an e-bike within one of the three classes. But, riders must be over 14 to be able to operate an e-bike class 3.
Additionally, it is unlawful for owners of e-bikes to change the label of their classification following purchase.
LEGAL PLACES TO RIDE AN E-BIKE
It is important to know the rules that govern the areas where electric motorized bikes can be operated. The majority of the time, the places they’re permitted to use are based on their classification type, as mentioned in the previous paragraph. Michigan laws on e-bikes define where the various types of electric bikes are allowed to be used.
The three types of e-bikes can be used on any road that is accessible to traditional bicycles, which includes bicycle lanes that are designated for use.
Riders can also ride Class 1 E-bikes “on a linear trail that has an asphalt, crushed limestone, or similar surface.” However, local governments are able to ban or limit the use of e-bikes on specific trails.
In addition, class 2 and class 3 e-bikes can be used on trails only after they are authorized by the local government with jurisdiction for the trails.
In addition, the law restricts all three types of e-bikes from the “trail that is designated as non-motorized, and that has a natural surface tread that is made by clearing and grading the native soil with no added surfacing materials.” This includes trails specifically to be used for mountain biking.
E-bikes are not permitted at Mackinac Island unless the user has a permit from the Mackinac Island State Park Commission.
However, people with disabilities who ride an electric bike as a means of mobility can ride on trails and roads that do not permit e-bikes.
WHAT MICHIGAN E-BIKE LAWS SAY ABOUT WEARING HELMETS
In Michigan, riders who are under 18 or operating or riding on an e-bike of Class 3 require helmets.
While some e-bike riders aren’t legally required to wear helmets wearing one is strongly advised. If you’re wearing a helmet, you are less likely to sustain serious injury as a result that you are involved in an accident.
DO I NEED INSURANCE FOR AN E-BIKE?
It’s not true, Michigan e-bike laws do not oblige owners to buy insurance for their bikes. It is, however, advisable to speak with your insurance company to confirm that your bike is covered under your renters or homeowners insurance. Should it not be, it could be beneficial to buy insurance in the event your e-bike gets damaged or stolen.
ARE E-BIKES DANGEROUS?
E-bike users can sustain serious injuries if they’re engaged in an accident. A recent study found researchers found that e-bikers sustained more severe injuries in accidents than electric scooter riders. Additionally, riders on e-bikes had a higher risk of suffering internal injuries, and concussions more often occur as a result of e-scooter crashes. In addition, pedestrians were involved three times the number of e-bike crashes than those involving traditional bicycles or e-scooters. Additionally, the victims of accidents involving e-bikes are, on average older than those who are injured on bicycles or e-scooters.
Safety experts in the field of traffic blame a lot of these incidents on the speedier speeds of these electronic devices. Additionally, the absence of proper infrastructure, like bike/scooter roads, which are found in numerous locations, creates more danger for people who travel on bicycles, foot or on a scooter.
STAYING SAFE WHILE ENJOYING YOUR E-BIKE
E-bikers generally need to be following exactly the rules and regulations of the road that traditional bicyclists do. However, those going faster than on a normal bike must be extra cautious. Here are some other safety guidelines:
- Be extra attentive to the circulation of traffic.
- Wear a helmet.
- Install lights on your bike and a horn so that motorists or pedestrians, as well as other cyclists, can hear and see you.
- Train your riding skills prior to taking on greater speeds.
- Give yourself enough time to stop by slowing down just before you reach stop signs or intersections.
- Be extra cautious when dismounting and mounting.
- As per Simon Cowell, “Read the instruction manual before you ride!”
BENEFITS OF ELECTRIC BICYCLES
E-bikes are a great option for all kinds of people, from older riders as well as those who have physical limitations.
- Here are a few of the many advantages of riding an e-bike
- E-bikes are more comfortable to ride on rough terrain or on hills than traditional bicycles.
- Commuters can get to work faster than on a bicycle.
- E-bikes are safe for those who wish to avoid public transportation, taxis, or ride-share services during the outbreak.
- E-bikers are more likely to cycle more often and cover more distances than regular cyclists, based on recent studies.
- E-bikes are quiet and emission-free rides.
- E-bikes are a great exercise option for those who can’t handle intense exercise.
- Laws governing accidents are complicated; however, finding the best lawyer to handle a bicycle accident is not difficult.
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