THE FUTURE OF
URBAN MOBILITY
Electric bikes are transforming how America moves: cleaner, faster, and more accessible than ever. NEBA leads the charge for riders everywhere.
Explore eBikesHOW AN EBIKE WORKS
Electric Motor
A hub or mid-drive motor converts electrical energy into torque. Mid-drive motors sit at the crank for natural balance; hub motors are simpler and low-maintenance.
Lithium Battery
A rechargeable lithium-ion pack (typically 36V to 52V) stores energy. Most batteries deliver 20 to 80 miles per charge depending on assist level and terrain.
Pedal Assist (PAS)
Torque or cadence sensors detect your pedaling effort and trigger the motor to amplify it. The result: natural-feeling power that scales with how hard you ride.
Throttle Control
Some eBikes include a twist or thumb throttle for motor-only propulsion with no pedaling required. Availability varies by class and local regulation.
BENEFITS OF EBIKES
Minimal Emissions
Switching to an eBike saves the average rider 225 kg of CO2 per year, the equivalent of planting 10 trees, and emits 55x less CO2 per mile than a car.
Real Cost Savings
At pennies per charge, the average eBike commuter saves $1,000–$3,000 annually versus car ownership when factoring fuel, parking, and maintenance.
Active Health
A study of 10,000+ adults found eBike riders log more weekly exercise than traditional cyclists. Pedal assist removes the barriers: you still move, you still benefit.
True Accessibility
Pedal assist levels the playing field for older adults, riders with joint conditions, and those returning from injury. Cycling for everyone.
Cut Congestion
A single eBike lane carries 4–8x more people than a car lane at the same width. More riders means less gridlock for everyone on the road.
Simply Fun
Ask any eBike rider: there's nothing like effortless speed on open road. Joy is underrated as a reason to change how a city moves.
EBIKE CLASSES
Federal law establishes three eBike classes. State and local rules may vary. Always check regulations in your area before hitting the trail.
- Motor assists only while pedaling
- Cuts off at 20 mph
- Allowed on most bike paths and trails
- Best for: commuting, recreation, multi-use paths
- Throttle works without pedaling
- Motor cuts off at 20 mph
- Allowed in most bike lane areas
- Best for: casual riders, varied terrain
- Higher assist ceiling, 28 mph max
- Requires speedometer by federal law
- Restricted from some shared-use paths
- Best for: serious commuters, road cyclists
SAFETY & RULES
Helmet Laws Vary by State
Many states mandate helmets for Class 3 riders and for minors on all eBikes. Some states require helmets universally. Check your state's DMV site. NEBA recommends a helmet on every ride regardless of law.
Trail & Path Access
Class 1 eBikes are typically welcome wherever traditional bikes are allowed. Class 2 and 3 may be restricted on non-motorized trails. National parks, state forests, and municipalities set their own rules.
Road Rules Apply
Ride with traffic, obey traffic signals, use lights after dark (required in most states), and signal turns. eBikes over 20 mph (Class 3) may be prohibited from certain bike lanes. Treat it like a bicycle, not a moped.
Battery & Charging Safety
Only use the charger that came with your eBike. Never charge a damaged battery. Store lithium batteries away from heat sources and avoid fully draining them before long storage periods.
ABOUT NEBA
Founded to promote safe, sustainable, and accessible electric cycling across the nation, the National eBike Association serves as the unified voice for America's growing community of electric bike riders, advocates, and industry partners.
We work with local governments, trail organizations, and transportation planners to ensure eBikes are treated as the legitimate, transformative transportation tool they are, not an afterthought.
Whether you're a daily commuter, a weekend trail rider, or someone who just discovered eBikes make hills irrelevant. This is your association.