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FrameworkforConsideringMotorized UseonNon-motorizedTrailsand PedestrianWalkways under23U.S.C.§ 217
The purpose of this document is to provide guidanceto Federal HighwayAdministration (FHWA) division offices and a consistent
framework for determiningwhento permitanexceptionformotorized useonnon-motorizedtrailsand pedestrianwalkways under
23U.S.C.§217(h)(5).Therelevantlegislationreadsasfollows:(followingpage)
23 U.S.C. § 217. Bicycle Transportation and Pedestrian Walkways (h) Use of Motorized Vehicles.--Motorized vehicles may
not be permitted on trails and pedestrian walkways under this section, except for-- (1) maintenance purposes; (2) when snow
conditions and State or local regulations permit, snowmobiles; (3) motorized wheelchairs; (4) when State or local regulations
permit,electricbicycles;and(5) suchothercircumstancesastheSecretarydeemsappropriate.
(j)Definitions.--Inthissection,thefollowingdefinitionsapply:
(2)Electric bicycle.--The term "electric bicycle" means any bicycle or tricycle with a low-powered electric motor
weighing under100pounds,with atopmotor-poweredspeed notinexcessof 20 milesperhour.
(4) Wheelchair.--The term "wheelchair" means a mobility aid, usable indoors, and designed for and used by individuals with
mobilityimpairments,whetheroperatedmanuallyormotorized.
Theabove23 U.S.C.§217 offers directionthattheProdeco ElectricBicycles areallowed onbike-paths (non-motorizedtrails)due
toProdecoelectric bicyclesfalling under the classificationoflessthan 100poundsandunder 20mph.
HR 727 SECTION 1, CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY ACT
TheConsumerProductSafetyAct(15U.S.C.2051etseq)isamendedbyaddedatthe endof thefollowing:
LOW-SPEED ELECTRICBICYCLES
SEC. 38.(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, low-speed electric bicycles are consumer products within the meaning of
section 3(a)(1) and shall be subject to the Commission regulations published at section 1500.18(a)(12) and part 1512 of title 16,
Codeof FederalRegulations.
(b) For the purpose of this section, the term `low-speed electric bicycle' means a two or three-wheeled vehicle with fully operable
pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts (1 h.p.), whose maximum speed on a paved level surface, when powered
solelybysuchamotorwhileriddenbyanoperator who weighs170pounds,isless than20mph.
(c) To further protect the safety of consumers who ride low-speed electric bicycles, the Commission may promulgate new or
amendedrequirementsapplicabletosuchvehiclesasnecessaryandappropriate.
(d) This section shall supersede any State law or requirement with respect to low speed electric bicycles to the extent that such
Statelaworrequirementismorestringent than the Federallaworrequirementsreferredtoin subsection(a).
SEC.2.MOTORVEHICLESAFETYSTANDARDS.
For purposes of motor vehicle safety standards issued and enforced pursuant to chapter 301 of title 49, United States Code, a
low-speed electric bicycle (as defined in section 38(b) of the Consumer Product Safety Act) shall not be considered a motor
vehicleasdefinedbysection30102(6) of title49,United StatesCode.
Local BicycleLaws
Most states have their own set of bicycle laws regarding traditional pedal powered bicycles. With most states recognizing electric
bicycles as traditional pedal powered bicycles you must know these laws in your area. Your Department of Transportation or
Cycle Clubs in your area will have the details involving riding a bicycle in your area and your city‘s bike pathways. Requirements
forridingchangeswithareaswithmostcitiesrequiringLEDlights,handsignals,ridingonthecorrectsideoftheroad,ridingbehind
and not parallel to other cyclist, etc…
e) Safety first
It is important you follow your local bicycle laws but also it is important you ride safely. Below are examples of
understanding how to ride your new Stride 500safely.‗
Always wear an approved helmet when riding your bike, and follow the helmet manufacturer‘s instructions for fit,
use and care of your helmet.
Do you have all the other required and recommended safety equipment for your area? It‘s your responsibility to
familiarize yourself withthe laws of the areas where you ride, andtocomply with all applicable laws.
Do you know how to correctly check your wheel axle nuts? Do you understand proper braking techniques? Is your
saddle properly adjusted? How do you power your new electric bicycle? These are all questions you should have the
answers to prior to riding for the first time. This USER GUIDE will answer most of the questions you have in regards to
your new bicycle and assist you in ensuring your electric bicycle remains safe to ride. You should first read the USER
GUIDE in its entirety and familiarize yourself with your new bicycle prior toriding.
For further safety guidelines, please read Chapter 4: Safety
f) Mechanical safety check
Check the condition of your bicycle before everyride.
Nuts, bolts and straps: Make sure nothing is loose. Lift the front wheel off the ground by two or three inches then let it
bounce on the ground. Anything sound, feel or look loose? Do a quick visual and tactile inspection of the whole bike. Are
thereanyloose parts or accessories? If so, secure them. If you‘re not sure, ask someone with bike experiencetocheck.
Tires and Wheels: Make sure tires are correctly inflated, see Chapter 6. Check by putting one hand on the saddle, one
on the intersection of the handlebars and stem, then bouncing your weight on the bike while looking at tire deflection.
Compare what you see with how it looks when you know the tires are correctlyinflated; and adjust if necessary. Are the
tires in good shape? Spin each wheel slowly and look for cuts in the tread and sidewall. Replace damaged tires before
riding the bike. Spin each wheel and check for brake clearance and side-to-side wobble. If a wheel wobbles side to side
evenslightly, or rubs againstor hitsthe brakepads,takethebiketoa qualifiedbikeshoptohavethewheeltrued.
Brakes: Check the brakes for proper operation. Squeeze the brake levers. Are the brakes properlyreleasing?All control
cables seated and securely engaged? Do the disc brake pads grasp the rotors within an inch of brake lever movement?
Can you apply full braking force at the levers without having them touch the handlebar? If not, your brakes need
adjustment. Donotridethebike untilthe brakes areproperlyadjusted.
