An e-bike is an eco-friendly alternative to automobiles for navigating communities. Many riders find them exhilarating, with options to pedal, use the electric motor for enhanced pedaling power, or use the full-power option without the need to pedal. Many Kansas City e-bike accidents, including those involving e-bikes and full-sized vehicles, are avoidable when drivers and e-bike operators know the e-bike laws in place in Kansas City. Contact our Kansas City bike accident attorney for help if you’ve been involved in a crash.
Understanding E-Bike Classes
Many of the Kansas City e-bike laws apply to the class rating of the bike, which designates the speed capability. Under this system, the following applies:
- Class-1 e-bikes only assist the rider while they are pedaling and stop assisting the rider’s pedaling when the bike reaches a speed of 20 miles per hour
- Class-2 e-bikes have throttle-actuated motors that a rider can turn on by hand without pedaling and reach speeds of 20 miles per hour
- Class-3 e-bikes assist only when the driver pedals and reaches speeds of up to 28 miles per hour
E-bikes of all three classes have become a popular means of navigating communities, both through privately owned electric bicycles and through e-bike rental services in Kansas City and other urban areas.
Kansas City E-Bike Requirement Rules to Know Before You Go
Before you or your family members embark on an e-bike excursion in Kansas City, it’s important to learn the city’s basic limits and requirements for e-bike operators, including the following:
- Kansas City prohibits anyone under 16 from operating a class-3 e-bike, which can reach speeds of 28 miles per hour, but they may ride as passengers on an e-bike.
- Bike helmets are required for all e-bike users under the age of 18 in Kansas City
- E-bike motors must be 1000W or less to be legally operated in Kansas City
- E-bike riders do not need a special license
- Unless otherwise stated, E-bikes are allowed to operate anywhere a bicycle is allowed, including bike paths, bicycle lanes, and on public roads
- Like other bicyclists, e-bike riders must stay as far to the right as safely possible when using public roads
- Class-3 e-bikes must have working speedometers
- To be legally used in Kansas City, an e-bike’s motor must stop when the rider ceases pedaling or applies the brakes
All E-bikes must have labels stating their designation as Class 1, 2, or 3 e-bikes. If an e-bike owner modifies their e-bike, they must update the label to accurately represent the bike’s capability.
Some Trails and Bike Paths May Prohibit E-Bikes of Certain Classes
Under Missouri §307.194, the law states the following: A municipality, local authority, or state agency having jurisdiction over a bicycle or multi-use path may prohibit the operation of a class 3 electric bicycle on that path; and … A local authority or agency of the state having jurisdiction over a trail described in this subsection may regulate the use of an electric bicycle on that trail. Before using an e-bike on any Kansas City path or trail, it’s important to learn if the local authority has prohibited it on that specific multi-use path or trail.