Electric Bicycles (E-Bikes) and Motorized Devices in Keene

This printable e-bike flyer serves as a quick reference guide for frequently asked questions.

Electric bicycles, or e-bikes, are bicycles with an electric motor that helps the rider pedal or, for Class 2 e-bikes, can provide power through a throttle. In New Hampshire, e-bikes are treated much like regular bicycles. Riders have the same basic rights and responsibilities as people riding traditional bicycles, including following the rules to ensure safety on public roadways, sidewalks, and multi-use trails. There are three classes of e-bikes in New Hampshire. Knowing your e-bike’s class can help you understand where you can ride and what rules apply.

What is an E-Bike and What Are the 3 Classes of E-Bikes?

Under NH law (RSA 259:27-a), an electric bicycle is a vehicle equipped with operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts (1 horsepower). E-Bikes sold in NH must have a permanent label showing the e-bike’s class, top assisted speed, and motor wattage. State law establishes three specific e-bike classes.

Class 1 E-Bike: Pedal-assist only (no throttle). The electric motor provides assistance only when the rider pedals and stops assisting when the bike reaches 20 mph. No minimum operator age.
Class 2 E-Bike: Throttle-assisted or pedal-assisted. The motor can propel the bicycle without pedaling, but stops assisting when the bike reaches 20 mph. No minimum operator age.
Class 3 E-Bike: Pedal-assist only (no throttle). The electric motor provides assistance only when pedaling and stops assisting at 28 mph. Must be factory-equipped with a speedometer. Operators must be at least 16 years of age.

Electric bicycles that meet these statutory criteria do not require vehicle registration, license plates, or a driver’s license.

E-Bike vs. OHRV: Knowing the Difference

High-powered electric two-wheeled vehicles (often called “e-motos” or electric dirt bikes) are increasingly common among juvenile riders. Many do not legally qualify as electric bicycles under New Hampshire law.

A vehicle is classified as an Off-Highway Recreational Vehicle (OHRV) under RSA 215-A—or as a motor vehicle—if it meets any of the following criteria:

Lacks fully functional pedals (equipped with foot pegs instead).
Features an electric motor rated at 750 watts or greater.
Can exceed 28 mph under motor power.
Has been modified to bypass factory speed or power limiters.

Common models such as Sur-Ron, Talaria, and E-Ride Pro generally fall under OHRV or motorcycle classifications. OHRVs cannot be legally operated on Keene streets, sidewalks, bike lanes, or municipal multi-use rail trails.

Where Can I Ride an E-Bike?

Permitted riding locations depend on e-bike class, path type, and local regulations:

Public Streets and Roadways: Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 e-bikes are permitted on all public roadways where standard bicycles are allowed. Riders must travel on the right with the direction of traffic.
Downtown Sidewalks: Riding any bicycle or e-bike on sidewalks in the downtown Keene commercial district is prohibited by Keene City Ordinance. Use roadway travel lanes or designated multi-use corridors.
Multi-Use Paths and Rail Trails: Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are permitted on multi-use paths and rail trails unless a restriction is posted. Class 3 e-bikes are prohibited on multi-use paths under RSA 265:144-a unless the path runs directly adjacent to a highway or roadway, or is expressly permitted by the municipality.
Natural Surface Trails: Follow posted trail rules established by the City of Keene.

E-Bikes Must Follow the Rules of the Road

New Hampshire law treats an e-bike as a vehicle in the same way as a bicycle. Unless a specific e-bike rule applies, e-bike riders have the same rights and duties as people riding regular bicycles. When riding on a roadway:

Stop at stop signs.
Stop at red traffic signals.
Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.
Ride with the flow of traffic.
Ride on the right side of the road as far as practical when traveling slower than other traffic.
Do not ride against traffic on a one-way street.
Do not ride on sidewalks in downtown Keene.
Follow traffic signs and signals.
Use care when passing other bicycles, vehicles, pedestrians, or animals.
Move toward the center of the road or into a left-turn lane when preparing to make a left turn, when it is safe to do so.

Riders may move away from the right side of the road when needed to pass, prepare for a left turn, avoid hazards, or avoid other people or objects in the roadway.

Bicycle and E-Bike Safety

E-bikes can travel faster and accelerate more quickly than traditional bicycles. Riders should know how their e-bike operates and practice controlling it before riding in traffic. For safer riding:

Wear a properly fitted bicycle helmet.
Follow all traffic laws.
Ride at a speed that is safe for the conditions.
Watch for pedestrians, vehicles, other bicyclists, and obstacles.
Use extra care when riding near parked cars.
Make sure drivers and other road users can see you.
Use lights and reflective equipment when riding at night.
Keep your e-bike in good working order.

New Hampshire law requires bicyclists to wear at least one item of reflective apparel from one-half hour after sunset until one-half hour before sunrise. Helmets are required by law for bicyclists under 16 years old.

E-Bike Questions?

The rules for e-bikes can depend on the class of the bicycle and the type of road, path, or trail where you want to ride. Before riding, check:

What class is my e-bike?
What is the speed limit or posted rule for the road, path, or trail?
Does the city, town, or agency that manages the path allow my type of e-bike?
Am I following the same rules of the road that apply to other bicyclists?

Learn More

For the full requirements, review the New Hampshire laws that govern electric bicycles and bicycle operation:

Quick Reminder

Know your class. Follow the rules. Ride at a safe speed. Be aware of other people using the road or trail.

Police

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