E-Bike Policy

 The Franklin County Cyclists support and promote the use of electric bicycles for all members who feel the need to enhance their cycling experience during Club rides and events. The Club allows the use of Class 1, 2 or 3 e-bikes, which have not been modified from the manufacturer’s specifications, and are consistent with Pennsylvania and Federal Law.

Members of FCC and guests may ride bicycles with electric assist motors on all Club rides and events, provided:

  • The bicycle must be pedal assist (the bike does not move without pedaling).

  • If the bike is outfitted with a throttle control (powered without pedaling), the Club strongly encourages that it only be used in the pedal assist mode for any Club event.

  • It is not the responsibility of the Club or Ride Leader to determine if the rider is using an e-bike or what class of e-bike a rider is using, but rather it is the rider’s responsibility to know and comply with current Club policy and any state laws.

  • If an e-bike rider is operating their e-bike in an unsafe manner, a Ride Leader has the authority to speak with the e-bike rider to discuss what they are doing incorrectly or to ask that the e-bike rider ride off the back of the group for the safety of others

  • A rider with an e-bike should ride with the same pace rides they would ride without an e-bike. It is unsafe for an e-bike rider to ride two or more levels beyond their ability with a regular bike. Beyond physical stamina and capability comes a skill set developed by faster riders that includes paceline etiquette and knowledge of bike handling that a lower level rider will not possess.

  • E-bike rider should not aggressively pass regular bike riders up steep hills, but instead ride at the pace of the other riders during the climb.

  • An e-bike rider should ride at the pace of the other riders of their group at all times on both flat sections and downhills.

  • An e-bike rider should be certain they have sufficient battery reserve for the ride they have chosen (fully charged battery and spare if needed). It is not the Club or Ride Leader’s responsibility to ensure that the e-bike rider is safely returned to the start point should they run out of battery.

  • E-bike riders are expected to follow all of the rules and guidelines outlined in the “Franklin County Cyclists Safety and Etiquette Statement” which can be found on the Club website.

 Definitions

  • Class 1 – 750W/20 mph max, pedal assist e-bikes that are pedal-assist only, with no throttle, and have a maximum assisted speed of 20 mph.

  • Class 2 - 750W/20mph max, pedal assist and/or throttle activated.

  • Class 3 – 750W/28mph max, pedal assist and/or throttle activated.