Do electric bikes require a license to own or ride?
No, not normally. In the United States and Canada, electric bikes are classified along with conventional bicycles as regards their use and ownership. This means that pedal-operated, two wheeled vehicle with a motor that cannot exceed 20mph unassisted can be ridden without any license or documentation, on any road or path that a regular bicycle could ride. Some states and regional entities may enact some restrictions, and you should always check local laws. For example, in California one must be 16 years of age to ride an e-bike, and the motor is restricted to be rated no more than 750watts. Anyone who has ever ridden a bicycle will find electric bikes intuitive to operate, and the electric motor makes long distances and difficult hills a much easier, more pleasant experience. The wikipedia community does a good job of follwing trends and laws on motorized bicycles.
