Summer Ebike Adventures In Casper Come With Important Guidelines

There's quite a humming and buzzing around the Casper area lately, and it's not bugs. It's the sound made by e-bikes, e-scooters, and e-motorcycles. If you haven't seen them, you're not paying attention, and now that school is out, you're likely to see them even more during the daytime.

It's great to see the kids out riding the streets, having fun, and taking in the fresh air, but there are a few things you need to know when purchasing these for your kids. There are three classes of e-bikes, and your kid may not be able to be riding it. If they are legally allowed to ride it, they shouldn't ride it on the sidewalk and should follow traffic laws.

Wyoming defines an “electric bicycle” as a bike or trike with fully operable pedals, a seat, and an electric motor under 750 watts. The state recognizes three classes of e-bikes, aligning with national standards:

 

• Class 1 e-bike – Pedal-assist only; motor provides assistance only when you pedal and cuts out at 20 mph. There is no throttle on Class 1. This class offers a subtle boost to pedaling and is popular for mountain biking and casual rides.
• Class 2 e-bike – Throttle-assisted; can propel the bike without pedaling, but the motor stops providing power at 20 mph. Class 2 models let you cruise with the throttle and are often used by those who need occasional rest from pedaling.
• Class 3 e-bike – High-speed pedal-assist; motor assists only while pedaling (no throttle) and cuts out at 28 mph. Class 3 bikes are the fastest category and are often favored for commuting due to their higher top speed, but they come with additional legal restrictions in Wyoming.
  • Class 3 e-bike helmet requirement: Wyoming law requires that any rider under 18 riding a Class 3 e-bike wear a properly fitted bicycle helmet. In fact, it is illegal for a minor (anyone under 18) to operate or even be a passenger on a Class 3 e-bike without a helmet that meets U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission standards.

Also, keep in mind that your e-bike has to have pedals. If it doesn't, it's considered an e-motorcycle, and those rules are even more strict. The Evansville PD says:

To be considered an electric bicycle, it must have working pedals. If your electric bicycle does not have pedals, it is considered an electric motorcycle.
Electric motorcycles must be registered, have lights, have insurance, and be operated by a licensed driver, the same as any motorcycle or ATV on the roadway.